They are a hot item. You can’t miss them when walking through department store beauty counters, drug stores, even supermarkets. But does a facial cleansing brush do your skin any good?

Short answer, yes! Here’s why…

Facial brushes are advertised as tools designed to deep clean the skin. Sure, the spinning bristles do help to brush built up dirt and debris from pores. But the smooth, glowy skin these devices deliver is actually due to the exfoliating action. Dead, dry skin cells that sit on the top layer of skin are removed and fresh, radiant skin is revealed.

Exfoliation is good for reasons beyond the instant radiance factor. Sloughing dead skin cells means the healthy products you use on your skin can absorb more easily and do their job. It also helps to rev up circulation and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Touted as a tool for dealing with acne, facial brushes are truly beneficial to all skin types. Brush bristles are very soft and even sensitive skin types benefit from regular exfoliation. We’ll get to the how to in just a minute.

Exfoliating skin is not just a girl thing. Guys benefit from this skin booster too. Most men are exfoliating their skin, whether they know it or not, when they shave. But using a facial brush on forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin keeps skin healthy and looking its best.

You can use your facial brush in a couple of ways. If you have acne try using the brush with a cleanser for acne prone skin, paying special attention to affected areas. If you are looking to banish blackheads, try an exfoliating cleanser with the brush. For those with normal to sensitive skin types, use a cream cleanser with the brush, or try using the brush with plain water post cleansing. Exfoliating 1-2 times weekly should be effective.

Remember: Let the brush do the work, not elbow grease. Exfoliation should be gentle. And never exfoliate broken or irritated skin.

No matter how you use your brush, be sure to rinse skin thoroughly once you are finished. Rinse your brush in hot water each time you use it and allow to air dry. This will help to prevent bacteria build up.

Starting to feel a facial cleansing brush in your future? Clarisonic Mia 2 is a popular choice. Olay Pro-X works well and at a much lower price. I recently tried the Spa Sonic Pro that comes with several attachments with the face brush. You can read my review.

A facial cleansing brush is a valuable component to any skincare routine. Gentle exfoliation and safe natural products are key to getting the most out of this tool.

Related on EcoSalon

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars with Natural Remedies

Men’s Grooming: 7 Naturally Sexy Products Sans Fake Scents

5 Celebrity Favorite Natural Beauty Products

Image of facial cleansing brush via Shutterstock

The post Is a Facial Cleansing Brush Worth the Time and Money? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dry, oily, or sensitive skin? Here’s a great natural cleanser for your skin type.

With most of us still sweating through our makeup—or just not wearing it, writes the woman with invisible eyelashes—it is hard to believe that fall is just around the corner. So before visions of warm pumpkins doughnuts and spicy apple cider start dancing in our head, let’s take a moment to attend to the most basic of our beauty ritual.

Let’s wash our faces! From oily to dry to sensitive to mature, here’s a natural cleanser for seven different skin types to purge the summer sweat right off your skin.

1. For All Skin Types: Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($5.99)

The hottest trend in natural skin care will remind you of the beachy, sun-soaked days of your youth. Coconut oil is being touted from blog to shining blog as an excellent makeup remover, moisturizer, and natural cleanser all in one sweet-smelling product.

Our EIC Laura Klein is a devotee of using coconut oil to remove eye makeup, saying there was “no turning back” once she discovered the product.

Others rave that coconut oil is highly moisturizing and even an acne remedy, though some caution that its comedogenic nature can clog pores.

2. For All Skin Types, Part II: Fine Herbal Cleanser by Farmaesthetics ($34.50)

Looking for a lovely cleanser so simple that it contains only five ingredients? (Seriously, you woke up thinking this, right?) The Fine Herbal Cleanser from Farmaesthetics offers up a thorough cleaning for a product that feels as light as water.

Good for all skin types, this 100% natural offering from this top-shelf sustainable line combines geranium, witch hazel, and lavender, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth.

Further, it is designed to work with the line’s sweet milk exfoliate series, which can be added to help brighten your complexion.

3. For Dry Skin: Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser by MyChelle Dermaceuticals ($9.69)

With cooler temperatures and winter winds just a few weeks away, this Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser is a great staple for those suffering from dry skin.

