Archive for September, 2009

In a walnutty world……..

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009


Walnuts are one of ten “super foods.” Super foods provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients and fill you up so you can enjoy plenty of food without excess calories. Walnuts are great because you can enjoy them in everyday meals.

Not only are walnuts a good addition to any healthy eating plan, the omega-3 essential fatty acids make them a good method for fighting inflammatory skin issues, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Eating walnuts also helps improve skin smoothness because the oil contains lincolic acid, which maintains skin structure. Walnut shells can be ground up for a natural exfoliate ingredient. The leaf extract can also be used in skin care products for its astringent and conditioning properties.

Got any fave recipes or beauty products using this nutty classic?

Beauty in your fridge

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009


Here are the last recipes from your kitchen and today’s are good for all skin types.

  • Green Tea

The antioxidants in green tea help fight free radical damage. Green tea can be applied directly to the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Some research has linked green tea treatments to the prevention of skin cancer and signs of aging resulting from sun exposure.

For a powerful, antioxidant punch brew one to two tea bags for each cup of water, let it cool then apply to your face after cleansing.

  • Salt and Sugar

Maybe not the best for your insides, but applied as a scrub, these two are great natural exfoliates. They help loosen lifeless skin cells that need to be physically removed. The glycolic acid in sugar, paired with its rough texture makes it ideal for exfoliation treatments.

Mix a teaspoon of sugar or salt with any cleanser and apply in small, circular motions. Rinse with warm water.

Beauty in your fridge

Friday, September 25th, 2009

We have covered some great all-natural treatments for acne, combination and normal skin. Here are some great finds for the dry skin girls:

  • Avocados

They are great for moisturizing and rejuvenating because they are packed with monounsaturated fats and vitamins B and E. Also rich in vitamin C, avocados stimulate collagen and reduce some signs of aging.

For a surge of moisture, mix one tablespoon of ripe avocado, add half a teaspoon of honey and mix. Stir in a small amount of almond meal until creamy. Be sure to apply to a clean, make-up free face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and finish with a rinse of vinegar pH balancer.

  • Bananas

This high in potassium fruit has the same benefits of an avocado. But the banana gives the skin a long lasting healthy glow.

Mash a banana and add two teaspoons of yogurt. Mix until creamy and apply immediately to the skin. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, then remove it with a spatula and rinse.

Do you have any favorite natural remedies I missed?

Want America to be a Climate Leader?

Thursday, September 24th, 2009


Get Involved and Make history with us and be entered to win in the World’s Biggest
Green Sweepstakes! When you sign up to win from hundreds of green prizes from your favorite green companies (including Scandle Massage Candles), you will also receive a weekly email with a simple and easy call to action. Collectively, we’re going to add up to big change. And, it’s just about time, too. World leaders are meeting in Copenhagen in December to hopefully come to an international agreement on the world-wide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. If America is going to truly be a leader, our leaders need to hear from us now. So, let’s realize our power and show that we add up. There will be over 230
winners in the Climate Action Giveaway and each prize will help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Enter to Win today! http://www.climategiveaway.com

Good Luck!

Beauty in your fridge

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Today’s cures come from your pantry:

  • Honey

Considered to be one of the best natural acne fighters, honey is known for its antibacterial properties. It can actually kill the bacteria associated with the cause of acne. To reap the benefits of this great household product, massage a small amount of lightly heated honey onto your skin; or dab it on individual blemishes to speed up the repair time.

  • Olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed out of the several grades, and the best option for skin care treatments. You can apply EVOO to your face as part of a daily skin care routine. With continued use, it can reduce hyperpigmentation.

Beauty in your fridge

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009


In today’s fluctuating market, people are cutting back on some of the things we use to feel were a mandatory accessory in life. Throughout the week, Scandle will be letting you in on some kitchen cures for your skin that are easy on the wallet and easy on time. So before you clean out the refrigerator, take a second look at these great skin cures:

  • Strawberries

Strawberries can be used to condition and tone any skin type. One way to help lighten pigmentation problems and keep you skin smooth is to mash up some strawberries and use them as an astringent or cleansing mask.

  • Carrots

If you have oily or acne prone skin, this vitamin A packed vege is you new best friend. Carrots have proven to be as effective at dealing with acne as retinoids.

To make a cooked carrot mask, boil three large carrots and mash or blend them. Add five tablespoons of honey. Apply lightly in an upward motion and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Got any Scandle-ous do-it-yourself beauty tips and products, tell us.

Beauty from the outside in

Friday, September 18th, 2009

More and more studies are being published about the effects of what we ingest through food, beverages and air. Here are five simple steps to insure what your getting from the outside benefits your inside the most.

  1. Always include a skin healthy diet in your routine. Be sure to included foods that contain fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins. Fatty acids improve the skin layer where moisture is absorbed to keep irritations out.
  2. Always, always, always monitor your sun exposure. Do not underestimate the importance of sunscreen.
  3. Hydrate. Remember you do not have to drink 8 glasses of water a day to get you minimum requirements. Yes it is important to drink water but ingesting raw fruits and veges that are loaded with nutrients and structured water cut down on the number of glasses needed.
  4. Exercise. If you cannot make it to the gym, take a brisk walk around the block. A daily dose of any physical activity can oxygenate and rejuvenate the skin while providing good circulation and blood flow.
  5. Meditate or fine some personal time. Stress is one of the major causes of weight gain and skin irritations. Always remember to take some time for you.

Green retailers get a D-minus from consumers

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

A recently published study found that when it comes to giving their consumers information about green purchases, retailers get a D-minus. Around 40 percent of consumers in all markets say the information provided to them on green products is insufficient.

Shoppers want to be assured that when they pay that extra cash for a “green” or “organic” product, they are spending their cash on a truly green purchase. The study findings suggest that most green claims are used too loosely, leaving consumers in the dark about the actual environmental advantages of choosing that “green” product over the other ones.

It is important to remember that if you are in the business of green products, make sure you have a detailed ingredient list on your product. Also, display detailed signage or literature on the benefits of a consumer choosing your product over a not-so-green alternative.

Let’s raise that D-minus to an A-plus!!

Tap back into your water!

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009


Many of us think that bottled water is a much safer option than who knows what coming out of our kitchen sinks. But, a recent report published last month says bottled water is actually less-regulated by the FDA than tap water.

The report finds that the FDA has very little authority over bottled water and several companies do not disclose their sources of purification.

If you cannot find your favorite bottled water company’s source of purification or want to add a new step in your greening efforts at home, try switching to tap water and using an eco-friendly portable water bottle.

If you are still a little weary about tap water, you can purchase a water purification device that attaches directly to your sink. In the long run that devices saves money you would have spent on all those plastic bottles.

Beauty Goes Green

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Beauty Goes Green

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