The mere mention of skin peels may send most of us running for cover. Especially the sensitive skinned among us. While it may sound like a toxic ingredient nightmare, there is a valid place in the beauty regimen for peels.

The term is unfortunate. Peel sound so…harsh. And yes, chemical acid peels are harsh, causing skin to turn red and peel from the face. They are effective in revealing fresh skin, but continued use can actually weaken and thin the skin, causing irritation, inflammation, and excessive dryness or oiliness. Not good.

Peels are really just another form of exfoliation. We’ve been told that exfoliation is key to healthy, clear skin, which it is, but could we be doing it all wrong? Or at least be doing it better?

Let’s start with why exfoliating is so essential to cooperative skin. Dead skin cells build up on the top layer of skin, trapping oil and debris underneath. This leads to breakouts, sallow complexion, and enhancement of fine lines. It also inhibits the skin’s ability to properly absorb the healthy ingredients in nourishing skincare.

All skin types benefit from exfoliation, not just congested skin. It can be done in different ways, to varying degrees and frequency. So, we’ve established sloughing is indeed a good thing. But as with other beauty rituals, like cleansing for example, could we be doing this whole exfoliating thing wrong?

Granular is the name of the game with most exfoliating products. Salt, sugar, and other particles (ground nut shells and meal, pumice) are used in these products to break up and remove dry, dead skin cells.

No doubt, this abrasive method of exfoliation is effective. But you know how we are chronically talking about inflammation and its link to many health issues, including unhappy skin? This friction could be causing more harm than good for certain skin types. Have we gotten out of hand with our sloughing?

Particles, even the micro-est of the micro, can cause tearing and scratching of the skin. Delicate skin types should avoid abrasive exfoliants, as should those with irritated skin or open sores. Remember to be gentle with granular scrubs and use no more than twice per week.

What’s a delicate skinned gal to do? Men exfoliate their faces when they shave. Should we all go out and buy a Norelco? Hang on just a sec before you delve into your guy’s medicine cabinet.

The latest, greatest exfoliating ingredients are hitting the beauty scene large. True, they are acids, but they are natural fruit acids from apples and pears (malic acid), citrus fruits (citric acid), and grapes (tartaric acid). Fruit enzymes, like papaya and pineapple, are also highly effective skin sloughers. Think of these ripe ingredients as the safe way to peel.

Fruit Acid Skin Peels for Glowing Skin

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

La Bella Figura Bio Active Healing Mask

Living Libations Green Papay Lime AHA Mask

Dr. Alkaitis Cellular Repair Mask

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Image of happy apple face via Shutterstock

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Severe redness and pimples may be more than a serious case of acne. Maybe it’s rosacea. Natural remedies for rosacea are the best route to happier skin.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes skin to appear red, usually across cheeks, nose, and forehead. It can also present as broken blood vessels and pimples. While it is a chronic condition, it tends to come and go. Rosacea may not be dangerous to the health, but it can take a serious toll on the psyche.

Who is Affected by Rosacea and Why?

If you suffer from the skin condition, you may feel alone. But rosacea is actually fairly common, affecting approximately 16 million Americans. Women tend to see more occurrences of rosacea, but men who are afflicted often have more severe cases of the condition. Those with fairer skin tend to be more susceptible, it seems, but any skin type can have rosacea.

A 2007 study by Dr. Richard L. Gallo, chief of the dermatology department at the University of California, made some discoveries as to what may make rosacea sufferers more susceptible to the condition. Molecules, called cathelicidins, influence the vascular and inflammatory responses in the skin. The skin of people afflicted by rosacea tend to be higher in cathelicidins, possibly accounting for the broken blood vessels and inflammation.

Dr. Gallo concluded in 2013 that, while cathelicidin levels and how molecules in the skin react to outside influences is one answer to the question of why and who gets rosacea, “no single stimulus is likely to explain the disease in all patients.”

What Worsens Rosacea?

What causes rosacea to flare may be entirely different from case to case. Some tend to see outbreaks after vigorous exercise or sun exposure. Others link flare ups to alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods. Still others seem to be aggravated by stressful life events.