Specifically formulated to moisturize and hydrate, this vitamin-rich cleanser combines the anti-oxidant effects of pumpkin with the extreme hydrating powers of blue green algae. This pleasantly-scented product is cruelty-free, vegan friendly, and also gluten-free.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals also offers a comprehensive line of natural cleansers tailored to each skin concern, including Youth-Blemish, Sensitive, Hyperpigmentation and more.

4. For Oily Skin: Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser by Elemental Herbology ($46.00)

When your skin is oily, the last thing you feel like putting on it is any product. But this oil-control offering from Elemental Herbology promises to cleanse, purify, and even “pacify” irritated skin.

Free of fragrance and soap, it works to bring balance to your sebum-clogged skin while calming and clearing out pores.

The line, which uses only premium-grade herbs, flowers, and minerals, only uses 100% biodegradable SLS-free surfactants while supporting ethical harvesting and responsible packaging.

5. For Normal/Dry Combination Skin: Rose Foaming Face Wash by John Master Organics ($22.00)

From one of the best-performing lines out there using organic ingredients comes this light, fun, foamy cleaners from John Masters Organics.

Containing no GMOs, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs (say that three times, fast), the Rose Foaming Wash offers up a light hydration to deal with problematic dry patches.

This gluten-free product is made with seven certified organic ingredients, including hydrating aloe vera and rose water.

6. For Sensitive Skin: Ultimate Moisture Facial Cleanser by Mineral Fusion ($12.99)

For skin prone to redness, irritation and more, finding the right cleanser can be something like diffusing a bomb—you want to get in and out without causing any kind of lasting damage to the area. Using marine clay, cucumber, chamomile, and aloe vera to cleanse and detoxify the skin, this gentle cleanser does just that.

A vegetarian product, it is also free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances.

7. For Mature Skin: French Clay Cleanser with DMAE by Clairvoyant Beauty ($32.00)

Ready for detoxified, smooth, and toned skin? Oui oui! This French Clay Cleanser is rich in DMAE, which the makers at Clairvoyant Beauty claim “extends the life of cells.”

It also uses clay from the Vienne region of France that has been a favorite beauty tool for locals for the past 200 years.

Containing biodegradable, natural and organic Ingredients, this product is also vegan-certified.

photo credit: martinak15 via photopin cc

For further reading:

Can You Fight Sunspots Naturally?

5 Tips to Fix a Hangover Face

5 Fantastic Anti-Aging Products

The post A Natural Cleanser for All Skin Types: 7 Seriously Awesome Products for Dry to Sensitive to Oily Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

More than meets the eye.

Aside from the one way we all know vodka can be put to good use, it’s not a completely pointless liquid otherwise. In fact, the alcoholic beverage spreads itself quite thin on the usefulness scale. Vodka’s anti-bacterial properties are what give it such potency in combatting a lot of common ailments and household issues – from earaches to carpet stains. Grab yourself a bottle, or two, and redefine what it means to booze.

Poison Ivy Reliever

Apply vodka to an area affected by poison ivy and it will dry up surrounding skin, getting rid of any oils that are causing the poison ivy to inflame and itch.

Laundry Freshener

Fill a small spray bottle with vodka and lightly spray clothes. The vodka smell goes away when the clothes dry completely. The vodka helps to remove any unwanted odors.

Flower Preserver

Plants produce the ripening gas ethylene, which promotes maturation. Vodka stunts ethylene production and allows for flowers to stay fresher, longer. Spray flower stems with a 2:1 ratio mix of vodka and sugar. Repeat every few days.

Insect Repellent

Keep the insects at bay by squirting some vodka on your skin before going outdoors. Add essential lavender oil. Insects hate the smell of lavender, and you will prefer it to the smell of vodka lingering on your skin. You could also mix vodka into your scented moisturizer.

Jelly Fish Bite Soother

Much like vodka helps to treat poison ivy on the skin, the liquid also helps to alleviate the pain and itch that come post nasty jelly fish bite. Bring along a 1:1 mixture of vodka and water in a spray bottle to the beach just in case of an attack.

Hair Shiner

Add 1-2 ounces of vodka to your shampoo and watch as your hair emerges from a shower feeling cleaner, silky, and shiny.

