Ever wondered if your tissues are causing pimples? Probably not. You may be surprised what these common household products contain, including pore-clogging ingredients and skin irritants.

You are careful to look for harmful ingredients in your skincare, cosmetics, body care, and hair care products. But there are certain essentials that don’t seem like they’d be a hazard. Soft, fluffy tissues being one of them.

Stocking up on tissues is par for the course this time of year. With colds and flus, and even seasonal allergies sticking around due to climate change, swiping a runny nose is a year round deal. Then there are other uses for these essentials. Maybe you use them to remove make up, soak oil from your face, or blot your lipstick. And that’s just you, think how often you dab your children’s faces with tissues.

Before you take one more swipe or swab with your favorite tissue, let’s take a peek at exactly what those handy little items contain. Particularly, those with lotion. Yes, they are likely your top pick this time of year for quelling a drippy nose without the redness and chapped skin. But if you’ve been experiencing breakouts it could be due to the ingredients these ultra-soft tissues hold.

The label on Kleenex Lotion Tissues says they are made of “mild and soothing ingredients.” What’s really in these tissues is mineral oil, ceresin, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate, dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), and aloe extract.

Since we are talking about tissues causing acne here, let’s focus on the pore-clogging ingredients (comedogenics) first. Mineral oil is the main ingredient and is made from petroleum. It does make the tissues feel like they are moisturizing to skin, but petroleum forms a barrier on top of skin and is definitely a pore clogger. It also comes with a host of health related issues.

Second on the list is ceresin wax, another petroleum-derived ingredient shown to cause skin irritation in some skin types. Next up is isopropyl palmitate, a combination of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid used to make products feel emollient, and another comedogen. And then we have the ever popular dimethicone, commonly used in mainstream cosmetics to give that slippery feel associated with moisturizing products. This silicone-based polymer clogs pores and irritates many skin types.

Stearyl alcohol is often used in cosmetics as a way to hydrate skin while offering astringent properties good for acne prone skin. It is touted as gentle and non-irritating, but this ingredient has been shown to cause redness, irritation, and inflammation in sensitive skin.

Okay, so the lotion tissues do include vitamin E and aloe, both good for soothing skin. But let’s take a closer look. Tocopheryl is vitamin E, but when mixed with the chemical acetic acid (to form tocopheryl acetate) it actually becomes a skin irritant. Aloe is the last ingredient, and you label readers know that means it makes up the least amount of the total ingredients.

Instead of caring for your delicate skin, these tissues harbor ingredients that clog pores and cause irritation. Not good.

So, what’s the healthy choice for a sniffly snoot or beauty uses? Green Forest, Natural Value, and Seventh Generation tissues are all made with recycled content and free from toxic and pore clogging ingredients. Avoid lotion tissues altogether and opt for a skin balm to quell dryness and chapped skin.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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A hormonal imbalance can be a difficult concept to grasp–even and especially to those suffering from one.

Hormonal changes occur from the moment we’re born to the moment we die, with more pronounced shifts taking place in the teenage years, and for women in their 40s and 50s. While we chalk up certain physiological shifts as a result of our aging bodies (and minds), they may actually have nothing to do with the natural changes of aging and everything to do with a hormonal imbalance–regardless of age or other naturally occurring hormonal changes.

Calling something a hormonal imbalance is an easy explanation for just about everything–from otherwise inexplicable irritability to the sweat-soaked nights. Meanwhile, a hormonal imbalance also seems to be a result of just about everything–from diet to pollution, to stress. So, it’s no wonder why hormones are left so little understood; the scope of being influenced and influencing other things is just too wide.

And while a lot of the mood-related symptoms are commonly understood, far too few people are accustomed to the telltale physical signs that they have a hormonal imbalance, especially when multiple signs occur at the same time.

Here are five signs you have a hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal Imbalance Signs

1. Weight Gain

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that produce hormones, including adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol. A hormone imbalance can exhaust the adrenal system, which in effect makes it harder to lose weight or even maintain one’s regular weight. It can also lead to weight gain, without changing diet at all.

2. Sweating

A common symptom of premenopausal women, hot flashes and night sweats can occur at a younger age if a hormonal imbalance is present. If you repeatedly wake up sweaty or experience hot flashes during the day, without necessarily being in a hot climate, then a hormonal balance may be to blame.

