For much of our recent history Americans have steered away from natural ingredients, and indeed from nature, deeming the practices of our ancestors as antiquated and not rooted in the latest scientific discovery.  However, it is now science that supports the knowledge of our ancestors as many of the plants that were prized for their medicinal uses throughout our history have again become popular, precisely because they are more effective (and safer) than their synthetic counterparts.   Although this effect generally applies to many fields, it is perhaps most evident in the skin care industry, where we now see that many of the compounds that were created in labs for skin care have been revealed as carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and, in general, are associated with the declining health of those who live in the Western world.

For instance, petrochemicals, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, were once lauded for their humectant properties, however, many of these petrochemicals have now been revealed as carcinogens.

As we reconsider the ingredients that have been utilized for centuries for their medicinal properties, it has become important that we relearn the knowledge surrounding medicinal plants that has been lost in recent times.  We have become so disconnected from our natural environment that we no longer know what is harmful and what is beneficial, even though we are just as dependent upon our natural environment as we ever were.

Particularly in skin care, we are now learning that many of the ingredients that have become common on skin care labels such as sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, and petrochemicals are toxic to our bodies and responsible for a host of ailments including cancer, allergies, rashes, etc.  Our skin is our largest organ; everything that is applied to the skin has the possibility of seeping into our bloodstream, therefore it is of utmost importance that we are knowledgeable about what we apply to our skin.  Using all natural, plant-based skin care products is not only important for our environment in that is reduces the depletion of finite resources, such as oil, but it is also of utmost importance to our health.

Fortunately there are now a number of great natural skin products out there now that only use all natural ingredients, while not compromising efficacy.  Some of the ingredients that yield the greatest results are all natural ingredients such as peptides, vitamin C and antioxidants such as green and white tea, pomegranate, grape seed extract and acai extract.  All of these ingredients are effective anti-aging actives that reduce free radical damage and rejuvenate aging skin.

We are very excited to share with you all our new Exfoliating Serum that we’ve been working on the past couple months.  Besides a few minor last tweaks, this great new skin care product is getting near completion.

It is an exfoliating, yet hydrating serum that works wonders at reducing discoloration and wrinkles.

A few ingredient highlights include:

• Glycolic Acid - Arguably the most effective of the Alpha-Hydroxy Acid family, glycolic acid is amazing at exfoliating and reducing wrinkles and age spots.

• Lactic Acid – Another of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family, lactic acid exfoliates while hydrating the skin.

• Apple Stem Cells –  The stem cell of the rare Swiss apple has been shown to protect the skin from damage and age related deterioration.

• Gigawhite – A blend of 6 organically grown alpine plants that inhibit the production of melanin.  Melanin is responsible for skin discoloration that is a result of UV damage.

• Sodium Hyaluronate – The salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), sodium hyaluronate has much better skin penetrability than HA.  Making up the majority of the intracellular matrix of the skin, sodium hyaluronate plumps up the skin, giving you back that youthful, full look.

• White Tea – Amazing antioxidant with UV protective effects

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is amazing at reducing skin discoloration and wrinkles while jumpstarting collagen production.

• Goji Berry –  Super-antioxidant berry

• Ceramide – Naturally hydrates the skin while forming a thin protective lipid barrier over the skin.

And, that’s just a few of the actives in this great new product.  Look for the release of this exciting new addition to our natural skin care line sometime in the next couple months!

As we age, we get older and our bodies change. It’s as simple as that. Lines form where there used to be smooth skin, and discoloration appears on what was once an even complexion. Fortunately, there are things we can do to slow down the appearance of wrinkles, and sagging skin that accompany growing older (and wiser).

Of course, eating well, using natural anti-aging skin products rich in antioxidants and peptides and getting plenty of rest are a given, but we rarely think about the way we sleep affecting the wrinkles on our face.  But yes, sleep wrinkles are real and can truly have a detrimental effect on the look and appearance of our skin over a lifetime.