Band-Aid Remover

Vodka will help to dissolve the sticky edges of a band-aid and allow for a painless removal. Not that you would, but a few swigs before peeling the adhesive off won’t hurt either.

Computer Screen Cleaner

Using water to clean a computer screen often leaves behind distracting smears. Apply vodka to the screen and wipe away for a seamless and clear complexion.

Eye Glasses Cleaner

It may not be the best idea to carry around a bottle of vodka, but a small spray bottle may be less conspicuous and prove to be very useful. Your glasses will get star treatment on the go.

Air Freshener

Mix equal parts water and vodka in a spray bottle and spray around the house. The vodka dissolves odors and the solution is completely odorless.

Razor Blade Cleanser

Soak razor blades in vodka and dissolve away build-up and buff the razor all in one. This trick will keep your razor blades clean and disinfected whilst extending the lifespan of your razor collection.

Jewelry Cleaner

Let your jewelry sparkle and shine. Soak and lightly scrub them in some vodka to remove any impurities.

Pore Reduction

Lightly soak one side of a cotton ball in vodka and dab your face. The vodkas acts as an astringent, tightening the pores and removing excess oils.

Homemade Mouthwash

Because of vodka’s capacity to fight bacteria and prevent infection, you can gargle it in the A.M. (without swallowing) to clean your mouth. Vodka may not be the first thing you want to taste on a sensitive morning stomach, so dilute it with equal parts water add a few drops of mint oil.

Cold Sore Treatment

Vodka can help to reduce cold sore inflammation and redness by drying the affected area. Dip one end of a Q-tip into vodka and use it to dab sores.

Shower Cleaner

Attack those moldy, dark crevices with a toothbrush and some vodka. Spray vodka onto moldy areas, let sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub away. The vodka kills the mold.

Antiseptic

Vodka is a great disinfectant and antiseptic. Apply to minor cuts and burns to kill bacteria.

Stickiness Remover

Vodka works wonders on removing all that is gooey! From stickers on car surfaces to gum on the bottom of a shoe, a little vodka goes a long way.

Treat Ear Aches

Put a few drops of vodka into your ear. Let the alcohol sit in the ears for a few minutes each and then drain. The vodka kills bacteria that causes pain.

Stain Remover

Vodka effectively gets rid of ink, grass and lipstick stains. Dab stain with vodka and rub the stain away. Add the stained garment to the laundry afterwards for a more thorough clean.

Tooth-Ache Reliever

Gargle vodka without swallowing, unless you want a buzz. The vodka will prevent infection and reduce inflammation and soreness in the mouth.

Foot Odor Cure

For those of you who suffer from foot odor, consider vodka your new best friend. Soak your feet in a shallow bucket of vodka, which will kill bacteria-causing odor. Let your feet dry to get rid of the vodka smell or wash your feet with fragrant soap directly after the treatment.

Fever Alleviation 

Vodka works well as a liniment to reduce a fever, because it evaporates very quickly and can provide a cooling relief. Apply vodka to a soft cloth and place on your chest.

Images: Karola Riegler, Bark, Tasumi1968, Marcus Vegas, Seishin17

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post 20 Unusual Ways to Use Vodka appeared first on EcoSalon.

More than just a garnish.

Take these 10 herbs and you’ve got yourself 20 different ways to tackle everyday issues, from keeping mice away to treating the common cold. This list gives you reason to chew shamelessly on fresh tarragon leaves, re-establish Mojito Monday, and pass up your expensive and toxic perfume for slightly green-tinted wrists. Enjoy!

Tarragon

1. Toothache Treatment

Back in the day, Greeks used to chew on tarragon to numb their mouths from toothache. Instead of reaching for a painkiller, try easing the pain the natural way. If anything, at least your breath will be refreshed!

2. Internal Cleanser

Clean yourself from the inside out with tarragon. Tarragon consumption has been linked to increased bile production, which contributes to the elimination of toxins from the body. Tarragon is packed with tannins, bitters terpenes, flavonoids and coumarin, which are the backbone to its cleansing properties.

Mint

3. Mojito Makin’

Make a mint mojito with a kombucha base. With or without alcohol, the herb is the star of this show stopping drink.

4. Keep Mice Away

Despite our predilection for the fresh aroma of mint, mice beg to differ. They despise the smell mint so much, they will avoid all areas – even a block of cheese – where mint is scattered.

