Skincare Articles

How I cared for my lips after filler injection with Post-Traumatic Response Gel.

A young girl with cystic acne after starting birth control, and her journey to heal her skin with natural remedies.

Let’s face it, standing for what feels like forever in the skincare aisle can be very overwhelming. You’re aware of the terms Organic, Natural, Nontoxic, and Clean Beauty, and yet most of those products claim at least one or more of these descriptors. You begin to ask yourself, what is the difference and is it legitimate?  Crushed for time, you skim through the ingredients and pick up your refill of natural face wash or cream in time to beat traffic back home. You don’t know what’s so natural about that popular face cream in your hands, but you do know one thing, your skin deserves better.  You’re not alone, according to the 2017 Label Insight Ingredient Confusion Study, only 1/3 of Americans understand package claims meant to help inform shoppers, i.e. natural, healthy, and clean. Almost half of the respondents reported less trust towards a brand when they felt confused about product ingredients. Of course, when ingredient confusion becomes a problem, manufacturers start noticing a decline in product sales.  As a way to avoid labeling confusion and stay competitive in the skincare industry, manufacturers go to great lengths to provide transparency by using the terms Organic, Natural, and Clean Beauty as a way to gain the potential consumer’s trust.    Unfortunately, such claims aren’t always as simple as they sound. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit that is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, when it comes to skincare or general personal care products there is no federal oversight for ingredients and labeling in the U.S. As a result, this places the responsibility solely on manufacturers to determine the legitimacy of their claims. Understanding Organic Skincare Better                                                                 Let’s start by dissecting the term Organic, sounds comforting? Would it still comfort you if you knew the FDA does not actually regulate the term organic for personal care products?  In fact, the regulatory body that governs standards for organic products, and provides “USDA Organic” certification labels is called the National Organic Program (NOP). To obtain the certified label, a product or agricultural ingredient must meet the following strict criteria:   Be free from pesticides, genetically modified organisms, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, and  Obtained from a USDA certified facility that practices approved methods of organic production.  At least 95% of the total content excluding water, must be organic.  The USDA Organic seal is the gold standard to ensure the legitimacy of a product versus a product which claims to be Organic without a visible certification.  Not having the official USDA Organic seal however does not necessarily mean dishonest manufacturing, having the label likewise does not mean toxic ingredients or synthetics haven’t been included in the product. Next comes the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF or NSFI), yet another organization which provides certifications on Organic labeling claims. Just like the NOP, the NSF requires all products to be thoroughly evaluated by an accredited Organic organization that verifies the manufacturer’s ingredients to be at least 70 percent Organic. The NSF seal issued by third-party certifiers that are part of NSF International, such as Oregon Tilth and QAI, provide a level of assurance. They ensure that manufacturers follow material processes and production specifications per their strict standards. If none of these seals are on the label but the word Organic is, then most likely either the manufacturer does not meet the USDA or NSF Organic standards of quality, or they didn’t bother obtaining the seal.  And even though Organic claims vary, having the official seal may help narrow down your search next time you find yourself rushed while shopping the skincare aisles. Understanding Natural Skincare Better  I wish that was all the information you had to worry about when it comes to skincare products, but Natural is another term we desperately need to discuss. While we like to assume that when a face cream claims “all natural,” it’s exactly that. Now is it really? And are we really doing better for our skin if we use skincare products that claim to be?  Turns out, that most women do believe natural is better, and according to results from a 2017 survey conducted by Green Beauty Barometer, going green is the new norm.  Adopting a natural skincare regimen is trendy but that term holds a guarded weight to its claim despite how valued it is by consumers. So what is natural skincare? Manufacturers have their own interpretation of Natural, depending on the ingredients used, where having only one plant extract makes the cut.  