3. Persistent Acne

A lot of women break out whenever they have their period due to normal hormonal shifts. However, if the acne persists, you may have high testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone stimulates the excess production of sebum oil, which gets stuck under the skin with acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells. This leads to clogged pores, pimples, and blemishes.

4. Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness tends to occur when menopause approaches. However, a reduction of estrogen levels at any age can cause changes in the vaginal walls. Vaginal dryness makes sex uncomfortable.

5. Excessive or Unwanted Hair

High levels of testosterone in the body can cause women to develop excessive body or facial hair. All females produce androgens (male hormones), but the levels are normally low. Producing too many androgens lead to male-pattern hair growth and other unwanted male characteristics, such as a deep voice.

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The post 5 Signs You Have a Hormonal Imbalance appeared first on EcoSalon.

You wear sunscreen every day, exfoliate regularly, and never go to sleep with your makeup on. Still seeing troubled skin? It’s true: some healthy skin habits are too much of a good thing.

Taking good care of your skin and using healthy products is key in maintaining beautiful skin. But overdoing it can damage skin, cause irritation and blemishes, and speed up aging.

Let’s take a look at the top healthy skin care habits women tend to overdo.

6 Healthy Skin Habits You May Be ODing On

1. Over-cleansing: Didn’t know you could get skin too clean? Using a foaming cleanser has definite benefits, but using this product on skin that is dry or sensitive leads to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Curb your sudsing by washing skin only when it actually needs it (post workout, when it feels greasy…) and use a cream or oil cleanser the rest of the time.

2. Over-exfoliating: Another skin care technique that tends to get overused is exfoliation. We’ve all heard that this step helps with acne, and keeps skin fresh and glowing. More than once per week (twice if skin is not sensitive) is overkill, and can irritate and damage skin. The best way to exfoliate the face is with non-abrasive fruit acids, which remove dead cells without abrasive granules.

3. Using the wrong healthy skincare: Yes, going nontoxic with your skincare is the healthiest choice. But if you are using skincare that is wrong for your skin type it can be causing problems. If you are experiencing dryness, zits, irritation, or excessive oiliness, chances are you are using the wrong skin care products. Choose skin care designed for your skin type.

4. Going oil-free: For those who battle oily skin, steering clear of excess oil is essential in keeping the complexion clear. But did you know drying out the skin leads to breakouts too? That dry, flaky layer traps the oil your skin creates naturally and causes pimples. Choose products made with healthy natural oils that are formulated for oily and acne prone skin types, and skip the super drying potions.

5. Sticking with your tried and true: So you’ve found the skin care products you love and they love your skin right back. Great! Do you find they don’t work quite as well some months as others? To keep skin balanced and happy year ‘round, switch up your routine for the seasons. It doesn’t have to be a drastic overhaul, but a bit more moisture in the winter and lighter products in summer make all the difference.

6. Using chemical sunscreen: Wear sunscreen daily. We’ve all heard this precaution a thousand times. And you are applying your moisturizer with SPF every day like a good girl. But if that product is made with nasty chemical sunscreens you are doing more harm than good. Opt for a safe mineral sunscreen for face. You can even use a tinted moisturizer and ditch your foundation.

Related on EcoSalon:

Are Your pH Levels Causing Acne or Wrinkles?

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Image of woman looking in mirror via Shutterstock

The post Healthy Skin Habit OD: Too Much of a Good Thing? appeared first on EcoSalon.

We know the most common causes of acne: hormones, the wrong skincare, bad diet. But as with many skin issues, acne is complex and varies from person to person. Find out other surprising things that could be linked to your breakouts.

Think you thought of everything that could be the cause of your acne?

9 Surprising Causes of Acne

1. We all know sleeping with makeup on is a beauty no-no. Just one night won’t hurt anything, right? If you consider the makeup left on your pillowcase, it is definitely more than a one night makeup stand. Too lazy, tired, or tipsy to do a thorough removal? Keep cleansing wipes on hand for quick and easy cleaning, RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes.

2. Going fat-free can not only be bad for your digestive system, it can cause breakouts, too. Getting your essential fatty acids helps skin to stay lubricated and supple. And we all know flaky, dried-out skin can lead to clogged pores and zits. So eat your avocados and ghee, please.

3. Taking a piping hot soak seems luxurious. But overdoing it can lead to dry skin and pimples. Keep your super hot showers and baths to a once in a while treat, and get out before skin turns red or begins to itch.

