the importance of exfoliating, even dry skin

Skin never rests. It is constantly changing, growing, sloughing. One skin cells' life cycle is about 28 days from birth to shedding. As a skin cell makes it's way from the inner layers of skin to the outside of your body, it goes through a process of hardening. Once the skin cell is completely hardened, it has died, and serves it's role of protection for your body. Skin replaces the outer layers of dead cells with new cells to keep that safety barrier intact.

It is a constant process of regeneration. The rate at which the skin cells are moves to the surface and sloughed off is dependent on many factors, such as age, sun exposure, amount of exfoliation, treatments, skin conditions and others. Age causes cell turnover and metabolism to slow down. This lead to a decrease in lipids and moisture within the skin. This results in dead skin cells remaining on the surface longer. If the dead skin cells don't slough off, the new cells won't grow as fast, either.

To speed up the process of new cell generation, we can help our skin by exfoliating. There are chemical and mechanical means of exfoliation. Which you choose is up to you, but make sure you know what is happening to determine if you are satisfied with the ingredients that are being used.
Mechanical means of exfoliation is achieved by using a mildly abrasive substance, such as sugar, salt, pumice, oatmeal, etc, to gently scrub the dead skin cells off. This generally means that fewer or no chemicals are involved, so you don't need to worry about ingredients being absorbed into your body. You do have to use caution so that you choose an appropriate exfoliant so that you don't use something too harsh for your skin. Sugar and oatmeal are very gentle, if a small sized particle is used. These are usually in a base of lotion or oil to soothe and soften the skin during the process.

Chemical means of exfoliation is just that, a chemical that literally digests the dead skin cells. Substances such as alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes and other ingredients can be natural or artificial, but they all do the same thing. There are many different strengths available, and many treatments, like chemical peels, require you to slowly work up to using them. These chemical exfoliants generally leave skin feeling softer, though you may not really notice the difference between a chemical and a mechanical exfoliant's results.

In either case, exfoliation is vital to healthy skin. It not only softens and increases your skin's protection of your body, but it also enhances nerve stimulation and skin respiration. Exfoliation is important to your skin and overall health.

Book a facial with Pam K in Appleton at The Salon Professional Academy for a thorough skin evaluation, facial, exfoliating treatment, and a complementary service. Mention this blog DURING YOUR FACIAL consultation, and you will get a coupon for $5 off your first service making the basic facial cost only $17! Call Pam today at 920-420-2450 to book an appointment. Don't wait, call today to reserve your spot since space is limited and this offer only lasts for a few months. You won't believe the difference in your skin, and you will learn secrets to better skin health.

The Skin and its Functions

The skin, or the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. It performs 6 main functions: protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, regulation, and sensation. Here is a quick summary of each of the functions:

Protection
-shields internal tissues and organs from pollutants, smoke, UV rays, chemicals and other harmful substances
-barrier to infection from bacteria and viruses and to extreme temperatures
-the skin contains immune cells that provide the body with its first line of defense

Absorption
-vitamins and acids, water and oxygen are all absorbed through pores in the skin
-provides moisture, nourishment, protection

Secretion
-sebum, or oil, keeps the skin soft and pliable
-this layer of sebum makes up the acid mantle (pH of 4.5-5.5), which acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body

Excretion
-the skin is the body's largest waste removal system
-release of toxins such as carbon dioxide, are release through sweat glands
-release of urea, salt, and other chemicals (ever eat garlic and it seeps out your pores so that others can smell the garlic??)

Regulation
-temperature is regulated by the skin
-goose bumps and shivering warm the body
-sweating cools the body
-the skin also changes blood flow to regulate body temperature

Sensation
-millions of nerve fibers transport information to the brain from the skin
-receptors detect pain, heat, cold, pressure, touch

By no means is this inclusive, but it is the basic example of what the skin does. It is important that you care for your skin. It doesn't have anything to do with vanity, it has to do with better health. Take care of your skin and what you put on it, so it can perform its duties well and keep you healthy.

Why you should moisturize

People with oily skin tend to think that they don't need a moisturizer since his or her skin is already 'greasy.' In actuality, once you wash your face, you should apply a moisturizer of some kind no matter what your skin type.
Normal skin can sense when it is low on moisture. Once the face has been washed, there is no oil left. The skin senses this and starts to produce excess oil to recover from this oil loss. If you moisturize your face after washing it, the skin doesn't overproduce oil since it is already well hydrated. Overproduction of oil can result in more breakouts and shine.
You don't have to apply a heavy moisturizer if you tend to get oily later in the day, but some light cream should do the trick. If you tend to be dry all day, lean toward a richer cream that contains more oils. In any case, make sure you use a moisturizer after you wash your face to keep a healthy balance.
Know your skin type to best choose products that suit you best. Seek the advice of a qualified esthetician or dermatologist.