At times, it’s as clever as the sound of the name, like Aveeno Naturals, or as frivolous as the ubiquitous green packaging to denote the color of leaves found in nature. I know! At this point, you’re probably beginning to question that face cream you thought so highly of. Well, let’s try to put some hope into that terminology too. Fortunately, there are ways you can determine the legitimacy of Natural claims, thanks to the Natural Products Association (NPA). The Natural Personal Care Standard is how the NPA regulates the term Natural while also informing consumers. Receipt of this seal means that a product has a minimum of 95% natural ingredients. Thanks to NPA standards, you’ll be able to know if ingredients are made from natural sources and manufactured by outlined ecological processes. This company favors substances that are listed and recognized as safe by the FDA and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), it prohibits substances such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin, including others also listed on their website. Again, even if a product contains naturally derived ingredients, it may also carry a handful of harmful toxic and synthetic ingredients. Finally, as head of EWG’s Healthy Living Science Program Nneka Leiba points out, not all products derived from nature are necessarily safe for your skin. Take poison ivy, lead or arsenic. You wouldn’t want to rub that on your face, right? Alternatively, not all synthetics, especially those with long standing track record of neutrality, are unsafe. Although very tedious, finding an “all-natural” product gets easier with an approved seal. This says a lot about how much the manufacturer views the importance of transparency and conscientious skincare. A Better Understanding of Conscientious Skincare Finally, we must pause to take in a few important highlights about the actual wording and branding of natural products. Plant derived compounds such as polyphenols may have a scientific name that sounds intimidating, but are actually antioxidants with potential to heal the skin. Next, out of the rippling tide of confusion surrounding the Natural Product Industrial Complex, has emerged a new generation of skincare labeling with concepts such as Clean Beauty, Conscious Skincare, and Nontoxic Cosmetics. Given the perplexity of their past usage, the emphasis is no longer on just the words Natural or Organic.  Today, companies aim for broader issues stemming from humane research, forbiddance of animal cruelty, to green packaging and low carbon footprint, all relative to conscientious skincare. Well, what is conscientious skincare? Dr. Yazdani founder of Seaside Medical Technologies describes it as, “Being a more informed consumer of cosmetics, by paying closer attention to the labeling claims and seals of approval, and choosing from brands with more transparency, and less toxic list of ingredients. This ultimately will help guide your decision on which products you choose to apply to your and your children’s hair, skin and nails on a regular basis.”  The EWG, NPA and FDA are all good sources with lists of safe and unsafe ingredients and products posted on their websites to ensure consumer safety. Despite all the inconsistencies and overwhelming information, by practicing these basic principles, you’ll be surprised at how conscientious you will soon become about skincare, and hopefully not fall victim to marketing ploys with illegitimate claims. When in doubt, the best route is to put your trust in manufacturers that have done the homework for you. Perhaps a Vegan Symbol, Cruelty Free Certification, or a USDA Organic seal that acknowledges your doubts as a skincare consumer and gives you confidence as to its safety. If those companies are bringing conscientious skincare to our regimen, it’s only sensible we start understanding why this is important for both our skin and our environment. And with these tools in mind, the next time you navigate that skincare aisle, you’ll be that much more an expert on Natural and Organic skincare products.     References Brucculieri, J. (2018, October 1). Natural Beauty Products Aren't Always As Natural As You'd Think.    Burns, C. (2018, January 11). 'Natural? or 'Organic? Cosmetics? Don't Trust Marketing Claims. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/01/natural-or-organic-cosmetics-don-t-trust-marketing-claims Label Insight. (2017). Confusing Ingredients Cause Shoppers to Consider Switching Brands Even if it Means Paying More.    Cosmetics, Body Care Products, and Personal Care Products. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/OrganicCosmeticsFactSheet.pdf.   Emerald, M., Emerald, A., Emerald, L., & Kumar, V. (2016, April 7). Perspective of Natural Products in Skincare. Retrieved from https://medcraveonline.com   EWG. (2019, January 31). Misleading 'Organic' Claims Found in Thousands of Beauty Products. Retrieved from https://www.ecowatch.com/organic-beauty-products-misleading-claims-2055516329.html   Gold, G. (2018, April 3). Slather This On Your Face To Look Younger ASAP. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19671302/polyphenol-benefits-skin/   Herrmann, C. (2019, March 4). What You Need to Know about organic and Natural Skin Care. Retrieved from https://www.beautycrew.com.au/the-difference-between-organic-natural-skin-care   NPA National. (n.d.). Natural Personal Care. Retrieved from https://www.npanational.org/certifications/natural-seal/natural-seal-personal-care/   FDA. (2018, September 4). "Organic" Cosmetics. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-claims/organic-cosmetics   Organic Skincare Explained! (2016, March 31). Retrieved from https://naturallysafe.com.au/blog/organic-skincare-explained/   Safe Synthetics Hair Care. (2018, September 10). Retrieved from https://kavella.com/safe-synthetics   Sanford, V. (2017, August 29). Understanding Organic Certification for Cosmetics. Retrieved from https://library.essentialwholesale.com/httplibrary-essentialwholesale-comp4251   THE GREEN BAROMETER SURVEY. (2017). Retrieved from https://karigran.com/pages/the-green-barometer-survey    