Marjoram

5. Natural Perfume

According to mythology, the goddess of love Aphrodite grew marjoram. Because of this, marjoram has been used in many a love potion. Take fresh marjoram leaves and rub them on your wrists and behind your ears. The aroma is sweet and light but with a spicy edge that makes it fitting for both males and females.

6. Bone Building

Marjoram offers some 520% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, making it one of the richest herbal sources of the vitamin. Vitamin K contributes to healthy bones and preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

Rosemary

7. Mosquito Deterrent

Rosemary is a great way to turn an itchy Summer evening into a bug-free one. Grow rosemary in your garden or near an area of your porch where you like to entertain guests or hang out most. Mosquitoes are averse to rosemary and will stay clear.

8. Hair Rinse

Rosemary has been associated with hair re-growth and strengthening as well as the elimination of dandruff. Boil a handful of rosemary leaves in two cups of water, let the water cool, and then rinse your hair with the rosemary-infused liquid.

Oregano

9. Common Cold Fighter

Oregano is an effective treatment for the treatment of colds and to relieve sinus pressure. Oil of oregano, which is available at most health stores, is especially effective. Place a few drops under the tongue or place 2-3 drops in a glass of water or juice before drinking. The oil drains sinuses and reduces inflammation.

10. UTI Treatment

Oregano has anti-microbial properties that can fight off E-Coli, the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. Oregano oil is the most potent forms of this treatment.

Thyme

11. Lung Booster

Thyme contains an oil called thymol that acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Add a sprig of thyme to hot water with honey and lemon for a soothing drink that prevents bronchitis and clears lung passageways with each sip.

12. Household Cleaner

Because of thyme’s disinfectant properties, the herb can be used to clean around the house in place of toxic, harsh chemical cleaners. Brew fresh thyme in water. Mix water with a light, vegetable-based soap and pour into a spray bottle. Use the liquid to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Basil

13. Fatigue Support

Basil is known to help treat adrenal fatigue. Place a few drops of basil oil on clothing to carry the effects with you all day or include some fresh basil at mealtime for a pick-me-up.

14. Acne Treatment

Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, basil is great for combating acne. Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water for 20-30 minutes. Let the water cool and use a cotton ball to apply the basil-infused liquid to acne-prone areas on your skin.

Coriander

15. Headache Healer

Coriander is regarded as a natural way to help get rid of a headache. Grind coriander leaves to release their juices and rub the paste on your forehead to relieve an aching headache. Or, sleep with a coriander leaf on your pillow.

16. Immunity Strengthener

Coriander leaves are packed with magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Eat coriander regularly and you will surely boost your overall immunity.

Parsley

17. Dark Under-Eye Circle Remover

Crushed parsley is a great remedy for ridding dark circles under the eyes. Parsley contains vitamin C, chlorophyll, and vitamin K and many other active compounds that cause it to reduce inflammation and tighten and lighten the skin.

18. Breath Freshener

Chew on parsley after dinner, especially if garlic was involved, to remove the stink and leave behind a fragrant and pleasing scent.

Saffron

19. Memory Booster

Saffron contains a compound called “crocin” that contributes to faster learning and better memory retention. This is especially helpful for those with age-related mental impairments.

20. Colorant

A little goes a long way with saffron. Whether it’s to color a grain dish red or even stain fabrics, adding saffron to the mix will ensure a dark rosy tint. This is a much better option than the overused red 20 coloring, which is derived from crushing red ants.

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

Image: VancityAllie, DebbieC, Gravitywave, Greatist, FeatOfFun

The post 20 Unusual Uses for Everyday Herbs appeared first on EcoSalon.

SeriesBeauty and the Green.

After long months of cold temperatures, low humidity, and heated air blasting our skins, we can be left with a dull, dry, scaly anti-sheen complete with rough patches on our knees, elbows and feet. It’s time for a good spring cleaning on our skin, and we’ve got the products to do it.

Juice Beauty Organic Face Wash ($22.00)
The last thing your stressed-out winter skin needs is a bath in chemicals and fragrance. So consider treating it to a gentle, organic cleanser such as this USDA certified organic soap-free wash. Great for all skin types, this cleanser contains natural antioxidants such as apple juice and soothing extracts of carrot seed. Honey and primrose extracts provide natural emollients and soothing anti-inflammatory agents to calm skin. Want to read more on more green cleansers? Check out our list of great green cleansers.