Esthetician in the making

Hello everyone. This is a happy post for me since I am embarking on a new endeavor that will help me make better products, serve my clients better, and expand my skin care knowledge.
I have enrolled in a six month Esthetician's training course from a certified cosmetology school in Appleton. The school is The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) located in the College Center Plaze just off Hwy 41.
While I am a student there, I am learning about skin care, waxing, and makeup. Once I complete the course and pass the state board examination, I will be certified to do facials, waxing, and makeup application.
Thankfully, I have a fair amount of knowledge on the subjects already, given my Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology/Chemistry, but I am learning a lot about more specific conditions and treatments that are available. It is very exciting for me and I am enjoying it thoroughly.
Starting in mid-May, I will be taking clients at the TSPA at greatly reduced prices.
I have coupons at the store that entitle you to $5 off your first service with me. If you refer more clients to me, you receive $5 off for each referral. Simply fill out the back of a coupon (get more from me at the store) and send your friend in for a service. Once the friend books a service and redeems her coupon, you will have credit at the Academy toward future services. There is no limit to the number of friends you can refer and get discounts for.

These services are great for your skin, and will help you learn how to better care for and maintain your skin at home. Once licensed, I plan to perform these services in Oshkosh, but the prices will be higher. Now is your chance to get in on the good deals (only until October 1, 2009)!

From the experience of the instructors at the school, space is limited and will fill up fast, so call me(420-2450) or the Academy(968-0433) right away to schedule your service (Facials are a relaxing 1½ to 2 hours).

Services starting at:

Corrective Facial $22

Spa Package- 4 Facials $66

Corrective Facial Add-on's $5 each:
- Detoxifying Mask - Eye Mask - Lip Buff - Acne
- Clarifying Mask - Glycolic - Light Plex

Back Facial $20

Lip wax $8

Brow wax $8

Chin wax $8

Arm wax $12

Underarm $12

Bikini $16

Full leg $25

Half leg $15

Full Back $20

Partial Back $12

Makeup Application $10

Available times & dates for full facials: (subject to change)

Saturdays 9AM 10:30 AM 12:30PM 2PM

May 23 June 13, 27 July 11, 25 Aug 8, 22 Sept 5, 19

Thursdays 5PM 7PM

May 21, 28 June 4, 11, 18, 25 July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct 1

Tuesdays 5PM 7PM

Aug 4, 18 Sept 1, 15, 29

The Growing Concern of Parabens

The Growing Concern of Parabens
by Jeremy Likness

Parabens are a group of chemicals used as preservatives in both food and cosmetic products. Some are found in very low levels in nature. This class of chemical is also known as esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Some common names include benzylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, n-propylparaben, ethylparaben, and methylparaben.

A recent study linked parabens with breast cancer: "Concentration of Parabens in Human Breast Tumors." Darbre, PD. et al. J. Appl. Toxicol. 24, 5-13 (2004).

Parabens have been used as preservatives since the 1920s. They are used to prevent the growth of bacteria. By far the most prevalent use has been in cosmetics, skin care products, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens, deodorants, and soaps. A report that was published in 1984 - Elder, RL. "Final report on the safety assessment of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben." Journal of the American College of Toxicology, vol. 3, pp. 147-209, 1984 - estimated that parabens were used in over 13,200 different cosmetic products.

Recent evidence from over a dozen scientific studies has indicated that several types of parabens can bind to the estrogen receptor and cause estrogen-like responses when tested in laboratory animals or in a variety of tissue cultures. In studies using animals, the estrogenic effects were not found when fed, only when applied to or injected into the skin. There is no comprehensive research regarding the long-term effects of low-dose paraben use.

In these studies, the researchers looked at twenty (20) human breast tumours and found synthetic chemicals known as parabens in eighteen (18) of them. The level of parabens in four of the tumours so high that it could have had a damaging biological effect on cells. It is the first time parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acids) have been detected within tumours, suggesting that the man-made chemicals accumulated in the breast tissue after being absorbed through the skin.

According to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, "the chemicals in any one consumer product alone are unlikely to cause harm. But unfortunately, we are repeatedly exposed to industrial chemicals from many different sources on a daily basis, including cosmetics and personal care products."

The FDA proclaims that "FDA is only able to regulate cosmetics after products are released to the marketplace. Neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by FDA before they are sold to the public. FDA cannot require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing. If, however, the safety of a cosmetic product has not been substantiated, the product's label must read WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined."

This means, essentially, that cosmetics are not tightly regulated by the FDA. In fact, like supplements, most of the regulation happens only in response to consumer complaints. This is a reactive, rather than proactive, approach that occurs when perhaps the damage has already been inflicted. Even more highly regulated products like Vioxx, which were originally approved by the FDA, have been pulled from the market after widespread use by millions. In the case of Vioxx, concerns were that it raised the risk of heart attack and stroke - Arthritis Drug Vioxx Being Pulled.

Skin is the body's largest organ and it can absorb healthy and unhealthy substances that are applied to it. Be an informed consumer and learn exactly what is placed into the products you use on a daily basis. While concerns are raised each day regarding the use of synthetic chemicals and preservatives, very rarely do you hear of a recall for products that are organic or all-natural. Your company should readily disclose their full ingredients list with explanations for each ingredient - including why it was used and the rationale behind the dose.