4. Women who battle breakouts often experiment with a variety of products. While it is a good idea to switch out products seasonally as needed and stay on top of new skin issues, product overload can throw your skin into a state of confusion. Skin that is exposed to too many different products may attempt to balance things out by producing more oil, which then (you know it!) leads to further breakouts. Mario Badescu has a great skin analysis tool. Even if you don’t purchase the products, it can show you which types of products would benefit your skin.

5. Do you take note of everything that touches your face? We all know it is important to keep our hands off of our skin. But what about your cell phone, sunglasses, or pillow case? Make sure anything that comes into contact with your face gets a regular cleaning.

6. While we are on the subject of stuff that touches your skin…are your hair care products making their way onto your face? Hair products that are spritzed and sprayed on can cause breakouts if they dry on your face, so make sure to cover your skin when applying or wipe off right away. And when showering, always wash your face after conditioning your hair.

7. Another hair/zit dilemma? If you are dealing with breakouts on forehead and sides of cheeks, it could be due to hair touching these areas. Pull hair back with headbands and hair ties on second day hair days if you think this could be an issue.

8. Too much of a good thing? Yep, that spot control product that has been saving your life could also be your skin’s enemy. Zit zappers work by soaking up excess oil. Overuse means skin dries out, becomes flaky, traps that oil, and gives you a big honking zit. Save the spot treatment for reducing the appearance of an existing blemish, not as a preventative.

9. Love enlisting the help of a good mantra for problem solving? Author and metaphysical teacher, Louise Hay, says the emo link to acne is not enough self-love, and offers these words for some spiritual skin healing: I love and accept myself where I am right now.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 9 Surprising Causes of Acne You May Be Overlooking appeared first on EcoSalon.

You are supposed to have dry skin in winter, right? If you are experiencing extra oily skin in the dry season, it may be due to your beauty regimen. Let’s see what we can do about that.

Those with oily skin are usually on the lookout to manage oil production and ward off breakouts. Products that help with this can be overly drying, as can different skin care techniques that target oily skin.

Isn’t drying supposed to be a good thing where oily skin is concerned? Not exactly. Skin that is too dry actually produces even more oil in an attempt to compensate for moisture loss. This is the most common reason people see excess oil.

6 Possible Reasons for Extra Oily Skin in Winter

1. Using drying products. As I said above, skin care products that are meant to be drying can cause skin to produce excess oil. The key is to balance oil production, not strip the skin of necessary oils. Steer clear of the harsh acne treatments and drying lotions for now, and see if skin comes back into balance.

2. Over cleansing. It is not uncommon for those dealing with oily skin to over cleanse. If you are seeing breakouts, redness, irritation, or flakiness, you are likely over cleansing. The remedy? Use a more gentle cleanser when skin isn’t actually dirty, say in the morning, or skip the cleanser and use a swipe of hydrating toner instead.

3. Over exfoliation. Another common blunder, over-exfoliating can cause skin to become too dry and oil production to ramp up. Strive for once to twice weekly exfoliation with a gentle product. Fruit acids are effective and non-abrasive.

4. Going with the flow. Just because a thick cream or oil cleanser works for your coworker or roommate, doesn’t mean it is right for you. If you truly have an oily skin type, it may be best to stick with a gentle foaming cleanser and lighter moisturizer even in winter months.

5. Too many tools. Those brushes and mitts that make skin look great in summer months can be too harsh for more delicate wintertime skin. Skip these for now and give your skin a break.

6. Hitting the tanning beds. Aside from the obvious health concerns, tanning dries the skin, causing it to become more oily in the long run. Looking for a bit of color through winter? Opt for a healthy sunless tanner instead.

Perfect Products for Oily Winter Skin

One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30

True Natural Perfect Tan Face – Self Tanner & Moisturizer 2-in-1

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Woman with oily skin via Shutterstock

The post 6 Possible Reasons Why You’ve Got Extra Oily Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

You’ve heard by now that face oils benefit all skin types, right? If you are still having trouble jumping on the skin oils band wagon, it’s time to take a look at one of your favorite food groups. Yep, fruit oils are a beauty bounty.

Those of us with dry skin have been neck deep in facial oils for some time now. But if the idea of applying oil to your not-at-all-dry skin still seems like a complete mistake, you are going to love this news. Fruit oils offer something for every skin type.

Oil extracted from seasonal and exotic fruits holds amazing beauty benefits. They have the ability to balance oils, moisturize, fire up a healthy glow, prevent premature aging, and ease inflammation. See, something for everyone.