Kimberly Sayer Ultra-Light Facial Moisturizer ($32.00)
For all but the driest skin, a heavy moisturizer can feel too oily or slick. So what happens? We end up skipping the daily moisturizer and missing a key step in our daily beauty regime. This lightweight moisturizer from Kimberly Sayer is noncomedogenic and easy on the skin. It contains organic ingredients and utilizes a mineral sun block to protect from the sun. Want more? Check out this list of gentle, green moisturizers.

Mychelle Dermaceuticals Fruit Enzyme Scrub ($17.19)
Exfoliation is key to reviving dull skin, but harsh chemical scrubs can do more damage than good. Not so with this scrub. Vegan and gluten-free, this gentle scrub helps dissolve dead skin cells through natural fruit enzymes while clearing clogged pores and polishing skin. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this scrub leaves a smooth and soft finish. Or, make your own healthy, exfoliating scrub.

John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum ($30.00)
A great solution to dull, dehydrated skin is to revitalize with a deep concentration of product. In terms of balancing skin tone and promoting collagen, vitamin C is heralded as perhaps one of the best natural tools to do so. This serum, made with certified organic ingredients, yields an intense serving of antioxidants and moisture that can soften fine lines and balance skin tone. While you’re at it,  read more on how serums work.

Antipodes Natural Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream ($52.00)
Bring your skin back to your life with this rich botanical night cream. This vegan product is full of certified organic ingredients to battle free radical damage and stimulate collagen production. It’s a must-have for any face wanting to fight damaging free radicals and wrinkles in a natural, non-toxic way. This rich and smooth botanical night cream promises to stimulate collagen production by 92% and it does not disappoint. Morning skin feels hydrated and plump and happy.

EO Lemon Verbena Body Lotion ($8.99)
Moisturizing from head to toe is important to get ship-shape for shorts and sandals. And with our wintry parts concealed for months at a time, it’s easy to forget about our more neglected parts. Free of synthetic fragrances and containing pure essential oils, this nourishing moisturizer is quickly absorbed into skin. With a crisp scent, it restores skin’s smoothness with organic oils and botanicals.

Anthology Organic Foot Scrub ($13.95)
Fearful of feet that haven’t seen the sun since September? Treat your toots to an invigorating scrub to remove calluses, rough spots and more caused by your winter boots. This product, comprised of 99% USDA certified-organic ingredients is detergent, and preservative free. It is made of Dead Sea Salt to slough away dry skin while countering germs and odors with antibacterial essential oils like rosemary.

FTC Compliant

behind-the-lense

The post 7 Best Products to Spring Clean Your Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

So you’re green. You care about trees. Yet you care about your complexion. I get it! I’ll pick through my trash sorting plastic from tin from things drenched in rancid goo – but I’m not going to go to bed without washing my face. Maybe it’s residual trauma from too many teenaged breakouts – skim through old issues of Seventeen Magazine and I am sure you will directly connect disfiguring acne to that time you skipped washing your face because you were too tired from screaming your head off at the Depeche Mode concert. Or not.

Kaia Naturals is offering up an H20-free solution. Recently, I checked out their Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths, which are designed to cleanse, tone and remove makeup without water. They are made from 100 percent soft, sustainable bamboo that feels like cashmere. (They call it cashmere soft – and yes, folks, it is.)

The unbleached bamboo fiber cloth is biodegradable and the ingredients are dermatologist tested and non-irritating. It contains no alcohol, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. It is not organic, but it is cruelty free. Here is a complete list of ingredients.

How do these sustainable cloths work? Well, you really have to scrub to get heavy makeover off – but it does take off a lot of layers. It has a nice, fruity smell and leaves your face tingly and clean-feeling. You are left feeling nicely hydrated and yes, like you washed your face with water. Also, I have extremely sensitive skin and even the most organic products can sometimes leave my face red. This did not.

Would I forgo a nightly water rinse for the rest of my life? Probably not – it leaves your face with a little bit of a slick that does make you want to wash with water. But for around $12 for 30 cloths, I could spare 40 cents a pop here and there for a three-in-one water-free facial.