We may not be certain as to what causes or exacerbates rosacea, but one factor seems to be consistent. And that is inflammation. We know that inflammation in the body causes health problems and discomfort, and can even lead to disease. It makes sense that rosacea could be an inflammatory response.

Natural Remedies for Rosacea

There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be managed with the right lifestyle changes. Take these things into consideration to minimize the severity of rosacea:

• Identify and avoid triggers, like sun exposure or a spicy meal, that spur your rosacea on
• Be diligent about wearing sunscreen
• Protect the face from sun and wind with a hat or scarf
• Use natural skincare that is free from harmful ingredients
• Steer clear of abrasive skincare products
• Ask your doctor about taking an anti-inflammatory supplement, like turmeric or ginger
• Keep stress levels low
• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet

Best Natural Skincare Products for Rosacea

Gentle skincare made with soothing ingredients is best for treating rosacea and warding off outbreaks. Check out these natural skincare products for rosacea.

Hailed the “organic Cetaphil”, Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser clears away makeup and debris in the gentlest way.

Aloe vera and Willow bark mean Amala Hydrating Toner is super gentle. Use to calm and hydrate upset skin.

Reduce inflammation and redness with YULI Cocoon Elixir. This elixir includes calendula, rose, and chamomile hydrosols to bring irritated skin back into balance. Use throughout the day to refresh and hydrate.

Rosehip oil is anti-aging and ultra mild. Try Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend for added hydration and skin soothing benefits.

Let Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Crème repair skin while you sleep. Contains anti-inflammatory St. John’s Wort and Marigold to calm and soothe.

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Image of woman covering face via Shutterstock

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Carrageenan is a common food additive that’s recently come under increased scrutiny because of possible health risks.

As a new Paleo eater, I no longer consume much dairy. To cream my coffee or make a nice soup, I turn to non-dairy substitutes like almond and coconut milk. But as I’ve recently discovered, these foods aren’t as safe as they seem. Investigate the label on popular dairy and non-dairy products, and you’re likely to see “carrageenan” listed among the ingredients. This food additive is causing a stir because of possible side effects.

What is carrageenan?

At first glance, carrageenan sounds benign: it’s extracted from edible seaweeds, usually red seaweed (pictured above). Although carrageenan has no flavor or nutritional value, it can be used to substitute fat and to create thickness in non-fat or non-dairy foods. As such, you’re likely to find it on the label of your favorite milk, milk-substitute, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and many prepared foods.

Why should carrageenan be avoided?

Since carrageenan is derived from seaweed, you might be wondering why it’s to be avoided. After all, isn’t a seaweed-based food additive better than a chemical one? Unfortunately, four decades of research suggests the use of carrageenan in common food products could be putting your health at risk.

“The chemical structure of carrageenan–unique chemical bonds not found in other seaweeds or gums–affects the body in several ways. Most notably, it triggers an immune reaction, which leads to inflammation in the gastrointestinal system. Prolonged inflammation is a precursor to more serious diseases, including cancer,” explains the Cornucopia Institute in “Carrageenan: How a “Natural” Food Additive Is Making Us Sick.”

For ethical reasons, most carrageenan research has been carried out with animal test subjects. Consumption has produced intestinal damage, epithelial cell loss, increased intestinal permeability, diarrhea, and ulcers in the colon. Results varied between species of animal however, which makes it even more difficult to isolate the effect on humans. However, as this detailed article from health and nutrition specialist Chris Kresser explains, in vitro studies of carrageenan carried out using human cells support the idea that the food additive creates unnecessary inflammation in the body.

Are you at risk?

The good news is that in most cases, food-grade carrageenan is used in such low concentrations that it probably won’t affect most people. The bad news is that if you follow a vegan or Paleo diet, in which non-dairy substitutes are used more often, you might be increasing your carrageenan intake, and with it, your risk. If you’ve been experiencing chronic digestive issues and can’t figure out why, carrageenan could be the culprit.

“[A]nyone suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms (irritable bowel syndrome/IBS, spastic colon, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, etc.) to consider completely eliminating carrageenan from the diet to determine if carrageenan was a factor in causing the symptoms,” advises the Cornucopia Institute.

Consult this handy shopping guide to avoid organic foods with carrageenan.

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Images: JohnnyMrNinja and Peter Southwood

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