BATH SALT AND SOAK DIRECTIONS:
Usage rate will vary from person to person and tub to tub.
Thank you for your purchase of a made to order custom Bath Salt/Soak. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your choice but we’d like to give you a few pointers regarding how to use and care for your purchase.
- Always make sure our hands are clean and dry before dispensing. Better yet, use a clean dry spoon. These items are preserved with a natural preservative but for a longer happy life for your purchase, we suggest NOT introducing any unnecessary moisture or other such ickys if you can help it.
- Pour or scoop your desired amount of Bath Salts/Soak into a warm bath while filling the tub.
- When you have filled the tub to your desired level (of water) you can either enter & enjoy or wait for the Bath Salts/Soak to dissolve.
- Recap your Bath Salts/Soak and store in a cool dark place.
Note: Please be careful as some Bath Salts & Soaks can make bath surfaces slippery. As usual, with any product (Natural or not) discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.
SUGAR AND SALT SCRUB DIRECTIONS:
Thank you for your purchase of a made to order custom scrub. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your choice but we’d like to give you a few pointers regarding how to use and care for your purchase.
1: Always make sure our hands are clean and dry before dispensing. Better yet, use a clean dry small spoon. These items are preserved with a natural preservative but for a longer happy life for your purchase, we suggest NOT introducing any unnecessary moisture or other such ickys if you can help it.
2: Spread a thin layer of your scrub over the area to be exfoliated/scrubbed (we do this in the bath tub or shower). We suggest not using these items on your face.
3: Rub as vigorously as you choose. We find that mild exfoliation is best.
4: Rinse any remaining scrub from your body.
5: Finally, pat the exfoliated/scrubbed area dry with a soft rag/towel (we suggest our peshtemals but you’re welcome to use any soft cloth you desire). We’ll say this one more time… PAT DRY. Please do not rub.
6: Recap your scrub and store in a cool dark place.
Note(s): Please be careful as some scrubs can make bath surfaces slippery. Also, over exfoliation can damage your skin therefore negating your entire goal. Please exfoliate responsibly (lightly and only a few times a week). As usual, with any product discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.
No-Poo Information & Directions:
Thank you for your purchase of our No-Poo Shampoo Alternative. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your choice but we’d like to give you a few tidbits of information regarding how to use your purchase and (if this is your first time) what results you may expect from your hair.
- Skinchanted No-Poo is formulated to be gentle and the closest possible to your hair’s natural sebum/oil PH level of 5 (No-Poo is an approximate PH of 4.5 – 5).
- No-Poo is NOT SHAMPOO. It will not foam. Our No-Poo Shampoo Alternative is created using a blend of berries, nuts and other various natural and ancient ingredients. It does not contain the synthetic surfactant agents (foamers) that are present in shampoo.
- Each No-Poo recipe has been developed for a specific hair type.
- Each No-Poo is also born naked (completely unfragranced). We fragrance as you order with your choices of essential oils and/or fragrance oils. If you choose an unfragranced version, the fragrance that you smell is the natural fragrance of the ingredients only.
- To use Skinchanted No-Poo; (1) Shake lightly to reincorporate any possible separation or settling. (2) Wet your hair. (3) Dispense a quarter sized (longer hair may need more) amount into your palm (some may choose to dispense directly onto hair, don’t worry we won’t judge you). (4) Apply to your hair and use as you would typical shampoo. (5) Massage completely into your scalp and throughout your hair. (6) Leave No-Poo on for approximately 2 minutes. (7) Rinse. There is no need to repeat this process and you should not need conditioners or extra detanglers after. (Minion Leader uses a light Skinchanted hair serum on her dry hair for smoothing but conditioner and detanglers are now an unnecessary thing of the past).
- For those who are New to No-Poo, your hair is going to look and feel different than it does with traditional detergent based shampoo. (Don’t believe us? Try washing your hair with traditional shampoo after using No-Poo for a while. You will notice a vast and distinct difference in the look and feel of your hair.) At first use, you may notice that your hair seems oilier than usual for a short while. This is your hair trying to figure out its new natural balance since you are no longer stripping it raw with surfactant/detergent-based shampoos daily and requiring it to overcompensate with oil production to recover. Your hair will balance itself. This process can take as little time as your first use of No-Poo or can last for up to a month. Please be patient, we know the end result is worth the possible wait.
- Finally, we are so confident (see, we’re working on our self esteem too) that you will love this product as much as we do that we guarantee it. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please contact us for a full refund.