The key in using fruit oils effectively is choosing the right ones for your skin type. Let’s take a look at the best fruit oils for skin and which ones are about to become your new jam.

Fruit Oils for Acne/Oily Skin

Passionfruit oil is anti-inflammatory, fights redness and irritation, and prevents blemishes. Watermelon seed oil is amazingly non-greasy while hydrating skin, super gentle, detoxifying, and calms irritation and breakouts. Schisandra fruit oil rids skin of impurities, protects against UVB damage, and brings a glow to skin.

Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum contains schisandra fruit oil and helps to balance oil production. Mix with your daily moisturizer for acne fighting benefits. Even though my skin is not oily, this stuff gave it an other-worldly radiance. Perfect for daytime use.

Organic Bath Co. Enhance Face Oil is chock full of every fruit oil you’d ever want to use. This beautiful combo heals while preventing breakouts, is oh so smooth, and smells divine. Love!

Fruit Oils for Dry/Mature Skin

Cranberry seed oil hydrates and helps skin to hold in moisture, and is high in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Blackberry seed oil is rich in vitamin C, brightens, boosts elasticity, and gives a glow to skin. Apricot kernel oil is rich in fatty acids, contains vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, and feels light on skin. Acai berry oil is a super anti-ager, protects against UV and free radical damage, and reduces inflammation.

Kypris Beauty Elixir I – 1,000 Roses contains cranberry seed oil and is said to deliver rose petal soft skin.

The main ingredient in Odacite Acai Rose Serum Concentrate is acai fruit oil. A great way to get some anti-aging power to skin.

Hana Organics Rouge Lip + Cheek Tint is a plum-hued, apricot oil infused pot of dreaminess. What looks like imperceptible color on fingertips, brings face alive. There is a time and place for intense, creamy color, but this sheer, fall-flush enhancer is the bomb for the season.

Fruit Oils for Sensitive Skin

Red Raspberry softens, calms inflammation, and contains some incidental UV protection. Pomegranate seed oil soothes, hydrates, and doesn’t leave skin greasy or shiny.

Use Metta Skincare Face Balm, with pomegranate and red raspberry oils, to hydrate, soften, and calm upset skin.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil delivers soothing softness to skin, while protecting against environmental damage.

The pick of the crop for your skin type. Get in on the goodness of fruit oils.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of woman with watermelon via Shutterstock

The post Why Fruit Oils Are Your Skin’s New Jam appeared first on EcoSalon.

Some of the best ingredients are old school. Think neem is ancient history? Well, it is, but it’s also a gold mine for skin and hair today. Find out what neem oil benefits you are missing out on, plus product picks.

Neem has long been used in Ayurveda for its medicinal and therapeutic attributes, and was traced to ancient Indian texts as far back as 2000-4000 BC. You may not be downing neem fruit smoothies, but neem oil benefits skin, hair, and teeth. And that’s just for starters.

Neem oil has many uses and benefits, from softening skin to repelling insects. It is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it a suitable ingredient for dry and mature skin types. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components help to control acne and lessen the severity of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. The oil contains antifungal and anti-viral properties which treat ringworm, cold sores, warts, and athlete’s foot. Dandruff, head lice, cuts, burns, you name it, it seems neem is good for it.

Before you go out and buy yourself a big bottle of neem oil, there are a few things you should know about this natural ingredient. The oil is both very potent and strongly scented on its own. Most cosmetic products contain neem oil that has been mixed with another natural oil to make it more skin friendly and pleasant to use.

Neem Oil Benefits and Product Picks

Multi Use

Pratima Skincare Neem Healing Oil

Ayurvedic skincare line, Pratima Skincare, carries several neem products. Healing Neem Oil is a versatile oil that can be used as skincare or to treat a variety of ailments. A good one to stock in your beauty cabinet.

For Acne

Vered Organic Botanicals Clarifying Detox Mask

Acne skin type can benefit from the detoxifying and antibacterial effects of neem oil. This mask gently exfoliates and clears skin.

Pratima Skincare Neem Purifying Cream

Clear congestion, banish breakouts, and lightly hydrate upset skin with this healing herb combo.

YULI Pure Treatment Mask

Use to balance oils and clear pores, while zapping zits and blackheads.

For Sensitive/Rosacea

Pratima Skincare Very Sensitive Herbal Cleanser

Irritated or inflamed skin can benefit from a dose of neem. Try this super mild cleanser built to address the most delicate skin types.

