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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You’ve got this whole mineral sunscreen thing. How difficult can it be? Mineral is safer than chemical, use a facial sunscreen on face, body sunscreen on body, choose your appropriate SPF/Broad Spectrum/Water Resistant option as needed, and make sure you use safe sunscreen ingredients. Off you go into the UV bathed sunset.

Then you wake up and realize you have an issue or two with your bare bones sunscreen selecting method. Are non-whitening sunscreens invisible even on darker complexions? Will your facial sunscreen give you zits or dry your skin out? What if your sensitive skin doesn’t like your sunscreen? Do you put foundation over or under your sunscreen? Is it okay to wear foundation with sunscreen, is that even done?

Yikes! You’ve gotten yourself into quite the sunscreen conundrum. Not to worry, we are here to help. Yes, mineral is the safe sunscreen choice. Yep, it is best to use products designed for face on your face. Sure, SPF and Broad Spectrum protection are valid concerns. And of course, avoid toxic chemicals.

But there are other concerns to take into account too. Like skin type and tone. You wouldn’t purchase any old facial moisturizer and expect to be happy with the results, would you? Of course not! You would make sure it is designed for your skin type. Same goes for makeup. A foundation has to match your skin tone and it is equally important to use a sunscreen that does the same.

Lucky for you, there are options. Products for every skin type and tone that provide serious UV protection. Oh, and you are going to love them.

Safe Sunscreens for Face by Skin Type

Oily/Acne: Consonant The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30 is made with aloe and ultra light oils to provide non-greasy hydration and is fragrance-free, so ideal for sensitive skin too. Pratima Skincare Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30 provides anti-aging benefits in a light, breathable formula. Bonus product: Use Kahina Giving Beauty Serum while not in the sun for anti-aging benefits along with spot and sun damage diminishment, all in a breakout-proof formula.

Dry/Mature: A rich formula that absorbs into skin, True Natural Sunscreen: Face Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is perfect under makeup. Karen’s Botanicals Lovely Lavender Day Cream SPF 15 is thick and creamy, hydrating to mature skin, but also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Bonus product: Get max anti-aging support with absolutely no irritation with Yuli Modern Alchemist.

Sensitive: RawSkinCeuticals Rosacea Day Cream SPF 30 is strong protection for delicate skin in a super mild formula. (Also see products marked sensitive in oily and dry categories) Bonus product: Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend calms and protects skin, while fading scars and spots. Perfect post-sun skin recoup.

Normal/Combo: Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer in one. Non-greasy and provides anti-aging benefits. Bonus product: Hailed as an anti-aging miracle, Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum minimizes fine lines, improves texture and tone, and reduces inflammation.

Tinted Facial Sunscreens

Now about that makeup over or under sunscreen problem. How about nix the makeup and use a tinted, moisturizing sunscreen instead. If that sounds too good to be true, hold onto your bikini bottoms because these natural tinted mineral sunscreen moisturizers are going to makeover your summertime get ready sesh.

Suntegrity5-in- Natural Moisturizing Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 offers high quality sun protection, super natural color, and feels great on skin. Use in place of your daily moisturizer and foundation for ultra natch UV protection with light coverage. These tints are so blendable, they easily match any skin tone. Suited to all skin types, especially good for mature, dry, and normal/combination.

Those with sensitive or oily skin will love Ilia Beauty Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. A semi-matte facial moisturizer with mineral sun protection and easy to blend tint. Six natural shades to suit all skin tones.

*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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So you have some issues with your skin. Who doesn’t? If you have tanned, scrubbed, stripped, and slathered, and still aren’t loving what you see in the mirror … may be time to embrace your face.

We all have things we don’t like about our skin. Too pink, too dark, too pale, too irritated, too many zits. Rather than nit picking (and actual picking) try getting behind the skin you were given and giving it what it needs.

Choose Products for Your Skin Type

Use products right for you, not your sister, best friend, favorite aunt, or pop star in the latest issue of Glamour Magazine. Your skincare is about YOU. Your skin. It is as personal as your diet. Identify your skin type and issues, and look for products geared toward them. Your skin, and attitude about it, will benefit.

Conceal the Right Way

Are you covering dark spots, discoloration, and blemishes with a thick layer of concealer and foundation? Well, stop! It is not good for skin and, really, looks worse than a lighter touch. Be sure you are using the right color concealer or foundation for your skin tone. This will help a lot in coverage and provides a more natural look. Concealer should be one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Follow Spirit Beauty Lounge’s Color Guide to figure out which shade is best for your skin. Foundation can be tricky, yes. SBL offers a super useful Color Guide for foundation too, with several product options for each tone.

Own Your Skin Tone

We know tanning, whether in the sun or a tanning bed, causes skin to age prematurely and can even lead to skin cancer. Not cool. Self tanners are a safer way to get a bronzed look. But what about learning to love your paleness? Since my preteens I have tanned my fair skin every summer. I still love a great tan, but now I end up with more spots and freckles each year. Plus, I can tell it has aged my skin and am now envious of women with the creamy, even complexion. Protect your skin while you have it. Promise you won’t be sorry!

Get to the Root of the Problem

So you may be able to learn to love your pale skin. But what about acne or rosacea? Who is going to learn to love those? Try listening to what your skin is telling you. Unhappy skin is unhappy for a reason. Acne may be hormonal or because of an allergy or inner imbalance. It can even be something as simple as a hair product coming in contact with the skin or a dirty pillowcase. Deal with breakouts the gentlest way possible. Use products made with natural antibacterial ingredients that balance, not strip, the skin. Zero in on what causes your rosacea to flare up and steer clear of those things. There are even skincare products designed to treat rosacea and irritable skin conditions.

Hopefully these tips will help you learn to embrace your face. As with most things in life, being you is always the best choice.

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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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The post Redness Rescue: Natural Remedies for Rosacea appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sensitive, red skin flares up in the winter, when the air is dry and the conditions harsher, especially if you are winter sports enthusiast.

A rosy flush is all the welcome, but when a pinkish hue turns into redness that is dry, inflamed and blotchy, the look has lost its appeal, and its comfort. The red skin you get in the winter can be treated in the convenience of your home with a few foods and products that you likely already have on hand.

Winter weather is harsh on our minds and bodies, but don’t let reddish skin hold you back from putting your freshest face forward. Instead, take control of your skincare regimen so that you address season-specific stressors, like the cold, wind and snow. These 3 tips are basic ways to improve your complexion and reduce discoloration.

1. Eat cool

Let’s start with the diet. It is important to take in foods that won’t trigger inflammation. These include meat, animal byproducts and foods that are processed, packaged and sugar-laden. Eat foods packed with antioxidants that help to hydrate the skin from the inside out. These include every vegetable, but emphasize carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Stay away from spicy foods and herbs, which increase circulation to the face and can cause flare-ups. Stick to a plant-based diet, utilizing spices that are mellow and less active than pepper spices.

2. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil should be in your skincare regimen regardless if you experience red skin in the winter or not. The oil is a panacea to all skin problems, including eczema, acne and wounds. The flavonoid oligomeric procyanidin found in grapeseed oil is an antioxidant that is 50-times stronger than vitamins C and E. Therefore, it protects skin from cell and tissue damage as well as free radicals.

3. Wash carefully

Check yourself before you wash yourself. The temperature of water comfortable for your body in the shower is not necessarily apt for your face. Wash your face with warm, not hot, water to prevent causing a flare up of the red skin or from making facial skin ever the more dry. Pat, not rub, the face dry with a soft cloth towel.

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