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How to Properly Use Shea Butter

How to Properly Use Shea Butter

Believe it or not, shea by itself, is not a moisturizer! You can relax, the secret is now out! When it comes to hair products, word of mouth is not enough, I have to see it for myself. When I discovered that there was a hair product that was so versatile you could use it on your skin and in your kitchen, I began to do a little research and stumbled upon a surprise. Some call it “the miracle in a jar casting spells for hair and skin all over the world”, but it’s more commonly referred to as "shea butter."Shea butter is a blend of the emollients/fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidic) extracted from the nut of African Shea trees (Vitellaria Paradoxa, Shea Karite, Mangifolia). While some women swear by it, others are not quite sure how to make good use of it. At first glance, it can be quite intimidating with its thick texture, weight and density. Here are some easy ways to use shea butter to moisturize your hair and make it work for you.SOFTEN AND SEAL IN MOISTUREShea butter’s moisture-enhancing properties are unmatched, which is essential when caring for your curly locks. Technically, shea butter (alone) can’t moisturize hair–only water can do that and possibly some oils (there is debate about the validity of which ones–with olive and coconut oils being the top two), but it can help to moisturize your hair by sealing in moisture. It's smooth and rich formula lends itself to baby soft curls and compliant and pliable coils. Maintaining moisture in your hair is largely dependent on locking water in from your shampoo session. Shea butter does an awesome job at sealing moisture without leaving behind residue. It is also really good for sealing the ends of your hair, if not the entire strand for ultimate coverage.WHIP SHEA BUTTER FOR A SOFTER CREAMThere is no denying that shea butter is thick.  For most people, melting raw shea butter in your hands and applying it to hair is pretty tedious. Shea butter used in conjunction with coconut or olive oil makes a unique blend of goodness. It adds star-like quality shine and makes it much easier to scoop out and apply. Since shea butter melts at body temperature and absorbs rapidly into your skin, rubbing the product between your fingers breaks it down into oil form. We use a recipe that we've developed from our own use and feedback from our friends and family.SOOTHE YOUR FACE AND SCALP WITH SHEA BUTTERShea butter absorbs readily into the scalp and does not clog pores. This lends to being of great use as a soothing treatment for dandruff and dry scalp. Whip it with tea-tree oil, peppermint and lavender to make your own batch of scalp ointment that’s both therapeutic and effective. You can also use shea butter in the winter for a night time moisturizer, or use a tiny amount as a facial moisturizer. SUN AND HEAT PROTECTANT Shea butter can act as low but effective SPF barrier between your curly strands and any heat element from your curling iron to the sun. Since it emulsifies quickly, and if you don’t use too much, there is no residue left on your hair and it melts into your hair quickly and effectively. WHY SHEA?Shea butter is a genie in a jar! Shea has such a large healing fraction, in addition to moisturizing fraction, regular use of shea can treat many skin problems, including blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, eczema, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite, and other skin conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to heal us of these scalp and skin conditions and allow our scalp (and body) to re-grow hair in a healthy environment. Since unrefined shea butter has no added chemicals, it is ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