Waste Removal

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Although every cell of the body assists in waste removal, certain organs specialize in waste management. The liver can be viewed as the recycling center of the body, where one of its responsibilities includes sorting out toxins and directing them to the appropriate organ for elimination. If the liver is inflamed or damaged, toxins remain to circulate throughout the body. When functioning optimally, the skin can actually help or hinder the liver's detoxification process. The skin and liver detoxification relationship has two facets:

1. the skin can absorb poisonous chemicals, increasing the liver's detoxification load
2. the skin can expel toxins, relieving the liver's detoxification load

Unfortunately, people regularly slather their skin with a coating that prevents toxin elimination through the pores – a surefire way to contain poisons earmarked for elimination. With this exit blocked, more toxins remain in the body's circulation to fan the flames of hepatic inflammation.

The skin is the elimination organ with the largest surface area. In addition to regulating temperature and body moisture content, the skin also functions as a backup or waste removal. If the liver is unable to process toxins, the skin provides an alternate escape route. However, the pores must be open and clear for this process to occur without event. Skin rashes, acne or other skin disorders are often indicators of a toxic build-up beneath the skin's surface caused by clogged pores.

Common Clogging Culprit
Also known in the fossil fuel industry as crude oil, most of us come into contact with petroleum every day. Products containing petroleum include gasoline, Styrofoam, lubricating oils and many cosmetics. Claiming to moisturize our hair, skin and lips, mineral oil and petroleum are the primary ingredients in many beauty products. By covering the skin to form a protective barrier, petroleum and mineral oil effectively lock moisture against the skin.

Unfortunately, this supposedly beneficial barrier blocks more than is desired. Because it prevents the skin from breathing and expelling toxins, petroleum-based products can obstruct the skin from eliminating waste, thus increasing the liver's detoxification load. Check the ingredients on your skin care products to see if any of these petroleum derivatives are present:

· Mineral Oil
· Petroleum or Petrolatum
· Propylene Glycol
· Isopropyl Alcohol
· Ceresin
· Toluene
· Benzene

Perfluorochemicals

Perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, are widely-used water, grease and stain repellents.

What are perfluorochemicals?

They’re found in carpets and on clothes, on fast-food wrappers, and on the inner lining of pet food bags. You might know them as Teflon®, Scotchgard^TM, Stainmaster® and Gore-Tex®. They pollute water, are persistent in the environment, and remain in the human body for years. Companies that manufacture PFCs have agreed to phase out one variety, called PFOA, by 2015. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that the chemicals being used to replace it are any safer.

What problems are associated with PFCs?

PFCs are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation, and weaker immune defense against disease--all good reasons to reduce your exposure.

HOW TO AVOID PFCS

• Forgo the optional stain treatment on new carpets and furniture.
  Find products that haven’t been pre-treated, and if the couch you own is treated, get a cover for it.
• Choose clothing that doesn’t carry Teflon® or Scotchgard^TM tags.
  This includes fabric labeled stain- or water-repellent. When possible, opt for untreated cotton and wool.
• Avoid non-stick pans and kitchen utensils.
  Opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead.
• Cut back on greasy packaged and fast foods.
  These foods often come in treated wrappers.
• Use real plates instead of paper.
• Pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stovetop.
  Microwaveable popcorn bags are often coated with PFCs on the inside.
• Choose personal care products without “PTFE” or “perfluoro” in the ingredients.
  Use EWG’s Skin Deep at cosmeticsdatabase.com to find safer choices.

from http://www.ewg.org/node/26667

Panthenol for skin and hair

Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5 since panthenol is converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) a major constituent in coenzyme A, when it is oxidized. Coenzyme A is needed by every living cell to help it grow and survive.

Panthenol is an important part of skin and hair care. Providing revitalizing and conditioning effects, panthenol possesses humectant-like properties that aid in skin absorption and hydration. As an active ingredient for sophisticated cosmetic skin care and hair care products, it improves the appearance of skin, hair and nails.

In hair care products, panthenol fills in cracks in the hair shaft to strengthen the hair. This plumps and moisturizes the hair shaft to make it appear thicker, and reduces split ends. Panthenol is an excellent hair nutrient with penetrating abilities to support cellular growth and tissue repair.

In skin care, panthenol acts as a penetrating moisturizer. In the skin it aids moisture retention (ability to both hold and attract water) and increases elasticity. It helps heal skin problems such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, diaper rash and soothes burns. Panthenol has humectant-like properties that promote moisture absorption. It can effectively reduce irritation and reduce redness and add additional moisturisation. Also useful in after-sun care or tanning lotions.

www.thegoldengoatllc.com

Hyaluronic Acid in skin care products

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is natural substance found in the connective tissues of your body. The benefits of HA are many and include internal and topical applications. It is naturally occurring in our bodies, and less is produced as we age.

One benefit of HA is that it helps maintain the very shape of our skin. If you are a specimen of healthy skin, more than likely, you have a large amount of HA in your body. Of course, the opposite side of this is that, a reduced amount of this acid is associated with the appearance of wrinkles. Thankfully, topical treatments of skin care products with HA can reverse the signs of aging, with continued use.