Note(s) & Warnings: We do not recommend washing your hair daily but for those who choose/need such a path, rest assured that our No-Poo is naturally formulated mild enough to accommodate you. As usual, KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF EYES (Rinse with cool water if contact occurs). DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY IF IRRITATION OCCURS. FOR USE WITH ADULT SUPERVISION ONLY. DO NOT EAT, FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY (it may be natural but No-Poo is not food!).
MASK AND MUD DIRECTIONS:
Each mask/mud contains approximately 8 (+/-) uses.
Thank you for your purchase of a made to order custom mask or mud. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your choice but we’d like to give you a few pointers regarding how to use and care for your purchase.
- Pull your hair away from your face. We don't want to have to wash mud from our hair and we want maximum coverage.
- Apply a hot/warm compress prior to applying the mask in order to soften any stubborn pore blockages.
- Wash your face with a mild soap such as our castile soap.
- Always make sure our hands are clean and dry before dispensing. Better yet, use a clean dry spoon. These items are preserved with a natural preservative but for a longer happy life for your purchase, we suggest NOT introducing any unnecessary moisture or other such ickys if you can help it.
- Spread a thin layer of your mask or mud over your face. Please avoid your eyes and nostrils.
- Relax for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. You’re certainly welcome to not relax but we can’t really see the point of using our mask/mud if you’re stressed. Just saying. : )
- When the mask/mud is fully dry, rinse your face and neck with cold water. DO NOT RUB with a cloth. Simply let the water do the work.
- Finally, pat your face dry with a soft rag/towel (we suggest our peshetemals but you’re welcome to use any soft cloth you desire). We’ll say this one more time… PAT DRY. Please do not rub.
- Recap your mask/mud and store in a cool, dark, dry place.
Note: Masks & Muds are NOT for everyday use. Any items containing Dead Sea Mud or Sea Clay should NOT be used more than once or twice a week. Discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs. You may notice some pinkness to your face. This is common and typically simply renewed blood flow to the application areas.
Let’s Talk Acne…
One of the number one complaints/questions we get here at Skinchanted is how to deal with or get rid of Acne. So, I thought we’d take a short little look at some common misconceptions regarding acne and a few surprising rules. With that being said, let’s jump right in…
What is Acne: No one knows the exact cause(s). Many believe that acne is an infection of the skin. It is actually an inflammation of the skin. Acne primarily occurs in areas where pores contain larger more active secreting oil glands. Generally, in those prone to acne, the shedding cells seem to stick together and instead of rising to the surface they begin to form plugs at or near the openings of your pores.
Types of Blemishes:
- Blackheads : The plug remains within the opening of the pore and remains exposed to the skin surface.
- Whiteheads : Are plugged pores where the plug lies just beneath the surface with no opening for “escape”.
Grades of Acne:
- Grade 1: (Mild) Whiteheads or blackheads but no pimples.
- Grade 2: (Moderate) Blackheads, whiteheads and small pimples are present. Usually confined to the face and inflammation is minimal.
- Grade 3: (Severe) Blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper pimples are present with more pronounced inflammation.
- Grade 4: (Very Severe): Widespread and frequently involves the neck, shoulders, chest and back.
Factors that can aggravate acne:
Nervous tension, stress, illness, allergies, premenstrual women, ovulation, medications and some emotional disorders can all aggravate acne.
Common Myths and Misconceptions:
- Acne is caused by dirt.
- Super-scrubbing and/or drying your skin will clear up acne.
- Acne is caused by letting your hair rest on your forehead.
- Acne is caused by certain foods.
- Acne is improved by sun exposure.
- Acne is incurable.
Acne Treatments & Rules:
- If your problem is more than just a few whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples, we highly suggest your first visit be to a reputable Dermatologist.
- Do NOT over scrub your skin. A gentle/mild soap and water (or just water) cleansing once or twice a day even if you have very oily skin, is all you should need. http://skinchanted.com/collections/naked-liquid-soaps/products/sothan-oatmeal-face-scrub-soap
- Avoid using astringents (alcohol or acetone containing lotions). These can be drying to your skin. http://skinchanted.com/products/facial-toner-for-oily-and-acne-prone-skin
- Avoid using abrasive scrub brushes, polyester sponges or wash clothes to clean your skin. http://skinchanted.com/collections/accessories/products/natural-bath-sponge
- Don’t pick, squeeze or scratch. http://skinchanted.com/collections/specialty-facial-skincare/products/acne-custom-oil-blend
With inspiration from:
(“skincare for teens” by Nelson Novick, M.D.) and the following:
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne
http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/acne.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris
In our line of business, we see a lot of people with skin problems, and concerns most especially around their faces. This invariably leads to the topic of face-washing. How to, how often, what with, etc.
