Wax hand and foot treatments are commonly used in spas and salons to lock in moisture to the skin. Paraffin wax has been the most prominent wax used, and soy wax is just now becoming more widespread within the past couple of years.

The reason to move paraffin aside and soy to the front is that paraffin is a by-product of petroleum. And we all know why to stay away from petroleum-based products.

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. Which means it not only supports soy farmers, but it is environmentally friendly. So if you love the earth AND your body….you better use soy

Why? Because soy wax is the new kid in town. And we all want him over for dinner. Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than paraffin. That means it won’t put any nasty pollutants in the air while melting. Hooray! Soybeans are a renewable resource and the wax is naturally biodegradable. Oh and a bonus – it is also easier to remove than paraffin wax. So no sticky residue left over that takes days to finally slough off.

A few other great things about soy wax:

• there is less soot emission when melting
• clean up can be done by only using soap and water; no oil necessary
• melts at a cooler temperature which means you will not burn your skin with the wax

So next time you are at the spa looking for a hand and foot wax treatment, call ahead of time and make sure that they offer soy wax as an alternative to paraffin. It makes more sense to be more environmentally friendly if you have the option, and to make smarter choices as a consumer.

Anecdotes and lessons from my life this week…

We all laugh at Mama and her big purse, joking about her carrying everything around in there including the kitchen sink! It’s all fun and laughs until you need something and Mama reaches in her purse and pulls out the exact thing you needed.  Pop a button on your shirt? Mama has a needle and the right color thread.  Hungry? Mama has crackers, a granola bar, a package of peanuts to hold you over.  Got a mosquito bite? Mama has a bottle of lavender oil in her purse ready to apply a drop to sooth that need to itch.  Yup, you never know what Mama has in her purse…so be careful when you laugh at her big ole handbag.

With the cost of checked bags, the goal for a short trip is to pack a bag small enough to carry on the plane.  The problem with that is deciding the essential personal care items to take with you.  The 3 oz limit and the quart size ziplock bag maximum really hinder your ability to take your beauty ritual needs with you.  Having to choose between your favorite face wash, conditioner, lotion, etc becomes more stressful than trying to plan your outfits around one pair of shoes (impossible I tell you!)  So what’s the work around?

• Assess your products and discern what your multipurpose items are.  Personally, I can live without packing my favorite lotion and hair moisturizer in exchange for some pure shea butter.  I can use the shea as my hair and skin moisturizer and even as a means protecting my hair from chlorine exposure if I’m going swimming. Aloe gel makes a great temporary substitute for face and body wash and serves as relief in times of sun or wind burn.

• Assess what you have access to where you’re going.  Need to exfoliate? Mix up a bit of sugar and olive oil (two things that are easy to obtain no matter where you are) and whip up a rudimentary sugar scrub.  Steal the cucumbers from your salad to lay over and soother your eyes while recovering from a hangover.

It’s not impossible to pack light and still have the basics you need to stay beautiful without TSA giving you grief.

Tell us how you pack your beauty needs within TSA’s carryon limitations? What has Mama whipped out of her purse for you that you couldn’t believe that she had exactly when you needed it?

For many years those suffering from dermatitis, from psoriasis to eczema to chronically dry, itchy skin, have taken refuse in the healing properties of Dead Sea salts.  Proven to be to be an alternate and often more effective natural remedy than oatmeal, many aim to head directly to the source itself, the Dead Sea to surround themselves in the waters.  However, there are other reasons for immersing yourself in Dead Sea salts that benefit everyone, not just those who suffer from dry, itchy, inflamed skin.

Dead Sea salts are comprised of a number of minerals whose properties include detoxify the body, improving the immune system, serving as an anti-inflammatory, balancing the body’s pH levels, and strengthening bones and nails.

1. Sodium: Small amounts of sodium help to maintain the balance of your body’s fluids (lymph in specific) which is important to your body’s immune system.  In addition, it also removes dead skin build up allowing smoother, more supple skin to rise to the surface.
2. Calcium: Calcium is vital to building and maintaining strength in bones, nails, and teeth.  For those (like myself) who don’t take in enough calcium in their diet, this is a way to supplement what’s lacking in your food intake. It also helps clean your pores, prevent water retention, and increase circulation.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium prevents fluid retention and slows skin aging.  It calms the nervous system, which helps to relief the day to day stresses of life.  Magnesium, as well as bromide, serve to cleanse and detoxify the skin.
4. Bitumen: Bitumen acts as an anti-inflammatory which is the primary reason it is so loved by those with dermatitis, but also serves to provide relief of aches and pains related to arthritis, sports injuries (often in conjunction with Epsom salt) and bursitis.
5. Chlorine and Iodine: These two minerals contribute to energy production and healthy skin generation on a cellular level.  Chlorine also helps to maintain the body’s pH level which is important to your body’s ability ward off bad bacteria while keeping the balance of bacteria you immune system needs.

There’s always a time in life where you will need Dead Sea salt more than other times, but incorporating it into your everyday life certainly won’t hurt you either.  While you’re enjoying you’re regular spa at home routine, a relaxing bath with Dead Sea salts dispersed in the water (perhaps a le’amour bath bomb?) will do your body good.

Did any of these benefit appeal to you? Are you already making great use of the beauty of Dead Sea salts? I’d Love to hear about it.  Leave a comment and share!

There is a new love in my life, and her name is Coco

Doing some of my carrier oil research led me to stumble upon the wonders of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for all kinds of things, from hair and skin care, to cooking, to preventing diseases. It’s good for the teeth, bones, liver and kidney and is effective in treating certain infections, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Do I feel a 5 uses post coming on?!?

So, when I was getting my vitamins at the supplement/health food store last week, I decided to see what all the coconut hype is about. The first thing I tried it on was my skin.

The first thing I noticed when I dug a chunk out to use was the scent. It has a pleasantly delicate scent of coconut, that is almost non-existent, making it ideal as a carrier for other fragrances.

I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of it. Coconut oil has a lip-balmish consistency, but is not sticky at all. It is solid that melts at body temperature – it feels cool as it melts, but warms up to an oil worthy of any massage. It’s not too greasy, but hydrates skin immediately.

Next, I tried it on my little girl’s VERY curly hair. Of course, I melted it first. This can be done with your hands, like I did (‘cuz it feels so great!), or just put the jar in some warm water.

Not only did it make her hair super shiny, but it worked almost like a pomade. I even gave her ringlets! Naturally, I wouldn’t use it on straight or thin hair, and it should be used sparingly, at least until you get the feel for how it works in your hair.

Other things  that are awesome about coconut oil:

• It has a long shelf-life
• You can mix your favorite essential oils into it when it’s melted
• It makes a GREAT lip  balm – even all by it’s lonesome

I will definitely be coming back with more uses for this awesome carrier oil and more. There’s just so much…

Do you use coconut oil for anything around your home? Let me know – I’m ready!