Our skin has layers which need to be efficiently connected to each other. HA helps to maintain healthy collagen and to keep the skin moisturized and avoid wrinkles. It stands to reason then, that HA is a key ingredient used in many of the best anti-aging skin care creams and products.

HA retains water much like a sponge. It absorbs an astonishing thousand times its weight. It hydrates your skin and increases its volume and density. HA has the ability to be effectively absorbed by the skin as well as serves as an efficient "carrier" of other anti-aging ingredients to cells. That means that the active anti-aging ingredients are transported to the cells through the layers of skin.. It also provides the volume necessary in your skin's overall appearance.

The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid are many, with no known side effects that you need to be concerned about in HA products, except there have been reports of some side effects associated with knee and facial injections. HA is not only beneficial in lubricating our joints, heart valves and eyes, it is essential to having wrinkle-free skin.

Skin care products containing HA help to hydrate the skin, allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant. Clinical studies have shown that it also helps wounds heal more quickly, and can reduce the appearance of both old and new scars. Topically, the benefits of HA can be quite significant, though continued use is necessary to maintain the benefits.

Hyaluronic acid helps to store water in the skin, providing essential moisture to body processes. HA helps control cell migration, which protect cells and also activates white cells in the blood. The benefits of using hyaluronic acid include: softer skin, faster wound healing, dry skin relief, reduced fine lines, tissue reconstruction, and more.


www.thegoldengoatllc.com

Aloe Barbadensis

Aloe is an age old plant that has been around since the time of the Bible. It is even spoken of in scripture, though it may have been a different variant of what we know today. Aloe has long been known as a skin rejuvenator, healer and soother. It has even been known to have internal benefits for diabetes and more.

Aloe is easily grown and many have one growing in their kitchen to use for minor cuts and burns. Once the thick leaves have grown big enough to produce a thick gel, you can simply snip or break a small piece off one of the tips, and apply to your abrasion. It soothes burns, heals cuts, and vanishes bug bites.

Chemical analysis has shown that Aloe contains minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and proteins which all contribute to its beneficial nature.

Benefits of Aloe:

• Relieves itching from insect bites and allergies
• Promotes suppleness of the skin
• Helps control acne, burns, cuts and scratches
• Relieves symptoms of psoriasis

Aloe can be purchased in many forms, but for cosmetic use it is mainly in powder or gel form. Aloe juice or gel is prone to spoilage, so the powdered form is much more easily stored and can be hydrated quickly for use. Aloe can be added to lotions, creams, toners and more to get the full benefits for skin care.

www.thegoldengoatllc.com

New Products, at home Spa treatments

Winter isn't over yet - indulge in lovely scented soy candles. Light these delightful candles and enjoy the light scent wafting through your home. We have a lot of scents in stock like Mango Papaya, Blackberry Tea, Sweet Pea, Vanilla Cream and many more.

Our newest arrivals are scented diffusers. We are carrying two of Aromalands great pad diffusers. The car diffuser operates off of the "cigarette lighter" of your auto. The room diffuser plugs into any regular outlet and gently warms the scented pad inside. With either one, you chose the scent you want and place a few drops onto a pad that is inserted into the unit. Get a few bottles of scent and change pads as often as you like to vary scents.


Beat the economic blues! Enjoy spa-like indulgences at stay-at-home prices. With our exotic products similar to those used at spas and salons around the world, you can treat yourself to a 5 star spa experience without leaving your own bathroom. We have great mineral peels and mud masks that work wonders and can be done in the comfort of your home.

Mud Mask - simply paint onto your face and let dry. Once your entire mask is dried, wash off in circular motions with warm water and pat dry. The mud detoxifies and tightens skin. Used daily or even once a week will show visible improvement of your skin.

Mineral Peel - a little trickier, but well worth the effort. Apply salt mixture to skin in a nice layer. This product works deep and generates heat as it works. If you can stand the heat for twenty minutes, you will see the best results. When you are ready to remove the peel, wash with warm water in small circles. This super intense treatment is comparable to a microderm abrasion treatment, only no chemicals are used and it is totally natural. It is a healthy alternative to chemical treatments that burn away the outer layers of skin.

So treat yourself to something spa-like without the spa prices. These products are natural and contain many additives for your skin to benefit from. If you have any questions, let us know and we can give you more information. Stop in soon to choose your favorite.


www.thegoldengoatllc.com

Allantoin: what is it and why is it good for your skin?

Allantoin is the primary ingredient of the comfrey plant. Chemically synthesized allantoin is natural-identical, safe, non-toxic, compatible with cosmetic raw materials, and meets CTFA and JSCI requirements. It is a common ingredient in many high end skin care products.

Manufacturers of allantoin promote many beneficial effects when used as an active ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics:

• stimulates new tissue growth
• soothing effect
• moisturizing effect
• softening effect
  
• gently sheds outer layer of skin
• increases the water content of the outer layers of skin
• promotes cell proliferation and wound healing
• has a soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant effect by forming complexes with irritant and sensitizing agents, preventing them from causing grief with your skin

Allantoin is even be found in toothpaste, mouthwash, other oral hygiene products, shampoos, lipsticks, anti-acne products, sun care products, lotions, creams, and more.