Sleep wrinkles are the wrinkles that appear, or are worsened from years of sleeping face down with your face against your pillow.   When your face is pressed against a pillow for long periods of time, for instance, 6-8 hours a night, it causes the pulling and wrinkling of the skin, wearing down elastin and leading to wrinkled, sagging skin.  Sometimes they will appear in the same place as expression lines, sometimes not.

Although it may be difficult to change sleeping positions after years of stomach or side sleeping, the best way to avoid sleep wrinkles is to sleep on your back.  Some people find that using a pillow that cradles the head reminds them not to roll over when retraining themselves to sleep on their back. Additionally, cotton pillowcases tend to crease more than satin and some other fabrics, so choosing a material for your pillowcase that does not crease easily is also a great way to reduce sleep wrinkling.

For those of us that have sleep wrinkles, or the beginnings of sleep wrinkles, using a product to enhance collagen production can help to reduce the appearance of the fine lines and sagging skin.  Peptides are one of the most effective ingredients at promoting collagen & elastin production, so finding a natural skin product that contains peptides can help ward off those fine lines and wrinkles.

Your best bet though is to train yourself to sleep on your back.  While it might feel uncomfortable at first, after a month or so, most people become accustomed to it and it feels more natural.  In the long run, it is a much easier (and less expensive) option than a face lift, fillers or other invasive cosmetic treatments that might be required to right years of the pulling and wrinkling of your skin caused by sleeping on your side or stomach.

Lightening age spots and uneven complexion caused by sun damage is a major concern for many of us as we age.  Many of us, however, do not want to take the risk of putting harsh chemicals on our skin, or undergoing a costly laser procedure to correct the discoloration.  Fortunately, there are some all natural ingredients that we can look for in our skin care products that will create a more even complexion and reduce age spots and discoloration.

One of the most effective natural ingredients for reducing skin discoloration is Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is a natural skin lightener that breaks up melanin in the skin, working to heal sun damage and promote collagen production.  By regularly applying a topical Vitamin C Serum, you can reduce skin discoloration dramatically, while improving the overall health of your skin.  It is important to choose a stable form of Vitamin C such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate for maximum results and efficacy. Vitamin C not only reduces discoloration but also has photoprotective qualities that actually provide a certain amount of protection from the damaging rays of the sun and increase the efficacy of sunscreen.

Too much sun is a major cause of skin discoloration

Skin discoloration and age spots usually result from overexposure to the sun so the best way to avoid these types of discoloration is to avoid the sun.  When you do plan to be outdoors make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and natural sunscreen with physical blocking agents such as titanium dioxide.

Happy skin begins with a good diet, but some of those yummy things that we eat for our health are also wonderful for topical use! Some of the best ingredients to look for in our skin care products are things that many of us incorporate into our diet as well, particularly antioxidant rich foods.

Most of us are aware that many berries and fruits are chock full of antioxidant power but did you know that some also make wonderful skin care ingredients?  Acai berry is a super antioxidant found in Brazil that when applied topically, increases the levels of hydroxyproline, a vital amino acid required for the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Pomegranate is a potent antioxidant that is high in ellagic acid.  Ellagic acid is a polyphenol that has been shown to inhibit the growth of skin cancer, great for those of us who have spent too much time in the sun!  Furthermore, it is believed to also decrease the negative effects of ultraviolet rays and reduce skin discoloration.  Grapes, particularly grape seed extract, is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants.  It has been shown to inhibit UV generated sun damage and to protect the skin from free radical damage.

Green tea and white tea are often touted for the antioxidant powers, but they can also be used topically.   Both green and white tea are anti-carcinogens that protect the skin from free radical damage.  They also have anti-inflammatory qualities and have been shown to protect the skin from UV generated damage.

Finally coconut oil is a delicious and healthy cooking ingredient but did you know that it also combats wrinkles and discoloration when applied topically?  Coconut oil forms a lipid barrier when applied to the skin which seals in moisture and wards off skin damage.  It also has antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal skin care ingredient.