By Dr. Stacy Matthews Acne is a condition of the skin affecting the hair follicles and oil glands. When these become blocked by sebum (medical term for waxy oil produced by glands in your skin), dead skin cells, and bacteria, typical lesions and inflammatory responses occur. Acne can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, or plain genetics. People often make some common mistakes when trying to effectively treat their acne, ultimately worsening the condition or making it difficult to clear. Some of these mistakes can be responsible for the permanent scarring or spots many end up having. Recognizing these 8 acne dos and don'ts for healthy skin can help you obtain the best results in controlling acne.  #1 Over cleansing - Aggressive cleaning can make acne worse due to the skin irritation and over drying. Gentle cleansing and toning with a non-alcohol based product such as Cytotone Waterless Cleanser can be used on different skin types to provide pH-balanced skin cleansing.  #2 Popping pimples - This is a sure way to make healing difficult because bacteria can infect the skin, irritation can increase, and the chances of scaring are greater. Instead of popping pimples, use of MatrX B Response Gel can help to relieve inflammation from acne, sooth irritation, and reduce swelling.   #3 Not seeing a doctor - Being examined by your doctor can help you to avoid many self-treatment mistakes and determine if there is some underlying cause that needs to be addressed.   #4 Improper use of medication - Over or under applying a prescribed medical treatment can retard healing. Overuse of treatment enhances irritation and underuse fails to achieve desired effects. Stopping acne treatment too early will not give the process of healing sufficient time. Some do not realize that abruptly stopping the use of anti-acne medication as soon as pimples are gone can lead to a reappearance weeks later. It is best to taper down and continue using a product once or twice a week to keep acne from returning.  #5 Using too many skin care products simultaneously - Multiple products can interfere with the efficacy of an individual product, cause more irritation, and increase the risk of scar formation. A two or three-step approach using Seaside's Cytotone Cleanser and Toner followed by The Response Gel and an oil-free moisturizer can simplify and streamline your daily regimen while providing effective acne control. #6 Using incompatible skincare products - Lotions and cosmetics that are not designed for acne-prone skin adds insult to injury. Stick to products that are formulated for your type of skin. Avoidance of non-alcohol based toners, harsh cleansers, and antimicrobial washes on daily basis is sure way to prevent aggravation of blemishes.   #7 Failure to hydrate the skin -  Stripping the natural moisture from the skin on a daily basis with harsh cleansers or antimicrobial washes is actually counterproductive.  All skin must be moisturized. This will not make acne worse as long as an oil-based moisturizer is avoided.  #8 Forgetting overall self-care - Diet and hormonal status are important aspects of acne development. Your healthcare provider will help you to determine what to focus on regarding diet, life-style, and exposures that can provoke acne and delay healing. Following the 8 acne dos and don'ts for healthy skin guide will help limit the chances of developing or worsening acne. More importantly, consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action. Do you have any tips for acne? Share in the comments below!

