Age Old Secrets
Nature holds pearls of wisdom that enhance life's splendors. Essential oils a perfect example and in their pure natural state is effective for all manner of things. Take Lavender, a very good relaxant and effective for those plagued with insomnia. Best of all, it is natural and therefore, not addictive.

We’ve rediscovered plant oils. Research has shown that some plant oils have much smaller molecules allowing them to penetrate into the upper layers of our skin. This offers the skin not only moisture but the additional benefits of nourishment.

Our suggestion: Organic Jojoba Oil. A recent darling in the industry and used for centuries. Jojoba Oil is noted for its ability to minimize wrinkles and provide relief for extra dry skin. It will help rejuvenate the skin and promote new cell growth, without clogging the skin.

For a particularly luxurious treat try Hydrating Lipids with Floral Face Mist. The Hydrating Lipids is a novel blend of plant oils, extracts and distillates, rich in vitamins and free of emulsifiers.

Natural ingredients that energize, detoxify and de-stress are finding their way into more of our products. Brightening Clay Soap is one example, a handcrafted soap that contains Glacial Marine Clay specially formulated to help bring back skin’s glow while providing additional benefits to the skin.

Magic Potions
The large cosmetic industry increasingly looks to the organic or natural niche as the newest in a long series of "innovations" to drive their market, constantly repackaging "hope in a bottle."

Except, nature gives us an amazing array of botanical ingredients and essential oils that naturally protect and nourish our skin. For centuries, plants and herbs have been used for the vitamins and nutrients they deliver to the skin.

Some natural skin constituents, such as: ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), hyaluronic acid (found in plant oils), vitamin E, collagen (new technology has produced collagen from soy and wheat), lactic (goat’s milk) and citric acids, can also be found in natural beauty products. The skin recognizes these ingredients as compatible with those already in the skin, so there is minimal risk of a sensitive/allergic reaction.

Suggested products: Hodges facial care line rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants to contain damaging free radicals and anti-inflammatory properties. Or, vegetable-based, handcrafted soaps by CECI.

Truth Serum
What we now know that to feel good about ourselves is by taking care of our looks - because beauty and health go hand in hand. Great looking skin arrives by limited sun exposure, good health and finding the right products for your skin. And, that the finest make-up in the world cannot disguise the effects of poor nutrition, lack of sleep, exercise, too much stress or emotional problems.

We also know that as more and more traditionally 'mainstream' customers begin adopting natural ingredients, the demand for efficacy data and documentation grows. Perhaps we’ll start to see a list of ingredients in all skin care products. We can start with commercial soaps, which most are made of detergents leaving the skin dry.

Because after all with perfect beauty as an elusive concept; consumer education should therefore be an important part of this business.

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