SKIN Healing Calendula Salve

A soothing salve that works on rosacea, burns, even cracked lips. A must-have.

For Dry/Mature

Mahalo Balm

Mahalo Balm marries neem with cocoa butter and other rich oils to deliver moisture and anti-aging benefits to dry and mature skin.

Pratima Skincare Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Ward off damage with zinc protection and skin supportive ingredients.

For Hair

Pratima Skincare Neem Mint Botanical Shampoo

A gentle herbal shampoo ideal for all hair types.

Alaffia Neem & Shea Scalp Recovery Conditioner

Tend to dry, flaky scalp with this moisturizing hair treatment.

Yarok Feed Your Do Styling Whip

An invigorating lemon mint styling product to sculpt and protect hair.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post Remarkable Neem Oil Benefits and Products You Can Use appeared first on EcoSalon.

We’ve all been there. A blemish crops up at the least convenient moment. Learn how to cover up a pimple fast and love your skin.

To cover or not to cover? That’s the big question. Sometimes trying to hide a blemish only seems to draw attention to the problem. But a big, red spot isn’t an appealing option either.

Relax. A few tips and the right products, that mark will be a distant memory and you can get to your date, meeting, or rendezvous completely spotless. (And looking better than these models and movie stars with too-thick makeup.)

How to Cover Up a Pimple in 4 Quick Steps

1.  First step, assess the damage. You’ve been told repeatedly Not. To. Pick. True, this often does more harm than good. But there are times when a zit just has to go. Whether you are dealing with a swollen red mark or damage due to popping, toning down swelling and redness is the first step in the prep. Hold an ice cube on the spot for several seconds to calm the area down.

2.  Before you go covering with makeup, think treatment. Applying a thick coating of concealer not only looks bad, it doesn’t help the spot to heal. Use a BB Cream with skin clearing ingredients. Vapour Organics Beauty Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector brightens skin, makes the spot less noticeable, and helps makeup to stay put. It also contains elemi oil to get rid of the pimple fast. If you use a BB Cream that does not contain pimple healing ingredients, use a touch of acne treatment (Amala Purifying Blemish Treatment works great) before applying the cream.

3.  Next up, the concealer. Oily skin does best with a less moisturizing product. Benecos Natural Concealer contains talc to absorb excess oil while it camouflages. Flaky spots are another story. Before applying Step 2, very gently massage the area with a soft washcloth to remove dry skin buildup. Then opt for a more emollient concealer, like RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up. When applying this step, a little dab will do you. The BB Cream has created a nice base so you don’t need as much product.

4.  Finally, a dusting of powder helps to further hide the pimple, decreases any shine, and refines the look of skin. RMS Beauty Un Powder is absolutely translucent, very light, and disappears into skin while creating a perfect finish. It is also the softest powder you will ever use. Dust lightly onto skin and swipe over the area with a clean makeup brush to remove excess.

This zit concealing process should last. If you see any shine or redness return, another dab of powder should do the trick. Now, remember to wash your face before going to bed.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post How to Cover Up a Pimple in 4 Quick Steps (and Get On With Your Life!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Argan oil has been popular in skincare for a while now. But this extraordinary ingredient has been doing good way before QVC and Josie Maran. Find out how best to get amazing argan oil benefits into your life.

You can hardly talk natural skincare without argan oil coming up. It may have become sort of mainstream these past several years, but this nut oil has a long history.

Spied on ingredient listings as argania spinose, argan oil is obtained from the nuts of the argan tree. Grown only in the southwestern region Morocco, women of the area have been using the oil for centuries for its healing properties.

Argan oil holds many beauty benefits and women love the stuff for good reason. It’s a powerful anti-ager, acne fighter, skin rejuvenator, and more. But buyer beware. Not all argan oil products are created equally. And equally here means without toxic ingredients.

You can hop into almost any beauty counter, drugstore, or online beauty shop and pick up a product made with argan oil. To get the most skincare bang for your buck, it is important to purchase high quality, nontoxic products.

Find out which argan oil products are best and how to use them. You’ll be glad you added this beauty to your regimen.

7 Amazing Argan Oil Benefits for Healthy Skin and Hair

1. Anti-aging Hero: More than just another anti-aging ingredient, argan oil is thought of by many organic beauty producers as a super ingredient. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, this hero anti-ager is excellent at restoring a youthful appearance to skin. Kahina Giving Beauty 100% Organic Argan Oil is of the highest quality. Use on skin to soften lines, plump, clear, and calm. Try Kahina Giving Beauty Eye Cream to soothe crow’s feet.

