Sensible Tips for Sensitive Skin

By on February 20, 2013

What Causes Sensitive Skin

There are many possible reasons why people suffer from sensitive skin. Some causes can be avoided, and others will have to be adapted to. Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea are more likely to occur if there is a family history of these conditions. Hormonal imbalances may also lead to sensitive skin.  We often see changes in skin conditions during pregnancy, menopause and when our bodies are mentally or physically stressed out.

Our skin also reacts to the weather.  An abundance of dry, hot air indoors or out can cause oil glands to overreact, and humid conditions can make moisture retention difficult.

What we put on our skin has a lot to do with its condition.  Body washes, creams, and cosmetics all contain ingredients that can either improve skin or make matters worse.  Artificial colors, fragrances, and chemicals should be avoided in skincare as well as in household cleaners and detergents.

Diet also plays a role in the health of our skin.  Lack of essential nutrients, vitamins, and hydration will dry out the skin and increase sensitivity.

Managing Sensitive Skin

Managing sensitive skin requires some extra care and attention.  Starting with a balanced diet, healthy oils, vegetables, nutrients, and vitamins will help to condition the skin from within.  Use caution when selecting skin care products and detergents.  Products with alcohols, artificial fragrances, and para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) can often irritate sensitive skin and should be avoided.  Externally treat your skin to oils, minerals, and creams that will protect and heal the skin. Choosing clothing made of silk and cotton that will not rub against and irritate the skin can also help.

There are plenty of wonderful, natural products that can help.  Oils for the skin such as argan and kukui oil, and butters like coco, shea, and kokum will help to moisturize and soften the skin.  Neem is a great tool to protect the skin from infections while healing. Soaking in seaweed or applying it topically will help to remineralize the skin, detoxify, and promote healing.   And a natural, mineral sunscreen is a must have to protect your skin daily.

How do you care for your sensitive skin?

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Uncategorized

Eat Your Way to More Beautiful Skin

By on January 14, 2013

A good way start to any day: fresh fruit and granola with your favorite milk.

Our New Year’s Resolution includes adding in these great nutrients for more radiant skin this season.

The first is Vitamin C. Found in orange juice, goji berries, strawberries and guava, this vitamin helps to strengthen capillaries, reduce free radical damage, and prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Omegas are great for dry skin and work to reduce inflammation and redness.  Flax, hemp, chia and fish oils are all good sources of omega.

Yogurt, coconut and pumpkin seeds are all high in  Zinc.  This nutrient promotes healthier skin by reducing acne and stimulating the Vitamin A production, a necessity for healing damaged skin.

Foods that are high in selenium maintain the elasticity of tissues and protect the cells from damage.  You can find this nutrient in sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, and wheat germ.  An additional benefit of wheat germ is its high Vitamin E content.  This vitamin also heals damaged skin and promotes cellular renewal.

Protein is also very important to every diet.  It is not only essential for building strong muscles, but healthy collagen as well.  Protein shakes are easy to find or yogurt, chia, and hemp are great food sources for this nutrient.

As a snack or in a smoothie-add these superfoods to your menu and see for yourself how amazing your skin can look!

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Uncategorized

The Seaweed Bath Co. Named Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Recipient

By on January 9, 2013

The Seaweed Bath Co. is thrilled to announce that we are the newest recipient of the Whole Foods Market Southwest Region’s Local Producer Loan Program.  The Local Producer Loan Program offers low-interest loans to growing companies in order to:

  • Strengthen the partnerships between Whole Foods Market and local producers
  • Work with producers to expand the availability of high-quality local products for our customers
  • Support the communities where Whole Foods Market does business
  • Reinforce Whole Foods Market’s commitment to environmental stewardship

We are so honored to partner with Whole Foods in expanding our business as we continue to provide the highest quality seaweed skin and hair care products to our loyal customers. The Seaweed Bath Co. had an amazing year in 2012 and we look forward to continuing to grow our brand and share our love for seaweed in 2013!

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in News

The Nutritional Benefits of Brown Seaweed

By on December 21, 2012

Seaweed has been gaining popularity for its nutritional benefits and recently has been recognized for its medicinal effects as well.  There are nearly 75 elements found in brown seaweed including a broad spectrum of essential minerals and vitamins, antioxidants, glyconutrients, polyphenols, and essential fatty acids. The vitamins and minerals help create a homeostatic environment in the body.   Similar to the effects of fish oils, the essential fatty acids in seaweed promote cellular regeneration essential for brain and nerve function. Seaweed is rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants such as riboflavin and thiamine, and high levels of trace elements like zinc that promote healing.  Diabetics can especially benefit from the insulin stabilizer, chromium, found in the plant.  The trace mineral, insulin, is a necessity for the normal metabolism of cells.