Here are 10 simple tips to washing your face.
1. Don’t overdo it.
Washing your face excessively can prematurely age your skin, and actually be a cause of your dry or oily skin. Our recommendation is to stick to twice a day, with an extra one after a workout as needed.
2. Use a mild cleanser.
Avoid bodywashes and run-of-the-mill commercial soaps which can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Look for castile soaps, preferably unfragranced or very mildly fragranced. Most all handmade soaps will be appropriate if used lightly and you are not extremely sensitive. The retained glycerin in handmade soaps is fantastic for cleaning without stripping.
3. Exfoliate occasionally.
Exfoliating skincare products can dramatically improve the tone and texture of your skin, especially as we age. The biggest things to watch for with exfoliating, especially on the face is to make sure you use a very gentle exfoliation over harsh scrubs. Softer exfoliators can include chia seeds, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, ground chamomile, lavender or marigold. We recommend exfoliating at night and no more than twice per week.
4. Remove your makeup.
Makeup can clog your pores and dramatically affect the production of natural skin oils. Fully removing your makeup daily is key to keeping your skin clean and clear. You can remove makeup easily and thoroughly with natural makeup removers and cold creams.
5. Use lukewarm water.
This is extremely important in the winter when the humidity is lowest and we enjoy heat the most. Hot water can dry your skin by removing too much natural oil. We recommend using cool to lukewarm water while washing your face. (Do the rest of your body a favor by dropping that shower/bath a couple of degrees too).
6. Use a clean, soft cloth.
If you use a cloth for washing your face, use a natural fiber cloth. Cotton, bamboo and hemp are all fantastic material choices for face cloths. The cleaner the cloth, the better! Avoid using wash cloths for more than a few days in a row, and hang them to dry between uses. Bacteria can grow on a wet/damp wash cloth so the more frequently you use a fresh cloth, the better your results will be.
7. Rinse thoroughly.
When washing your face, make sure to rinse all makeup, oils and cleansers off your face. Especially around the hair line, the sides of the nose and around your ears (areas often neglected). Don’t negate the time you spend washing by skimping on rinsing.
8. Pat your face dry.
While rubbing your face with a towel can feel invigorating to your skin, it can also be very irritating and even damaging over time. Your best course will be a fresh natural fiber towel and pat or blot your face dry. Your skin will thank you for this.
9. Moisturize after washing.
If moisturizing is a part of your normal routine (which we do recommend), apply the moisturizer immediately after blotting your face dry. This will allow the bit of remaining water moisture on your skin to help absorb the moisturizer easier and better.
10. Keep it simple.
There’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on multi-part serums and expensive equipment. A simple handmade facial soap is the perfect place to start, followed by a sensitive skin moisturizer. The easier the routine, the more likely you will follow it. Of course you can add exfoliators and cold creams or makeup removers to the list but your most basic products are a soap & moisturizer.
With inspiration from:
Women's Health Magazine
Good Housekeeping
In making our products, our first step is to determine what the product goal is. Is it designed for a specific skin condition, skin type, hair type, etc.? Once we know the desired outcome, we perform in-depth research on all elements involved. This may involve consulting with every-day people, physicians, dermatologists, herbalists and industry professionals as well as gathering as much information as we can on a given condition (skin type, hair type, etc).
When we have a full understanding of our goal, we move our research to ingredients that will provide the most benefit possible. This includes reviewing dozens of essential oils, natural butters, natural oils, clays, hydrosols, salts, plants, berries and other natural additives from around the world as well as reviewing any existing products in the category. From there we perform calculations to determine optimal combinations, and we make multiple test batches.
End-to-end, the process can take as little as 1 week (if the moon & stars are right and the man is out of town to let me do my thing my way) and as long as 6 months depending on the product (we even have some that we've been working on for 2 years now)!
But it doesn’t end there. Every product we make is constantly reviewed and scrutinized. We continuously review and incorporate your suggestions.
Our attention-to-detail and continual cycle of checks-and-balances helps to refine our products so we can make sure you are getting the absolute best.