Want to see for yourself? Check out this video from Kaia.

The post Wash Your Face Without Water appeared first on EcoSalon.

You know the times you’ve run a fingernail down the side of your face and small bits of face have rolled off with it? The ick factor is huge, right? And most of that ick is dead skin.

Sure, you can moisturize with the best organic lotions out there. (And for the best green lotions to use, click here.) But those dead skin cells have to absorb the lotion before it can penetrate the skin underneath.

No amount of organic skin lotion is going to raise your skin cells from the dead. But before you conduct a green funeral for your face, try sloughing off with your best tool of choice – a scrub.

Bringing out the healthy, alive layers of skin on your face will improve your skin immensely. You’ll be less prone to break outs. Your skin will be smoother and have a healthier glow.

Pick a scrub that can make best friendsies with your skin. It is possible to over-exfoliate so be forewarned! If you over scrub, you can sand paper away the natural, protective barrier of your skin.

For sensitive skin, you’ll want a gentle exfoliating scrub. If your skin can take a sand blasting, go for the deep pore scrub. Depending on age and sensitivity, some people scrub daily, some only once or twice a week.

Best Scrub to Lessen Your Carbon Footprint:

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub ($32.00)
This gentle scrub is organic and, even better, fair trade. It contains Egyptian geranium with adzuki bean and cranberry. The smell is interesting – a combination of mud with bits of fruit buried in it. It’s light enough to use daily but strong enough to feel like you’re getting a good exfoliation. It is free of parabens, sulfates and any synthetic preservatives.

Best Scrub to Brighten Your Face:

John Masters Organics Jojoba and Ginseng Exfoliating Cleanser ($28.00)
This fantastic product contains certified organic jojoba beads (to exfoliate!) and ginseng (to revitalize!). And the best part? It will leave your face noticeably brightened. It seems to contain almost light-reflective properties that sit atop your skin and make it glow.

Best Scrub to Pretend You’re at the Beach:

Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser ($22.00)
This is another gentle cleanser/scrub that has a rich pineapple base. The fresh fruity scent will bring you back to the beachy memories of childhood or that vacation you once went on where you blacked out from pineapple margaritas. It also contains certified organic extracts of white grape and aloe vera.

Best Scrub for Your Buck:

Noah’s Naturals Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads ($7.99)
This is a great, all-around scrub. You’ll feel like you’re getting a good wash while scrubbing out the baddies. It gives off a pleasant, old-school scent that’s almost floral, without being perfumey. It contains no parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s not organic, but it’s a good choice if you want an affordable, natural cleanser.

Best Scrub to Love Your Sensitive Skin:

Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub ($16.95)
This product offers up a light, lavender scent. I used it daily for about a week and my skin did feel smoother after a couple of days. It’s free of parabens and preservatives. It is 100% vegetarian, and contains certified organic ingredients.

Best Scrub to Blast Your Skin:

Burt’s Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub ($7.99)
If you’re looking for a scrub to really tear it up, this is the product for you. It has a fresh, peachy smell but it does leave a bit of a waxy, leftover feeling. It’s made from ground peach stone to exfoliate and also contains willowbark, a natural source of salicylic acid. 98.45% natural, it is free of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

Best Scrub to Use Daily:

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser ($29.00)
This product works really well as a cleanser, but if you want a vigorous scrub, look elsewhere. It is not organic but it does contain “naturally-derived” exfoliating beads and certified organic lavender and geranium oils. And it’s tourmaline charged. What, pray tell, is tourmaline charged? Tourmaline apparently “acts as a conductor for the plant energy and the crystalline energy, while energizing the skin and boosting it with moisture and vitamins.”

Best Scrub to Simply Wash Your Face:

Exfoliating Wash by Kiss My Face ($15.00)
This scrub”¦er, wash got high marks for smell. It reminds me of lime and mint, and really makes me want a Mojito. It’s clean and refreshing, but doesn’t feel like a scrub.  It works more like a gel and feels gentle on your face. It’s not organic, but does contain several “certified natural” ingredients.

The post Re-New Your Skin: 8 Best Organic and Natural Scrubs appeared first on EcoSalon.