It is important to note that allantoin has not been proven scientifically to reduce the appearance of aging, but the evidence doesn't lie. Use of products containing a sufficient amount of allantoin has shown to be effective in reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating skin by womens' testimonies all over the world. When used in conjunction with other ingredients, allantoin can show signifiant improvement in your skin. It is not an overnight solution, but rather a great ingredient to add to your skin care regime.


www.thegoldengoatllc.com

skin tags

Skin tags tend to be small growths of skin that start to hang off. It is thought that they are the result of a virus. They may be the same skin tone or slightly darker in color that the rest of the skin. Usually these tags are not dangerous to your health, but many people find them unsightly to look at. They can also hurt if they are in places where you shave regularly and scrape them during shaving. If skin tags are a problem, follow these steps and with patience you can get rid of skin tags.

1. Have your skin checked by a dermatologist. Before you start treating skin tags, have a doctor look at them. He or she will check for discoloration and any abnormalities. The doctor will also confirm which are skin tags and which (if any) are moles or other concerns.
2. Tie it off. Using a small piece of thread, tie a tight knot around the base of the tag where it meets your skin. Tie the knot tight enough that the thread stays on in the shower. After three or four days you should notice that the skin tag is turning colors and drying up because the knot you tied is cutting of blood supply to that area. Tighten the knot if possible. After a few days more, the tag and the thread should fall off.
3. Consider over-the-counter medications. There are several over-the-counter medications for removing skin tags. Some contain hydrogen peroxide and others contain anti-viral medications that dry the tag out and cause it to fall off the skin.
4. Have them cut off. One easy way to remove skin tags is by cutting them off with scissors or a scalpel. This can be done at home but the tag will bleed quite a lot and you face a risk of infection, especially if the scissors aren’t sterilized.
5. Try a topical oil.Tea tree oil is an option for drying out a skin tag for removal. Dab some oil on the tag four or five times each day. Let the oil dry before putting clothes on over the skin tag. Repeat until the skin tag is gone. This could take five days to two weeks.
6. Try letting your doctor freeze them off. Freezing is also called cryosurgery. It is a quick and mostly painless procedure that your doctor can perform in his office in just a few minutes.

If skin tags annoy you or get in your way, there are some simple ways to get rid of them. Follow these steps and you can either remove them yourself of have your dermatologist handle the effort.

By Marc Alexander

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Stop in to the Golden Goat to pick up a small roller bottle of tea tree oil to try this yourself. It generally takes one to two weeks of daily treatments to eliminate the tags, depending on size.

Should you use an oil free facial moisturizer?

Author: Victoria S. Pedersen is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products.

On the surface, it would seem to make sense to buy an oil free anti-aging facial moisturizer but the truth of the matter is these are not ideal for your face.

Let me explain.

When we think of oil based moisturizers we think we will necessarily be using products that will clog our pores up or give our skin a heavy, greasy feeling. And sometimes this is true. However, there are some natural oils that do not clog the pores whatsoever and absorb into your skin leaving no heaviness or oily feeling.

And some of these are absolutely crucial for the skin's health, not only fighting wrinkles but moisturizing the epidermis.

Let's also not forget your skin naturally contains oils in it and this oil balance is stripped out during the course of the day from stress, and environmental pollutants.

So why do people look for an oil free anti-aging facial moisturizer? My suspicion is because the most commonly used oil in moisturizing skin creams is mineral oil, which is absolutely terrible for the skin. Mineral oil does indeed clog the pores, and can lead to a lot of problems, like acne flare-ups (even if you're in your forties), it prevents the skin from eliminating toxins effectively, and can lead to other skin disorders.

Mineral oil is used for one reason only: it's cheap! {It is also petroleum based}

Now, if an oil free anti-aging facial moisturizer isn't ideal, what kinds of oils are actually good for the skin.

Here are a couple:

Babassu - is a light, natural wax, which softens and soothes your skin. It also creates an invisible barrier to retain moisture and keep out dirt and grime. It is made from Babassu oil, from the kernel of the fruit of the Babassu palm, which grows in the Amazon. Babassu oil is beneficial for both dry and oily complexions.

Grapeseed Oil - is a potent antioxidant and also creates an invisible film on your skin, which locks moisture in. It is especially effective for repairing the sensitive skin around the eyes; it's rich in linoleic acid and several other essential oils which are necessary for skin health.

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Here at the Golden Goat, we use only non pore clogging (non-comedogenic) oils. We use grapeseed oil as the primary oil in our moisturizers. We also add shea butter and cocoa butter for the richness and nutrients they provide your skin.

Mineral Makeup

During the month of November, we will focus on mineral makeup, application, colors and more. Today, we will go over the basics...

Do you have sensitive skin? Do you tend to have reactions to the chemicals in your regular make-up? Many make-up companies use fillers and talc, along with fragrances. Maybe it’s time to try something new. Mineral make-up is creating a beauty revolution. Mineral make-up is so gentle you can even sleep in it and not worry about damage to your skin. Mineral make-up is non-comedogenic and won’t block pores. The product is inert so that means it won’t harbor bacteria if kept dry in the container.