According to the CDC, 39.5 million physician office visits occur after an unintentional mishap. These accidents can cause wounds, scratches, or lingering bruises to form. Bruises normally heal on their own over time.  Why leave them lingering, though? With our five tips to get rid of bruises quickly, you can learn how to decrease the pain, obvious visibility, and bruising embarrassment. 1. Rest Taking it easy can give you the chance to reduce inflammation and pain.  2. Ice Therapy Apply ice immediately after your injury. Chilly temperatures can help reduce blood flow to minimize swelling and make bruises go away. Reduced blood flow around the affected area reduces inflammation and diminishes the size of the bruise. The smaller the bruise, the faster it will heal.   3. Arnica  This herb reduces inflammation and swelling. Arnica Montana is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory remedies in nature, and our Post-Traumatic Response Gel with MatrX B is loaded with it.    In fact, this fast absorbing gel is designed to restore your skin after a cosmetic procedure and we all know how some of these procedures can be very traumatic.  Bruises don't stand a chance with The Response Gel.   4. Heat Therapy If the bruise has already formed, try applying heat. A heating pad, hot water bottle, or hot bath will boost circulation. The increased blood flow will clear any trapped blood, relieve your pain and help bruises heal faster.  5. Pineapple According to a clinical study, pineapple even helps professional boxers clear bruises and hematoma after a match. The bromelain extracted from pineapples is also great for swelling and inflammation. Together, these five tips on how to heal bruises quickly will help you achieve a beautiful, clear complexion.

The rules for skincare are simple: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. Most experts tout these three things as the key to healthy, glowing skin.  What isn't talked about enough is how critical it is to choose the right product. Sure, we know we're supposed to keep our skin free of toxins and harmful substances, yet, many people still don't read labels to make sure their products are free of toxic material. If you're tired of not knowing what you're putting on your face, keep reading. We'll tell you why it's time to switch to non-toxic skincare.  Why You Should Use Non-Toxic Skincare Organic skincare products aren't a passing fad. People are starting to see the benefits of non-toxic skincare products with natural ingredients. Here are a few reasons why you should make the switch: 1. Natural Ingredients Mean Fewer Chemicals Did you know the average woman applies 200 chemicals a day from self-care products? The unfortunate truth is that most ingredients aren't regulated. That's why it's important to read the labels.  When you start using natural products on your skin, you won't have to worry about the toxicity of chemicals. Natural ingredients are not harsh for the skin so you have more peace of mind. There are a variety of organic ingredients that are gentle yet effective.  2. Organic Products are Cruelty-Free Caring for your skin is great, but is it worth using products tested on animals?  The best way to keep a clear conscious and clean skin is to start using vegan skin care products with cruelty-free designation. The more people that stop buying alternatives, the sooner animal testing will be over.  3. Organic Skincare is Better for Your Internal Health  Most people don't understand that what you use topically might end up in the bloodstream. This means chemicals applied to the face or body can end up affecting your health.  The benefit of organic skincare is that you don't have to worry. Natural products don't have a bad rep for messing up the average person's body.  4. Natural Skincare is Environmentally-Friendly  The benefits of organic skincare are not only good for your skin, it also means good things for the environment.  The production of typical skincare products emits chemicals into the environment. If those chemicals affect the earth, what do you think they're doing to your skin?  It only makes sense to help both your skin and the earth by choosing natural products.  5. Natural Skincare and Natural Fragrances Although organic skincare generally means organic fragrances, it's still important to read labels and take responsibility for what you're applying to your skin. You've likely heard that there are specific types of fragrances you should avoid. Synthetic fragrances, made from petrochemicals, can irritate many skin conditions.  Helpful tip: use products labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented.”  The words "Fragrance” or "Parfum" can legally stand in for over 5,000 ingredients, none of which are required to be tested for safety. That tip alone can help minimize or even eliminate your regular exposure to unnecessary chemicals and toxins.   More About Organic Skincare Products  Following a skincare routine is critical to the health of your skin. But using a non-toxic skincare regimen is even more important.  If you're looking for the right products, look no further. Browse our list of organic skincare products. Whatever your skincare needs, you'll find the right product. 

While eczema is more prevalent in children, your first outbreak can occur at any age. Unfortunately, eczema is a chronic skin condition. That means if you have one outbreak, chances are it will affect you again. Learn about treating your eczema with an effective, organic solution.