Someone famous once said, “A good organic facial cleanser can solve any problem.” (I can’t remember who said it, but that has Eleanor Roosevelt all over it, no?) But why is going organic in your cleanser important?

First, it can improve your skin tone, and this is essential for greenies who don’t like to wear too much makeup. It’s the first thing you’ll put on your face in the morning, so you’ll want it to be pure. Furthermore, organic ingredients have been known reduce free radical damage. Free radicals are pollution, sun, and all the rest of the bad stuff that ages your skin. And finally, if you go organic, you can also be sure your ingredients are purer, harvested with a lower eco-footprint, don’t contain harmful petroleum chemicals, and are cruelty-free. So check out our look at some of the best organic cleansers out there.

Rose Foaming Face Wash from John Masters Organics

Light, subtle, and simple, this face wash was fantastic. Out of all the cleansers I tried, this product best combined everything you want in a face wash. First, the scent was lovely. It had a subtle rose fragrance that didn’t overpower. Second, it passed the squeaky clean test. Meaning, it left my face feeling tight and clean. Third, it softened my skin. It is made from steam-distilled essential rose oil, and it is best for those with normal to dry skin. And finally, it is certified by the National Organic Program, meaning it is made from organic ingredients and contains no parabens, petro-chemicals, and artificial or synthetic materials.

Light Cleansing Lotion from Kimberly Sayer

This is another great cleanser, offering up a pleasant, lemony smell.  It also scored high on the fresh factor – it left my face feeling crisp and tight. Why am I speaking like faces should be treated as salads in the crisper? Because at minimum, most of us apply a moisturizer (with SPF!) after washing our faces, and most of us don’t want our face to feel like we’re excavating through layers of silt by the time we apply our makeup. This soy-based product is best for combination, oily and blemish-prone skin. And it is made with certified organic ingredients.

Linden Blossom Face Crème Cleanser from John Masters Organics

Again, John Masters Organics scores with another fantastic cleanser. With a light floral scent, it leaves you with the feeling you’ve just bathed your face in blossoms – and who hasn’t fantasized about some ancient Roman-style floral bath every morning? Okay, maybe it’s just me. This product is great for dry skin, as it is more moisturizing than the other cleansers. But it still leaves your face feeling fresh. Due to the higher moisturizing factor, this NOP-certified product is great for winter or for those with dry skin.

Organic Face Wash from Juice Beauty

This was a bit thicker than other cleansers, so a little goes a long way. It could leave your skin a little waxy if you use too much, so heed the warning. The scent was a bit medicinal, but it wasn’t overpowering or offensive. More important, it left my skin feeling hydrated, soft and moisturized. For all skin types, this product is 95% organic.

Creamy Face Cleanser from Kiss My Face

If you have dry skin – or live in the Arctic – this is a great cleanser for you.  It is very thick and felt a bit like washing with a moisturizer. I had to scrub to get it all off. (And then scrub an hour later when I discovered it caked around my ears.) But if you have dry skin, this could be a positive. The scent was a bit intense. It was supposed to be vanilla and tangerine, but it smelled more like vitamins to me. It contains natural and certified organic ingredients and no artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals.

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Hand contact spreads 80% of infections. For each minute of the work day, you touch an average of 30 objects. There are over 20,000 germs on every square inch of your desk, which is almost 400 times the amount found on toilets. Approximately 3000 bacteria lurk on your hands. Women’s hands harbor a more diverse variety of microbes than those of men.

These unsettling statistics are enough to make germophobes out of us all. But, you can’t very well run to the bathroom every five minutes to wash up. That will get you an interesting reputation around the office. So save yourself some money and help the environment, too, by making your own sanitizers. These antiseptic gels can easily be concocted using basic household items.

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup each of pure aloe vera gel and grain alcohol with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. To make it smell less pungent, add 5 drops of your favorite fragrance oil. Using a funnel, pour this blend into a bottle small enough to stash in your purse. (Rinse out an empty tube of makeup or lotion to make use of waste.)

Now, what about your contaminated desk? Don’t even think about buying a can of Lysol! Here’s an all-natural alternative:

Pour ¼ cup each of tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Add 2 cups of distilled water and shake well. Clean your work space using this blend every evening before you go home to disinfect surfaces.

For more tips, check out Mike’s green guide to chemical-free cleaning.

Image: Weird Beard

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