Archive for the ‘Antioxidants’ Category
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Like I needed one? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love chocolate! Chocolate is better than…well let’s just say I really love Chocolate!;) I recently read that there has been research that suggests that dark chocolate is actually healthy to boot, here’s why…
Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants. Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:
*Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
*Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:
*it tastes good
*it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure
*it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant
*it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants
*Did I mention it tastes good? LOL
In celebration of Chocolate and all of it’s health benefits, Scandle is featuring a new gift set for Valentine’s Day, Scandle’s Chocolate Spa Therapy, featuring this heavenly treat. The gift set includes
*1 Scandle Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shimmering Lotion Candle in reusable ceramic container
*1 Scandle Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Dead Sea Salt Soak and Scrub
*1oz Chocolate Prescription chocolate bars so you can get your daily dose of healthy yumminess!
Tags: Antioxidants, blood pressure, chocolate, Chocolate Prescription, Chocolate Spa, Chocolate spa therapy, health benefits of chocolate, heart health, Scandle Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub, Scandle Massage Candle
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Brain Health, Chocolate Body Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Natural Health, Scandle Candle, Soy Candles, Stress-Reducing Treatments, Valentine's Day, emotional well-being | 5 Comments »
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011
It’s almost spring and I can hardly wait! For me Spring symbolizes longer days, warmer weather, and the realization that I’ll be a year older (on March 23rd in case you want to send me a birthday gift).;)
Nothing, in my opinion, symbolizes the onset of Spring more than the appearance of The Cherry Blossom.
In Japan, not only are cherry trees valued for their fragrance and color during the blooming season, but their blossoms are also used to add flavor and color to food and beverages, most notably cherry blossom tea. The tea, known in Japan as Sakura-cha, is prepared with cherry blossoms that have been immersed in salt water and stored in plum vinegar. The leftover plum vinegar is then used as a flavoring and coloring agent in food production.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that the plum vinegar extract of cherry blossom is a rich source of caffeic acid and other phenolic antioxidants which help strengthen the body’s ability to protect against oxidative damage caused by environmental factors.
To celebrate the on-set of spring and this amazing blossom, try out Scandle’s Limited Edition Spring Fragrance - Japanese Cherry Blossom today!
What do you love about spring?
Tags: caffeic acid, cherry blossom, phenolic antioxidants, plum vinegar, sakura, spring beauty, tea
Posted in Antioxidants, Cherry Blossom, Scandle Candle, Tea Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, February 28th, 2011
More than ever before, we are overly stressed physically, financially and mentally and living in a toxic environment. So it is important that we take the time to create a chain reaction of profound wellness.
Green tea, a simple, inexpensive plant can help promote profound healing and well-being.
One type of Japanese green tea is kyoto karigane. Because of how this particular type of tea is grown and processed in Japan, it is has the highest stress-relieving amino acid L-theanine.
Drinking Kyoto Karigane will help you experience a higher alpha state, resulting in a mind that is clear and focused, your body will feel relaxed, and your creativity enhanced. In addition, the tea will boost your immune system as it is packed full of free-radical scavengers.
Using kyoto karigane on your body will help clean and nourish the skin.
What other “magical” and inexpensive natural remedies do you use to nourish yourself on the inside and out?
Tags: amino acid L-theanine, Green Tea, kyoto karigane, natural beauty, stress relief, tea, toxins
Posted in Antioxidants, Brain Health, Green Tea, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Natural Health, Natural Remedies, Scandle Candle, Stress-Reducing Treatments, Tea Treatments | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
Cranberries are a delectable treat served next to your turkey for Thanksgiving, but cranberries aren’t just for the holidays anymore. The cranberry is one of three fruits native to North America that is grown for commercial purposes. It was the Native Americans that first discovered how versatile this fruit was, using it for food, dye and its healing agents. Cranberries are great when used as a whole fruit, when juiced, or when used as extracts.