By Dr. Stacy Matthews Branch Lip eczema may be thought of as a battle on kissable lips. It feels like dryness that can´t be relieved with all the lip balms in the world. In fact, eczema seems to get worse with those waxy, scented balms that actually trigger more skin to slough.  That's because their most common ingredients are lanolin, beeswax and fragrance, all identified as lip allergens.  Go figure! Using lip balms on lips to cure your dry lips is like using gasoline to put out a fire.   Basically, lip eczema is a form of dermatitis (skin inflammation) that manifests as a dry, chapped, scaly, and red appearing lips. It is a form of allergic contact dermatitis, atopy, or eczematous cheilitis (1). Results of a study in Spain suggest that most cases of lip eczema are atopic dermatitis, and that cosmetics and some common topical medications are the main culprits (2). In addition to external factors (e.g., allergens in cosmetics), there are internal or genetic factors that make some people more susceptible than others to develop lip eczema. It is not uncommon for genetically susceptible people to have chronically chapped lips. In the need to relieve long-term lip eczema, many turn to creams containing hydrocortisone, a topical steroid. While steroids may temporarily relieve the symptoms, when use of the cream stops, the lip eczema returns with a vengeance.  Worse yet, chronic steroid use can permanently thin the skin, a definite no-no when it comes to anti-aging skin. Those who don’t want to use steroid products sometimes turn to shea butter and essential oils for relief. There is hope for those who suffer from chronic and unrelenting lip eczema. Dr. Yazdani, the creator of MatrX B, a proprietary antioxidant system, battled with how to heal eczema on lips for a decade until one day she decided to try Post-Traumatic Response Gel on her lips. After 2 weeks of twice daily use, the problem resolved permanently.   To resolve lip and mouth eczema, an important step is to avoid products that contain eczema-triggering allergens and use skin cleansing and cosmetic products that instead promote healthy skin. Naturally derived antioxidants formulated without use of common allergens can help you win the war on lip eczema. Hitz Lindenmüller I, Itin PH, Fistarol SK.Dermatology of the lips: inflammatory diseases. Quintessence Int. 2014 Nov-Dec;45(10):875-83. Loidi-Pascual L, Hervella-Garcés M, Larrea-García M, Santesteban-Muruzábal R, Agulló-Pérez A, Yanguas-Bayona I. Lip eczema. Experience in the Contact Dermatitis Unit of a Spanish tertiary hospital. An Sist Sanit Navar. 2015 Sep-Dec;38(3):409-16.  

When it comes to signs of aging skin, there's a word you should keep in mind.  What's that magic word? Elasticity.  Does your skin snap back into place after you smile, or does it hang loosely? The difference is the amount of elastin, a tissue that naturally decreases with age.  Luckily, while we can't stop the clock, there are ways to counteract this effect without expensive and invasive procedures. One of them is the use of eye serum, which can take years off one of the features people notice first about you. (Hint: it's your eyes.) Not all eye serums are made the same, so you have to keep your eyes opened when you're shopping for the best skincare products. Let's take a closer look at what eye serum is and its benefits... What Is Eye Serum? You've almost definitely heard of skin creams, but perhaps not so much about serums. Serums are lighter than creams and are usually designed to add firmness and moisture to the skin. Because they are more watery than creams, they tend to absorb more easily.  Some serums are designed specifically to reduce the fine lines around eyes. In fact, with the right ingredients, the right eye serum is said to be as effective as botox for anti-aging.  What's in It? You should look for products that contain some organic ingredients. Some of the best eye serums contain 50 percent or more of organic ingredients.  There can be more than one active ingredient in an eye serum. For example, you can often find caffeine in a product (such as our brightening eye serum), which assists with circulation. Uva Ursi Leaf Extract has anti-inflammatory properties and the antioxidants in Vitamin B3 are a helpful component when it comes to restoring elasticity. Read the labels closely to see what's in your serum.  The Benefits of Eye Serum  Using eye serum is a safe alternative to injections and other procedures, especially since the skin around the eyes is so sensitive.  Other than naturally healing the skin around your eyes, there's another big plus. Using a serum to smooth out the skin around your eyes makes it a lot easier to apply makeup. Trying to do this with dehydrated or flaking skin can be futile.  Along with reducing fine lines, you'll likely also find that using eye serum is a way to reduce puffiness around your eyes or even dark circles.  If you didn't know about eye serum before, hopefully you have a better idea now. There's no doubt you should be adding it to your daily regime, especially if your eyes are starting to look tired. It can also provide UV protection against the sun, to ensure damage doesn't occur in the future.  To find out more about our eye serum's benefits, and all of the other natural skin care products that can help you turn back time, contact us today.