Brown seaweed also contains an abundance of the sulphated polysaccharide, fucoidan.  This nutrient has been found to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and in recent studies, has been accredited with the ability to stop cancer cells from duplicating. Although this nutrient is not labeled as a cure for cancer, these observations have researchers optimistic about finding clinical uses for fucoidan in future cancer treatments.  Another benefit of using fucoidan is that unlike traditional cancer treatments, fucoidan has no known adverse side effects.

These amazing properties are no surprise to those living in the coastal communities of Japan, China, and Korea.  Seaweed has long been a staple in their diet and the people of these regions have some of the lowest rates of cancer and heart disease.  The beneficial brown seaweed can be consumed in a variety of ways. Oral supplements and topical seaweed treatments can be found in many natural health stores, and the edible seaweed is available at many specialty Japanese food markets.

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Healthy Diet, Seaweed

Going Gluten Free

By on December 12, 2012

A growing number of Americans are choosing to live gluten-free and uncovering the relationship between the protein gluten and the negative effects it may have on our health.  People who suffer from diseases such as celiac disease, autism, chrones, dermititis, wheat allergies, and psoriasis have found that eliminating gluten is very beneficial to their well-being.

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye.  Gluten’s structure provides the stickiness that binds flour products together.  The damage from this most often occurs in the intestine and causes inflammation and abdominal cramping.  The irritation of the intestine leads to further ailments.  Recent studies have shown that people who experience psoriasis flare-ups are also simultaneously suffering from internal inflammation. Many anti-inflammatory supplements are taken to ward off these episodes, and avoiding possible stimulants can often help even more.

Omitting gluten is not an easy task, but there are many alternatives available.  Common to grains, gluten is found in spelt, panko, rye, couscous, bulgur, barley, matzo and wheat. Gluten is also a common additive of beers, breading, nondairy creamers, ice cream, canned soup, and pudding. Some of these items will have to be avoided altogether, but when cooking at home, there are some possible substitutions.  Instead of using wheat flour, try potato or corn flour. And xanthan gum, tapioca, and potato starch flour make great thickeners for gravies and sauces.  It’s also a good idea to use  skincare and hair care products that avoid gluten.  As a psoriasis sufferer who sticks to a mostly gluten-free diet, it is very important me that The Seaweed Bath Co. products are gluten free.

There are also plenty of resources for those who choose a gluten free lifestyle. Numerous websites offer gluten-free recipes, products and advice, and grocery stores are starting to carry more gluten-free items and even showcasing them in special aisles.  Cookbooks are now available for gluten-free chefs and there is even a smart phone app for the gluten-free crowd.

We want to know: Are you gluten free?  What are your tips for going gluten free?

 

 

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Healthy Diet, Healthy Lifestyle

Walk to Cure Psoriasis

By on December 12, 2012

This November, The Seaweed Bath Company proudly partnered with the National Psoriasis Foundation as a sponsor of the Walk to Cure Psoriasis.  The annual event was held in Dallas’ Reverchon Park and brought out hundreds of supporters for the Dallas/Fort Worth division.  The Seaweed Bath Company was there before and after the race handing out samples of our Wildly Natural Powder Baths, Argan Shampoos and Conditioners, Soothing Body Washes, and Body Creams.  We love sharing our gluten free, paraben free, and sulfate free products to fellow psoriasis sufferers.

The event was a huge success for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Dallas/Fort Worth group.  The Walk not only had a great turnout and beautiful weather, but they also raised over $60,000 in donations.  These funds will be used to continue scientific research to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  If

you would like to help the Dallas/Fort Worth group in their quest to raise awareness and find a cure for psoriasis, click on the link: Psoriasis Walk Donation and follow the directions to show your support! If you would like to find or organize a walk in your area, click here.

Together we can make a difference!

 

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Community, Psoriasis

Pumpkin: A Cornucopia of Benefits

By on November 13, 2012

Pumpkins are good for so much more than Halloween decorations and Thanksgiving pie. This superfruit can have an amazing impact on your skin. This fall, consider using pumpkin in your skincare routine.

Pumpkin seeds, oil, and pulp are becoming popular ingredients in natural skin care. They contain enzymes that resist the weakening of healthy collagen and elastin fibers. Pumpkin also makes a great exfoliator and the fruit acids help to break up that intracellular glue that binds those old cells to the young healthy ones below.  Similar to the effects of retinal, naturally high in vitamin A, pumpkin encourages cellular regeneration to slow down the development of fine lines and wrinkles.  The vitamin C in pumpkin strengthens capillaries, stimulates collagen production and protects the skin from free radical damage.  In addition, vitamin E and torulitine control oil and repair broken skin.

Pumpkin can benefit all skin types and ages. No other fruit can stimulate the cells, fortify, nourish and protect quite like the pumpkin.

Are you thankful for pumpkin?!

Read full story · Comments { 0 } • in Healthy Skin