Cranberries are more than just tasty though. They have been proven to have numerous health and medicinal benefits. Cranberries are known to strengthen bones and teeth and are a good source of calcium, so it’s no wonder that studies have shown that cranberry juice helps prevent cavities by blocking bacteria that stick to the teeth. Cranberry juice has also been known to aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections, certain types of cancer, kidney stones and stomach ulcers.
Cranberries can be used as more than just preventatives. It is also a good source of Vitamins A, C, E and K. It reduces the effects of sore throats, which in turn helps cure the common cold. The organic acids in the juices also help to break down the fat deposits in our bodies, so is great for those of us looking to shed some extra pounds.
If cranberries are not in your regular diet, you may want to consider incorporating it. Whether you are eating cranberries whole, using it in your cooking, or drinking the juices, it needs to be a part of your daily regimen. You may begin to notice more energy, less colds, or more flawless skin that may have been previously damaged from the sun. Who can really complain about that?
Tags: cranberries, daily regimen, preventative
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Cold Prevention, Cranberries, Healthy Living, Natural Remedies, Vitamin C, Vitamin e, Vitamins | No Comments »
Monday, January 24th, 2011
No one likes to get old. It’s already bad enough knowing that age is taking you over day by day, but when your experience and wisdom begins to show on your face, it already feels like your life is over. That first wrinkle is something every person, man or woman, dreads. Is there anything you can actually do?
Yes there is! There are plenty of home remedies that will help you remove those dreaded age spots. These tips and tricks are all natural and will vary depending on the amount of age spots, the shade of the spots and your skin tone. The lighter your skin is, the more harmless most remedies will be. However, if your skin is darker, then fading age spots may leave a skin discoloration. So just make sure to do your research before jumping head first into anything.
The first thing you need to do is think about prevention. Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day whenever its bright rays are at their strongest. If you have to endure the sun, then cover up and rub yourself up with some sunblock.
You are what you eat! Always keep in mind that your diet can be directly related to how your skin appears. Healthy is always better. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals as much as possible and always keep in mind that fresh is healthier than processed and preserved. Avoid the sugars and caffeine to give your skin a boost, and just feel better in general.
Direct Vitamin E oil and castor oil are great for discoloration of the skin. You can buy some capsules, and just break open the capsules and apply directly to your skin. Aloe vera is great for treating burns, freckles and scars. That being said, it is also good for age spots. Just rub on some aloe vera gel onto your blemishes twice a day.
Other natural ingredients that have been known to remove age spots are lemon juice, onion juice, and apple cidar vinegar. Even though it’s not good for your body, buttermilk is great for your skin. The lactaid acid in it is known to exfoliate the skin damaged by the sun.
Before you pull out your pocket book for over the counter creams, check your cabinets and pantries to see if there is a more eco-friendly way to help your skin. If you’re rubbing it on your face, it’s always better that it comes from a plant or tree first. Stay out of the sun and don’t forget your sun protection.
Tags: age spots, aloe vera, Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Natural Remedies, vitamin e
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Green Living, Home Treatments, Scarring, Sensitive skin, Vitamin e | No Comments »
Thursday, January 20th, 2011
De-stress yourself without breaking the bank. Send the kids off to slumber party. Send the hubby on a Guys Night Out. Unplug your phone and turn off your porch light, make this night all about you. You may not get the hunky massage therapist, but these DIY Spa tips and tricks will be sure to relax you and save you money.
First things first, get what you need.
There’s no point in starting when you have to run out to the store. Look up on all-natural, feel good recipes for you to pamper yourself. There are many ideas out on the web, and you can handpick what you are putting on your face and rubbing on your skin. Find out what kind of treatments you want, like manicures, facials, scrubs or body wraps.
Start healthy.
Start off your day right and eat healthy foods. Start off your day with some oatmeal or granola with some fresh fruits. If you make sure you feel good in the morning, then it will carry with you for the rest of your day. Stretch your body when you wake wake up in the morning and loosen up for the rest of your day.
Set the mood.
