Category Archives: Natural Skincare

Gift Ideas for the Women In Your Life (Some Ideas for Men Too!)

For the past few years my husband I and have decided to give gifts that give back. That’s why I am recommending these two socially responsible companies for gifts! AND, you can shop from the comfort of your own home.

fairtrade gifts

Noonday Collection works with 28 artisan groups in over 10 countries, and provides dignified jobs, no interest loans, scholarship programs and emergency assistance to these artisans. In turn, through YOUR purchases, we create a marketplace for these artisans here in the U.S..
Noonday has an amazing selection of beautiful jewelry and accessories. Many under $40! Everybody wins.
You can check out the website here.
fairtrade gifts
One of my favorites is the Paper Dreams Necklace– only $38! It is made from PAPER beads in Uganda, and looks like turquoise. I love it.

fairtrade jewelry

If the women in your life love the idea of natural products, or you’d like to introduce them to some, look no further.

Ava Anderson Non Toxic is an incredible skincare line. Almost completely organic.
organic skincare
They also have home cleaning products, products for men, and baby/kids items!
organic skincare

shavegel

I love the pet deodorizer (it works as a stain remover! The best one I have ever tried), the dishwasher pods, the cotton pads and the entire skin care line.

And there is a limited edition candle that is perfect for the season- this candy cane candle is subtle, but refreshing. Not in the least bit overpowering. It is made with organic coconut oil and an organic cotton wick.

ava anderson non toxic

PLEASE contact me directly if you have any questions about any items recommended above. As always, I only recommend products I can whole heartedly get behind, and these products make such fantastic gifts with meaning.

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson announced this week that they will be removing harmful chemicals from their personal care products, thanks to the Environmental Working Group.

“Our advocacy for safe cosmetics paid off big time today.

Together with our partners in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, we convinced Johnson & Johnson—one of the largest cosmetics companies in the world— to agree to phase out chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems from its baby AND adult products in 57 countries around the world.

J&J’s announcement today includes all of the company’s brands and products, including Aveeno, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear and, of course, the iconic Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. The commitment builds on the company’s November 2011 pledge to remove two chemicals linked to cancer from baby products sold worldwide.”

Most parents don’t even realize the shampoo they use to tenderly wash their baby’s hair contains at least two chemicals that cause cancer- formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane. Neither toxin is listed on the back of the shampoos or lotions because neither is technically an ingredient.

Why not?

Formaldehyde is released over time by the preservatives that do appear on labels and 1,4 dioxane is created during a process used to make the other ingredients gentler on the skin. Potential cancer for softer skin? Not a great trade-off, in my opinion.

This is GREAT news and a huge step forward in the battle against toxic chemicals in our environment. Except that the new formulas will not be available until 2015.

Until then opt for one of the many baby care products already on the market made by companies committed to the health of its consumers. Anything by Earth Mama, Angel Baby or Weleda gets my vote.

Here are some other tips for choosing the right products:

How to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy

Best sun screen for babies and children

Safe bug spray

Look Mama, no scar

Test your products in the Skin Deep database

Use Natural Products on Your Baby

Here’s some eye opening info:

“Eighty-nine (89) percent of 10,500 ingredients used in personal-care
products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA,
nor any other publicly accountable institution.”

—COSMETIC INGREDIENT REVIEW PANEL, FDA OFFICE OF COSMETICS AND COLORS

Check the ingredient list and don’t use synthetic chemicals or anything petroleum based. In small amounts these are probably ok, but day after day when you use the same baby wipes or lotion, it seeps into your baby’s bloodstream and collects in his body. Do you want toxins in your baby’s bloodstream and organs? Didn’t think so!