If you have a daughter who is just starting to experiment with make-up, a wise investment would be to start her with a product that won’t aggravate her skin. Mineral make-up is dermatologist and plastic surgeon recommended. Mineral make-up has a natural sun protection factor in it.

One of the things that people love is the lightweight feel of the make-up. You don’t feel like you are wearing make-up. With foundations, they can feel caked or heavy on the skin, where as mineral make-up is practically weightless. You can easily forget you are wearing it.

Mineral make-up is concentrated pigment, often being iron oxides. It is crushed very finely and you only need a little bit. It will appear like a powder, but it is not powder or talc. It is crushed minerals. The colors can be as sheer or intense as you like, and because there is such variety, perfect shading can be found for all skin types.

Mineral make-up can be used for corrective purposes as well. It easily covers redness or can help with discoloration. Clients suffering from rosacea can use these products to even out their skin tone or lessen the redness in their skin.

Mineral make-up is easy to apply and is a very quick process. You can have perfectly applied make-up in minutes. You don’t need to be a make-up artist to learn this! With so many colors from nature, you won’t have problems choosing colors, and they will appear natural. Again, because of the concentrated pigmentation of the product, it’s up to you to apply as little as you want, and you can reapply over the area for a more intense look.

A quick tip is to invest in the brushes that are sold with the product. A good quality brush that isn’t synthetic can make the difference between a good application and a better one.

Golden Goat has a wide selection of mineral makeup and brushes to choose from to make sure you get colors that complement you. Stop in to try it on in person or order a sample size, enough for one use to try the colors out in person.

Golden Goat has mineral liquid foundation, pressed mineral foundation, and powder mineral makeup. We have over ten foundation shades to chose from to give you the best match to your skin.

Rosacea Skin Condition and Mineral Makeup

Rena Sperling

Rena Sperling is a natural health and mineral makeup enthusiast who lives in California.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that causes redness and swelling primarily in the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back. Rosacea can progress from frequent flushing of the skin to persistent redness, pimples, and visible blood vessels in the face.

What type of cosmetics are recommended for a Rosacea skin condition?

Many people prefer to use natural products on their sensitive skin to prevent flair ups and treat Rosacea. Natural products are gentle on the skin and do not carry the risk of side affects. The best approach for treating Rosacea starts with using safe natural products with herbs and botanicals, rather than synthetics and chemicals. Cosmetics having synthetic ingredients are far more likely to irritate your sensitive skin. It is recommended to try a natural product for more than 3 months. You will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the product and the number of flair ups. During this time period, take the time to journal and record flair ups, skin sensitivity, and skin appearance.

What irritating ingredients should be avoided that are found in some cosmetics?

Cosmetics that are natural mineral based or water based and oil free are highly recommended for Rosacea. However, be careful in selecting your product because the majority of mineral products on the market are still loaded with preservatives like parabens; they also use dyes and fillers. Ingredients can be evaluated at the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Report. Do your research to become knowledgeable about what ingredients are in your cosmetics and products.

Some of the ingredients to look out for that may irritate your sensitive skin:

alcohol, fragrance, menthol, talc, fragrance, petrochemicals, peppermint, eucalyptus, GMO , gluten, parabens, dyes, bismuth oxychloride

Quality mineral based cosmetics nourish the skin with certified organic antioxidants. Some of the organic antioxidants include grape seed extract and pomegranate extract.

How do I use mineral based products?

Select a mineral based foundation that matches your skin tone and doesn't irritate it. To cover up blemishes, apply mineral based foundation sparingly with a small tipped brush. Apply again if needed. Apply the foundation again with a larger kabuki brush. If you would like a bit more coverage, add a translucent powder/mineral veil over this. Finish with a beautiful blush. Make sure to brush, brush, brush to polish and achieve a lovely glowing complexion.

A few other tips:

Apply mineral based cosmetics over dry skin. If you use a moisturizer, allow it to dry. Mineral based cosmetics are highly concentrated and should be applied sparingly to prevent caking. Less is More. Ample brushing brings out the beautiful glow. Cosmetics with a green or yellow base are good for redness issues. Bronzers can take away reddish tones and help your make-up last longer.

Why Worry About Skin Care?

by Kyle Richey

A lot of us don't pay too much attention to our skin. Maybe we think that those people with gorgeous skin are just lucky, have good genes, or the like. Perhaps you're one of those people for whom the notion of skin care is limited to splashing a little bit of water on your face before bed and really nothing else at all.

In reality it’s actually a very good idea to think about our skin care routine as there is much that we can do to improve our skin tone and to prevent things such as blemishes and wrinkles, if we start early enough and follow this routine regularly.

While sometimes our skin’s condition is just genetic and there are some things we can’t do much about, there are many problems we experience with breakouts and blemishes that can be avoided with a good skin care routine, and with making sure this routine is appropriate for our face and our skin in particular.