Most of us in this day and age are aware that blissfully lounging in the midday sun lathered in baby oil is not prudent if you wish to avoid skin cancer and other maladies, not to mention, unsightly wrinkles and skin discoloration. But what causes sun damage? How much sun is too much and what can be done to erase the damage once it is done?

Most of the changes in skin that we associate with normal aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and discoloration, are actually symptoms of sun damage attained over a normal lifetime. The sun emits UVA and UVB rays, which both affect our skin in different ways. UVA rays, though less intense than UVB rays, penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for pigment changes and the majority of photoaging such as wrinkling, discoloration and the breakdown of cellular DNA which can lead to cancer growth. UVA rays are more prevalent than UVB rays and are present with equal intensity during most hours of daylight. Furthermore, they can penetrate glass and clouds (while UVB rays cannot).

UVB rays are responsible primarily for sunburns and the reddening of the skin that appears after prolonged exposure to the sun and damages primarily the outermost parts of the epidermis. UVB rays are most prevalent in the US during the hours of 10am-4pm, however, they can cause damage year round.

Because UVA rays are responsible for most photoaging and they are present during all hours of the day, many dermatologists believe that it is prudent to wear a hat and sunscreen as much as possible when outdoors, no matter if it is a cloudy day, the early morning, or the late afternoon. Some concerns have been raised as to whether Vitamin D is a concern for people who avoid sun exposure to this degree, however, many dermatologists believe that vitamin D should be taken in supplement form to avoid a depletion of the vitamin and sun exposure should not be encouraged. The depletion of the ozone layer has lead to an increase in our exposure to UV radiation and our environment is a source of many carcinogens that were not present a few generations ago so our cumulative lifetime exposure to cancer causing agents, including UV rays is higher than it was in the past.

There is no question that preventing sun damage is much easier than healing past damage, however, scientific research has yielded some interesting discoveries that are very promising to people who have sustained sun damage throughout their lives. Antioxidants and certain vitamins, particularly vitamin C, have been shown to reverse sun damage by reducing free radical damage and promoting healthy cellular activity. Vitamin C, in addition to reducing free radical damage and promoting collagen production, has also been shown to have photoprotective qualities, meaning that applying vitamin C can actually inhibit sun damage. When combined with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, this photoprotective quality has been shown to increase by 8 fold. Vitamin C is also a natural skin lightener meaning and is very effective in reducing discoloration caused by sun damage. Many dermatologists recommend adding a stable form of topical vitamin C, such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, to your skin care regimen to promote healing and to protect, though this does not mean that you should skip the sunscreen.  But, ALWAYS go all natural with your sunscreen.  This means oxybenzone and paraben free.  Instead look for natural blocking agents such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide.

Thanks for the great review, Kay!  We’re thrilled you’ve been enjoying our natural skin care products!

We are accustomed to seeing ads for various skin care products that emphasize cleansing and “washing away dirt and oil” to achieve clean, healthy skin.  While it is true that washing your face is important to wash away oil, make-up and dead skin cells that clog pores, too much of anything is never a good thing. Washing your face more than twice a day can actually irritate the skin by stripping the natural moisture leaving it overly dry. Furthermore, the ingredients in the cleanser used are important as some ingredients used in popular cleansers are harsh chemicals that do more harm than good. So what should we do to get that fresh clean face we are always wanting?

First, choose a cleanser.  There are many options available for all different skin types, but the truth is that we should all be using a gentle cleanser with all natural ingredients.  There are many ingredients such as parabens, petroleum products, and sodium laureth sulfate that are used in popular cleansers regardless of the fact that they are harmful carcinogens.  Why would we want to use that on our skin, the largest organ in our body?

Natural cleansers work wonderfully and without the health risk.  Since washing your face removes some of the natural oils, look for a moisturizing cream cleanser with ingredients that replace lost moisture such as jojoba, sesame oil, and shea butter.  Also look for antioxidants such as green tea and algae extract to help fight free radical damage while cleansing.