2. Non-greasy Moisturizer: Seems most anti-aging products come in oil form. That’s great for dry skin, but what about those with oilier skin looking to treat signs of aging? Argan oil is the answer. This oil works well on all skin types but women with oily skin love it because it does not leave skin greasy or cause breakouts. Highly emollient but absorbs quickly into skin. Suti Honour Coconut & Rose Face Cream offers light hydration and softens skin.

3. Acne Fighter: Argan has natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for those prone to breakouts. The oil also helps to tone down irritation and inflammation. B Leaf Botanics Banish Blemish Treatment is a potent mix of zit zapping ingredients, but gentle on skin.

4. Lightener and Brightener: This nut oil contains phytosterols which help to brighten the skin and add a natural glow. Studies on the use of argan oil as a treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin also show promise, and may be beneficial in lightening sun damage and skin discoloration. MUN No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum combines argan with other healthy natural oils for a bright, supple complexion.

5. Scar Diminisher: That’s right, not only is the oil great for treating lines and wrinkles, many have found it lessens the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Lina Hanson Global Body Serum softens marks and tones skin.

6. Cuticle Repair: We know vitamin E is great for wrangling dry, snaggly cuticles. Add argan oil to your manicure for healthy nails. Kahina Giving Beauty FEZ Hand and Body Balm is perfect on hands, and smells so great you’ll want to use it on the rest of you, too.

7. Hot Oil for Hair: So we know argan has long been used to heal, rejuvenate and support skin. But guess what? This nut oil is a super effective hair treatment too. Warm a small amount of oil in palms and distribute from scalp through ends of hair. Wrap in warm towel and leave for 15 minutes. Shampoo as usual. Hair is soft, shiny, and bouncy.

Didn’t know about all of these useful argan oil benefits? Get in on the goodness of this beauty miracle from nature.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of Argan tree via Shutterstock

The post 7 Amazing Argan Oil Benefits for Healthy Skin and Hair (Plus Product Picks!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mmmm. The nectar of the bees can be used for more than sweetening your tea this summer. Honey benefits for skin are pretty sweet too.

Honey holds superfood status and is widely used as a more nutritious sweetener option over processed sugar. The powers behind this sticky substance have been used for centuries.

Ancient Egyptians made honey offerings to their gods and even used it as an embalming fluid. The syrupy sweetener is no longer used by morticians, but doesn’t stop at high tea either. Used on skin, honey holds a veritable smorgasbord of benefits for all skin types.

Honey Benefits for Skin

For Dry Skin: Honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin. When wind and sun have had their way with your complexion, bring it back to life with raw honey. Use May Lindstrom Skin The Honey Mud to cleanse skin and restore hydration. Follow with Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer for moisture retention and luster inducing qualitities.

For Mature Skin: A favorite amongst green beauty experts looking for a little skin revitalization? A honey mask. Full of antioxidants, the sweet treat seems to tighten skin and add a healthy glow. La Bella Figura Bio Active Healing Mask is made with raw Manuka honey and Barbary Fig Seed oil to nourish and exfoliate skin, while neutralizing free radicals that cause premature aging.

For Acne Prone Skin: Yes, honey even holds acne taming abilities. Its antimicrobial properties prevent the growth of bacteria on skin, clear pores and ward off breakouts. It is also anti-inflammatory to help calm upset skin. Added bonus? Honey won’t dry skin out like benzyl peroxide acne treatments. Ditch the harsh chemical scrubs and try HollyBeth Organics Grits & Honey Scrub to exfoliate and clear the skin.

For Treating Spots: If you are dealing with occasional pimples or trying to make dark spots or scars disappear, try using honey as a spot treatment. An excellent option is Wedderspoon 100% Raw Organic Manuka Honey. Hydrogen peroxide is produced in Manuka honey, which draws impurities out of pores and lightens spots.

For Lips: If you’ve yet to be called Sweet Lips, let’s change that pronto! Honey has an amazing softening effect on skin, but applying straight from jar to lips can be a bit too sticky. Suvana Beauty Paw Paw & Honey Organic Lip Balm is organic-beauty-famous because it goes on like petroleum jelly but is free from nasty stuff. Your pucker will be deliciously soft and smooth.

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