A lot of people make the error of over cleansing their face. They may use cleansers or soaps which are too harsh and may contain irritating, even harmful chemicals and additives. These sorts of products strip the skin of its natural oils and dry it out, causing irritation. This irritation leads to breakouts and other problems. Don't be too aggressive in your cleansing, a good skin care routine consists in large part of gentle cleansing.

It is important to moisturize your face on a regular basis. People with oily skin might consider this step unnecessary but there are a lot of places on the face without oil glands near them. These are the places where wrinkles develop and include around the mouth and eyes.

Even if your skin tends to be oily, it is important to moisturize as part of your skincare routine. If you don’t moisturize, your body might produce more oil, since it does this when it feels the skin is too dry. The oil glands will produce more pore-clogging oil. If you choose a light moisturizer and use it daily all over your face, even in the places you consider too oily already, you should notice that your skin becomes more healthy and even.

Wrinkles are a fact of life, as are blemishes and other skin problems. Even with the best skin care routine you’ll probably have something you’ll need to deal with at one time or another.

But, just like eating a healthy diet and making sure you take enough exercise are good tools to use against obesity, regular skin care tailored to your individual skin type is the best way of taking care of your skin. It is the best tool to guard against serious skin problems and the way to ensure you have radiant, healthy, glowing skin.

Do you need vitamins?

There are certain vitamins and minerals that your body needs in order to function properly and stay healthy. Ideally you would get all the vitamins that you need from food but it’s very hard to eat a diet that includes the right amounts of all the vitamins and minerals that you need. When you add in other factors like diets, stress eating, restaurant food, and other things that impact how often you eat and what you eat it can be even tougher to try and get all the nutrients your body needs from food.

In order to stay healthy and to get the vitamins and minerals that are missing from your daily diet you need to take vitamins and minerals as supplements. These supplements don’t replace the need for food but they can make sure that your body gets the bare minimum amount of vitamins that it needs to function everyday so that you have enough energy and mental clarity to get through your day.

When you don’t get enough vitamins and minerals you will be able to tell because you will feel sluggish and sick. You may get very tired, or you may just lose interest in life in general. If you take too many of one particular type of vitamin you might become physically sick. If you normally don’t eat a very well balanced diet and you start to notice yourself becoming weaker and more tired it’s a safe bet that a lack of vitamins and minerals is to blame. If you start taking a high quality multivitamin and eating a better diet you will probably feel good again in no time.

In addition to keeping you healthy and keeping your body running properly vitamins and minerals can do a lot of other things for the body. Vitamins and minerals can fight aging, help your skin and hair, help you stave off age-related illnesses and impairments, and even help you fight disease. Vitamins and certain types of herbal supplements can even help you manage chronic conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other long term conditions that can make life uncomfortable and difficult.

Some cultures believe that vitamins and supplements can be used as medicine and that the body can heal itself when it is given the right amounts of vitamins and supplements to use as fuel so that prescription medicines aren’t needed. While there is still a lot of debate about that topic there is some evidence to show that the body can heal itself of serious diseases under the right circumstances without the intervention of Western medicine.

Because vitamins and minerals are so essential to staying healthy people that have vitamin deficiencies can suffer from all kinds of health problems ranging from slowed growth process in children to malnutrition and even starvation in older people. Vitamin deficiencies are no laughing matter, and can happen to anyone.

Natural Homemade Skin Care Tips

by Herb B. Lewis [edited]

A good skin care regimen has nothing to do with the latest makeup tips. Your skin is a mirror that reflects the qualities of your inner health. No amount of make-up can hide the look of unhealthy skin. Healthy skin is attractive even without makeup.

The good skin care regimen starts with you taking care of yourself from the inside. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink purified water. This will improve the moisture of your skin, as well as improving your general health. Moisture is what you need to make your skin firm and elastic.

Get an ample amount of vitamin A. The body requires vitamin A every day to preserve healthy skin. Lack of vitamin B2 may result in oily skin and hair, and premature wrinkles. Nutritional yeast and wheat germ are good places to get vitamin B2 in your diet. Vitamin E and vitamin C have antioxidant properties; they help in preventing skin damage.

Try drinking herbal teas made from red clover, dandelion root, burdock, and echinacea to clean the blood. All these herbs are found in extracts at your health food store. You can also get these herbs by the ounce at most health food stores. Red clover is better fresh, it makes a good ice tea just by itself. Goldenseal is a great internal cleanser but it does not make a good tea, it is better to take it in a capsule form.

Alfalfa is an herb that you can take every day for a lifetime. Alfalfa is nutritional and a cleanser that removes toxins from the body Alfalfa provides beta-carotene and vitamins C, E, and K. Alfalfa roots grow deep, they pick up high concentrations of nutrients not always found in the surface soils. This can supply the trace minerals that are lacking in most diets. Alfalfa sprouts are in groceries and salad bars or you can sprout your own. You can find alfalfa leaves and seeds in capsules or tables as well as the bulk powdered herb in most health food stores.

Learn to make your own natural skin care products. Here are a few skin natural skin care products you can make yourself to get you started.