Next, wash your face…and do it right! Washing your face should loosen up the makeup and dead skin cells, but it should also get the blood circulating so remember to incorporate some light massage to get the blood circulating and the lymph system stimulated. Start with washing your hands well, and then wet your face with warm water, not hot. Hot water can burst capillaries causing sensitive red marks while warm water just opens the pores so that you can easily wash away blackheads, comprised of sebum and dead skin cells which clog pores.

Lightly massage a dime sized amount of cleanser on your face for 30-60 seconds using a small circular motion paying special attention to the areas where most oil forms such as the creases by your nose, your forehead and chin.  And don’t forget your hairline!  Next rinse it all away with warm water, then follow up with cool, not cold, water to close the pores. Now pat skin dry with a clean soft cloth or towel and enjoy the fresh face feeling!

You may feel that the only way to achieve a more youthful appearance is to resort to Botox or plastic surgery, but that is not the case.  Our outward appearance is a reflection of our inner health.  You can look and feel younger by adopting a healthy lifestyle and applying a few natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective in restoring healthy, youthful skin.

Lifestyle is one of the key factors to beautiful skin, and to maintaining overall health.  By avoiding smoking & excess alcohol consumption, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and eating a healthy diet, you can create the foundation for healthy skin.

In addition to causing a variety of health problems including lung cancer, cigarette smoke constricts the blood vessels in the skin limiting the nutrients and oxygen delivered to the skin and accelerating the aging process.  Excess alcohol consumption not only dehydrates us causing our skin to feel and look dry and unhealthy, but also releases harmful toxins in our body when it is processed by the liver. Once we remove some of these harmful habits from our lives, we can focus on giving our bodies what they need for overall health as well as healthy skin.

A Healthy Diet Can Work Wonders for the Skin!

Some of the best foods we can put in our bodies are healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids, found in salmon, eggs, walnuts and flax seeds.  Omega 3’s nourish the brain, promote a healthy immune system and nourish the skin. Antioxidant rich foods such as dark leafy greens and berries also nourish our bodies and promote healthy skin by reducing free radical damage.  Finally, getting plenty of water to drink keeps us hydrated which keeps our skin plump and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and allows the body to cleanse itself.

Even with a healthy lifestyle, we all succumb to the aging process.  Luckily, there are a few ingredients that are safe and natural and have been shown to heal sun damage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging skin.  Since not all of the products that you find on the shelf contain ingredients that are safe for your skin, in fact, there are many ingredients in popular skin care products that actually contain ingredients that have been proven harmful, it is important to look for all natural products.  Some of the best all natural ingredients to look for are peptides, antioxidants and vitamin C.

Peptides increase collagen production and microcirculation, strengthen capillaries, and increase cellular communication resulting in firmer, more toned, and less wrinkled skin. Matrixyl 3000, Syn-tacks, and Eyeliss are very popular and effective peptides to look for.

Antioxidants fight free radical damage caused by exposure to the sun as well as environmental pollutants resulting in healthier skin.  Pomegranate, grape seed extract and green tea are a few examples of powerful antioxidants that can be found in all natural skin care products.

Vitamin C is AMAZING for the skin

There are few ingredients that have as much evidence of their effectiveness as Vitamin C.  When applied topically, the most effective way to reap the benefits for your skin, Vitamin C enhances collagen production, reduces discoloration, and heals & inhibits sun damage.  There are many forms that can be found in skin care products, however, choosing a stable and bioavailable form such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate is important.

The way we treat our bodies impacts the way we feel and the way we look in a big way.  So take the keys to your future and remind yourself that you have the power to look and feel younger.

We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  We’ve got some fun things brewing here in 2012, and look forward to hopefully releasing 2 new skin care products in the coming year.

2011 was a good one for us here at Mad Hippie.  We added a cream cleanser to our line, and expanded our distribution pretty phenomenally throughout the US.  In 2012 we look to continue to expand our network of fine vendors, and share our natural skin care products with more friends throughout the country.

May your 2012 be full of friends, family, new adventures and everything else that makes life wonderful!

Much Love,

The Mad Hippie Team