Find out what kind of tunes will set the ambiance and help you relax. Nothing too upbeat or depressing. You will want something slow, at a low volume. Turn it on and just let the rhythm carry you away.
Lighting.
You’d be surprised at how much the right kind of lighting will take away all of your stress. Turn off the lights, light up some candles, and watch the flames dance. Make sure to pick some good fragrances to add aromatherapy to your at home treatment. The right kind of lighting paired with the perfect music is just what you need to start off your spa experience.
The home experience.
Here’s the good part. Make sure you’re taken care of from head to toe. Pick out the perfect salts for your bath. Use a conditioning treatment for your hair (coconut oil does wonders), and an invigorating mask for your face. From there you can either soak in your bath or shed some inches with a warm body wrap. If your skin is particularly dry (let’s face it, these cold winters are not helping) then a fresh cut orange half is great as a loofah scrub. Use them on your hands, feet, elbows and knees. Lemons will also work, and will also help lighten darker areas. End your spa treatment with a great manicure/pedicure, and feel beautiful from head to toe.
Once you help yourself feel good, you can carry that feeling everywhere you go. A DIY spa treatment will lift a weight off your shoulder and make you feel years younger. Just remember to let everything go, pace yourself, and free yourself from the world and anything that may distract you from you. Everyone needs a little me time.
Posted in Antioxidants, Aromatherapy, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Body Scrubs, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Essential Oils, Facials, Green Living, Hair Treatments, Healthy Living, Home Treatments, Lemon treatments, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Salt, Scandle Candle, Sensitive skin, Skin & Body Care/Treatments, Stress-Reducing Treatments, Winter Care | No Comments »
Monday, January 17th, 2011
There’s a lot of them out there. The ones that use chocolate as an excuse for absolutely everything. Cravings, sweet tooth, stress…there’s always a reason for chocolate. Well, spas have caught on. This sweet decadent is not only for your tasting pleasure anymore, but commonly used in treatments to nourish your skin and take a little edge off of your high stress day.
This is not a joke. You may have grown up thinking chocolate causes blemishes, but scientists have actually discovered that chocolate contains plenty of anti-oxidants! For the full experience, make sure you choose recipes (for you at-home spa people) or treatments that use chocolate, cocoa, or cocoa butter as the main ingredient. Dark chocolate is better for your skin (and your health) than milk chocolate. The reason chocolate is good for spa treatments is because it contains cocoa butter, which can act as a natural moisturizer for your skin, making it softer. Chocolate has also been known to contain caffeine, which also very good for circulation. There are many recipes floating around online. Don’t forget to have a bar of chocolate close by in case your at home treatment gives you a strong hankering for this cocoa treat.
If you want to go out and find a chocolate treatment, there’s plenty out there. Spas offer everything from facials and scrubs to baths and soaks that eature chocolate or cocoa butter as a main ingredient. So the next time you are stressing and feel that chocolate is the answer, try out a massage before giving into your sweet tooth.
Tags: Antioxi, At Home Spa, chocolate, Chocolate Spa, Cocoa butter, moisturizer
Posted in Acne Causes & Treatments, Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Healthy Living, Home Treatments, Sensitive skin | No Comments »
Friday, January 14th, 2011
Spas aren’t just for women anymore. It’s a guy thing now. Men get stressed, overwhelmed and worn out as well. They need “me” time as much as women do, and sometimes a man cave just doesn’t cut it. Men deserved to get pampered, too.
Well, Men, you can do just that. The International Spa Association says that over one-third of spa-goers are men. It makes sense now why spas all over the United States are opening male-specialized treatments, and many places are offering male-only spas, or a “man spa” if you will. Men no longer need to worry about strolling into a spa full of women or feeling less masculine for getting a mani/pedi.