Aloe vera gel straight from the plant on your skin is a wonderful natural skin care product. If you do not have a plant, you can sometimes buy it in the produce section, by the leaf. When you stress out and need an herb bath put a leaf in the freezer for 30 minutes to get it cold. When taking your hot bath pull the leaf open and rub it on your face to cool you down. It soothes the skin on contact.

Half a cup of aloe vera juice (different from aloe gel from the leaf) twice a day with your favorite juice will do wonders for your insides. Do not take internally if you are pregnant. Add aloe vera juice to orange or grape juice, an organic banana and a little ice and blend in a blender. This is a good drink to cool you down and sooth the mind.

To make a salve, remove the thin outer skin and blend the leaves in a blender, add 500 units of vitamin C powder to each cup add a tablespoon of honey to help preserve. It is best to use fresh but you can store it in your refrigerator for a couple weeks. This salve is great for skin.

Honey is also a natural skin care product. A natural skin care recipe using honey is to make a cup of oatmeal, just like you would for breakfast. While the oatmeal is thickening and cooling down, mix in 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of plain or strawberry yogurt and the juice squeezed from one lemon. Lemon contains natural astringents. This should form a good paste. Apply a layer to your face, avoiding the eyelids. If you get any in your eyes, rinse it out with warm water. After it dries wash it off with warm water, follow with cold water.

You can mash just about anything into oatmeal and smear it on your skin. Make sure it is something natural and good for you and the oatmeal has cooled down. Always start with honey and fresh lemon juice. You can add avocado, avocado oil, olive oil, fresh strawberries, any fruit yogurt and just about any kind of essential oil.

Play around with it and see what you like. It is important you test your skin before you try anything new. You do not want to wash the oatmeal mask off and look at yourself in the mirror and see a face full of bright red blotches. Use a little caution.

Be sure to practice organic skin care as much as you can. Organic skin care just means you read the labels to make sure the ingredients are labeled organic. It also means shopping for fruits and vegetables that are organic.

Nothing in this essay should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Nothing in this essay is approved by the Food & Drug Administration to treat of any disease.

When It Comes To Acne Rosacea What Are Your Choices?

A common skin disease that is known as Rosacea normally causes bumps, redness, irritating skin as well as visible blood vessels. There have been numerous researchers throughout the years attempting to find the cause but none of them have been able to even though there have been numerous types of hypotheses. Individuals that have Rosacea acne will typically tell you of distinctive irritating factors such as spicy foods, alcohol. Also, being in an environment that is hot or having stressful emotions can worsen Rosacea.

Unfortunately at the present time there are no known cures for Rosacea acne. The acne Rosacea treatments that are available typically assist a person to control the symptoms of Rosacea and keep the problem from getting worse. If you have symptoms of Roseacea you need to search for treatment from your doctor because if it is left untreated the symptoms typically grow worse and they may even become permanent. It is crucial to protect your skin from exposure to sunlight with lotions for sunscreens. You should consult with your physician prior to using sunscreens and for advice on buying what is best for you.

New Study

There are researchers that theorize that a couple of proteins that are inflammatory that the body creates an excessive amount of is stimulating an unusually high quantity of a third protein which then creates the long-familiar symptoms of Rosacea. There are 4 main kinds of Rosacea acne and the acne Rosacea treatments will deviate which is dependent on the kind of symptoms you have.

Acne Rosacea Treatments

Symptoms of Erythematotelangiectatic such as flushing, feelings of stinging on your face as well as the observance of thin red lines on your face can be treated through the use of oral antibiotics. If your skin is in a lot of discomfort you can use a mild anti-inflammatory to assist with this type of problem.

If the thin red lines that you notice on your outer skin, which are in reality very tiny vessels of blood that do not fade away, you may want to check with your doctor in regards to the kind of acne Rosacea treatment that utilizes a pulsed dye laser type of therapy to assist in getting rid of these types of red lines.

If you have the Rosacea acne known as Phymstous you will see big pores as well as thick skin that looks bumpy. Phymatous very frequently affects a persons nose yet it also has the ability to create problems for your ears, chin, eyelids as well as your forehead. Noticeable pimples, veins as well as flushing may also be present. There are some doctors that will prescribe to their patients isotretinoin, nevertheless there is the possibility of having some serious side effects that include possible birth defects and it is also highly expensive from a consumer point of view so you may want to check with your physician in regards to using other types of medications.

Indications that you have what is known as Papulopustular Rosacea acne include little pimples, facial flushing as well as tiny red lines that can be noticed on your cheeks. Your doctor will likely advise acne Rosacea treatment, for example facial ointments or even medications such as antibiotics and he may even advise that you utilize both treatments at the same time.

If you are having to cope with Ocular Rosacea symptoms, for instance eyes that are irritated and dry, many experts suggest that you give artificial tears a try. Your physician might suggest taking antibiotic pills to assist with your symptoms. Possibly a cure for Rosacea acne will be discover in the near future, yet for now there are numerous methods of acne Rosacea treatments that are available that can help you in reducing your symptoms.

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On a side note, Golden Goat has had numerous customers come in for various products and makeup that has reduced the redness and/or covered the redness resulting from rosacea. Stop in and let us show you a few options that you can try for a natural treatment or cover for either acne or rosacea.