Big cities like Chicago, Cincinnati and New York offer a selection of man spas, while other places offer treatments tailored to men. These places offer things such as a hand or foot repair, not to be confused with manicures and pedicures. Many of these places offers things that a barbershop would have like a haircut or a straight-edge razor shave with a refreshing hot towel. You don’t need to worry about any aches or woes since most of these places offer massages, and even go as far as sport massages and a golf massage! If you’re tired of razor burn, then they have facials with anti-oxidants to open up your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth and without the tenderness. If you need a little extra help relaxing, then look for aromatherapy options that feature the essential oils you need to set a relaxing mood.
Men no longer have an excuse to be stressed out with so much opportunity to treat themselves. When spas offer MVP rooms with widescreen TVs, newspapers and business magazines, who is to say that can’t spare a little time for that? Guys, take this opportunity to pamper yourselves. You might as well buy your lady a day at the spa as well. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner after all.
Tags: aromatherapy, facials, Man spa, manicures, pedicures, relax, Spa, valentine's day
Posted in Antioxidants, Aromatherapy, Beauty Care & Treatments, Essential Oils, Hair Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage, Stress-Reducing Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, December 6th, 2010
We all want to do it. Turn back the clock on a few wrinkles. Who wouldn’t want to look younger? These days, you have to take so many precautions to stay young, like avoiding age spots caused by traffic and pollution. With all the new innovations and discoveries, there’s no point in rubbing numerous chemicals on your face anymore.
Instead of buying random products that promises to hide those wrinkles and age spots, make sure you know what you’re rubbing on your skin first! Anti-aging and natural beauty care go hand-in-hand now. Everyone is going green now, so help your body go the earth-friendly route, too.
The easiest way to go natural is to make sure your products are growing. Durian, argan oil, red tea, acai berry and bearberry are 5 of the most common natural ingredients when it comes to anti-aging. Antioxidants are another key word to look for. They’re not only good for your health, but great for your skin. Also, make sure your products contain some sort of UV protection. That tan may look good now, but the sun will not be so friendly as you age.
Always go for the ingredients you know, rather than the ones you can’t pronounce, when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. If you can keep your hands moisturized and hide those wrinkles, you’re already a step closer to that young, natural look. A few things to remember: exercise, eat well and relax. It’s all up to you.
Tags: Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, natural beauty, Skin Care
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Beauty Care & Treatments, Healthy Living, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Natural/Fruit infused treatments, Scandle Candle, Skin & Body Care/Treatments, Skin Care | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Grapes are good for us, we all know this. Consistent consumption has been linked to a decrease in the risks of heart disease, some types of cancers and viruses. But not only are they great for our insides, they are now a staple in many spa treatments.
In less than 10 years, vinotherapy has become a celebrated development in the spa industries of Europe, South Africa and South America. Now, wine spas are gaining momentum in the US and Canada.
Wine grapes contain natural antioxidants, polyphenols, which exfoliate, detoxify and soften and repair damaged skin.
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol found in the skin of the grape. Red and purple grapes have significantly more resveratrol than green grapes. This is because red and purple grapes are fermented longer with the grape skins. Grape seeds have strong anti-aging properties that fight damaging compounds in the skin called free radicals.
If you are looking for a more do-it-yourself grape beauty routine, grape seed oil is a natural skin care treatment and is easy to find and very affordable.
Grape seed oil contains essential fatty acids similar to those that combine to create the skin’s sebum, a naturally lubricating and protecting fatty substance. Some other benefits of using grape seed oil are:
- It is a natural moisturizer, replacing the skin’s sebum removed during your cleansing routine
- Locks that moisture in and keeps toxins out of the pores
- Prevents and repairs free radical damage (perfect as an under-eye treatment)
- Can aid in the repair of stretch marks
For great at-home treatments be sure to check out The Grapeseed Company for high quality, grape seed oil products.
Have you tried a grape spa treatment or do you use grape seed oil in your beauty routine? Let us know what your favorite treatments are…….
Tags: grape seed oil, grape spa treatments, grapes
Posted in Antioxidants, Beauty Treatments, Body Scrubs, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Home Treatments | 1 Comment »