13 Reasons African Black Soap Is What We Should All Be Using!

13 Reasons African Black Soap Is What We Should All Be Using!

Ordinary store-bought soaps can be harsh or dry out your skin. African black soap is a fascinating alternative made only from plant materials. Those who use it will tell you that African black soap does more than just keep you clean, it's packed with skin-loving benefits too.  Uses of African Black Soap African black soap contains shea butter, which moisturizes skin but doesn't clog pores. Shea butter gives the soap certain UV-protective properties, but not enough to replace your usual sunscreen. According to Organic Spa Magazine, the soap may fade skin discoloration and dark spots. The soap cleanses gently, so it's ideal for people with rosacea, rashes, dryness and other skin conditions. African black soap contains plantain extract, which has antibacterial properties that may help treat acne breakouts. Some people use the soap as a shampoo or mild makeup remover.  African soap is traditionally made by harvesting and sun-drying palm leaves, cocoa pods and the bark from shea and plantain trees. This material is then roasted in a kettle at a constant temperature and mixed with oils, such as coconut oil. The soap then cures for two weeks before it's ready to use. 1. Cleanses Skin Just like any other soap, African black soap does an effective job of cleansing your skin, ridding it of dirt, grime, dead cells, excess sebum and germs. However, unlike other soaps, African black soap does not completely strip your skin of its natural oils, thereby keeping it smooth and moisturized in addition to cleansing it. 2. Good for Sensitive Skin Types African black soap is a popular choice for those with sensitive skin types that are prone to redness, rashes and other skin infections. If your skin reacts negatively to commercial soaps or even gentle soaps such as liquid castile soap, then you must try using African black soap. It contains absolutely no hidden ingredients that can irritate the skin. 3. Soothes & Heals Eczema The ingredients in African black soap have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which soothe and calm eczema. Instead of using harsh commercial soaps and body washes for eczema, lather up with African black soap instead and notice how soothed your skin feels afterwards! 4. Reduces Blemishes & Dark Spots One of the miraculous properties of African black soap is its ability to reduce blemishes and even out skin discolorations. The nutrient-rich ingredients have something to do with this skin lightening effect. The pure oils and butters in African black soap are rich in vitamin A, E and essential fatty acids that help lighten discolorations and reduce scarring. 5. Fights Facial & Body Acne Need a gentle but effective cleanser for acne-prone skin? Then try out African black soap! It’s gentle, contains no chemicals and is a valuable acne-fighter! It’s also especially good for people with back acne. Use it twice a day to cleanse your face and body – in the morning and at night before bed for best results. 6. Calms Psoriasis Got dry, itchy and flaky psoriasis patches? Then quit using harsh body washes and cleansers that contains skin irritating chemicals & fragrances and use African black soap instead. It’s gentle, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and has moisturizing properties as well. 7. Reduces Oily Skin The natural cleansing and exfoliating action of African black soap removes excess sebum from deep within the pores and on the skin’s surface. 8. Minimizes Fine Lines & Wrinkles Did you know that African black soap is rich in antioxidants? Ingredients, such as cocoa, are powerful antioxidants that ward off notorious free radicals that steal oxygen from healthy skin cells which causes them to become lifeless. Using African black soap helps keep away premature wrinkles and fine lines. 9. Evens Out Dark Spots The vitamin and mineral-rich ingredients in African black soap, such as plantain leaves & shea butter which are both rich in allatonin, help lighten and reduce dark spots and marks on the skin. 10. Unclogs Blocked Pores If you suffer from congested pores, use African black soap to deep cleanse and purify your skin from deep within without stripping natural oils. 11. Helps Fade Acne Scars Ingredients such as palm kernel oil as well as shea butter help moisturize skin and naturally lighten and fade out acne scars. Did you know that acne scars look more pronounced when the skin is dehydrated and flaky? Moisturizing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and fades them faster. The exfoliating properties also help slough off dead skin that normally collects above the acne scar. 12. Soothes Razor Bumps Use African black soap during shaving to moisturize the skin thereby minimizing razor bumps. You can also use it after shaving to soothe & calm the red skin. 13. Eliminates Fungal Skin Infections African black soap has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that fight off bacteria, fungus and other microbes that cause skin infections.

Tips for Natural Winter Skin Care

Tips for Natural Winter Skin Care

Keep your skin glowing through the dry winter days. Try our natural moisturizers, cleansers and exfoliants for winter skin care: Lavender & Rosemary Whipped Shea Butter African Black Soap  Moisturizing Basics for Winter Skin Care When choosing a moisturizer, your first consideration should be your skin type. For oily skin, use a light moisturizer; for normal to oily skin, use a moisturizing lotion; and for dry skin, use a moisturizing cream. Hello To Natural provides products that accommodate all skin types which are especially effective for dry skin related issues in winter/colder months. Next, analyze a product’s ingredient list: Nearly every moisturizer contains some combination of emollients, humectants, emulsifiers, “active ingredients” and penetration enhancers.  Emollients, such as phospholipids and lecithin, soften, heal and hydrate. Plant oils such as olive, castor, jojoba and coconut make great emollients because they mimic the soothing oils our own skin produces. Humectants attract moisture to the skin. Look for moisturizers made with glycerin and sorbitol derived from natural sources. (To find out if the ingredients are from natural sources, consult the ingredients list or peruse the company’s website.) Emulsifiers are used to keep the ingredients in a moisturizer from separating. Lanolin is an excellent natural emulsifier—read more about it under “What Is Lanolin?”. A product’s “active ingredients” are usually responsible for providing its advertised effects, such as soothing, treating blemishes or preventing signs of aging. For example, zinc oxide is a natural active ingredient that protects against sun damage. Be careful when choosing skin products purported to remove wrinkles, blemishes or dark spots: These often contain harsh chemicals. To find out more about natural active ingredients, see “The Best Active Ingredients in Moisturizers” further in this article. Penetration enhancers help a product’s active ingredients absorb into the skin. Look for moisturizers with natural penetration enhancers such as essential oils (menthol or chamomile are common), vegetable squalene, linoleic acid and oleic acid rather than synthetic penetration enhancers such as propylene glycol and tetrasodium EDTA. Avoid poor-quality ingredients such as mineral oils, harsh chemicals, and artificial colors and fragrances. Harsh chemicals such as parabens, formaldehyde and propylene glycol are often used to give moisturizers a longer shelf life and help them absorb into the skin, but they can have side effects ranging from skin irritation to potential reproductive disorders. You can find effective, safe natural moisturizers (see our picks under “3 Natural Moisturizers”), or make your own simple, inexpensive moisturizer using this Homemade Moisturizer Recipe. For more information on ingredients in personal-care products to avoid and extensive listings of safer options, read Come Clean: Natural Alternatives to Chemical-Laden Personal-Care Products. The 5 Best Active Ingredients in Moisturizers All of Hello to Natural's products contain tea tree oil. Here is a list of many other beneficial ingredients you should look for in your skin care products: • Anti-aging: Boswellia serrata, CoQ10• Antibacterial and antifungal: Tea tree oil• Anti-irritants: Comfrey leaf and root, Aloe vera, licorice root, marshmallow root, chamomile, white willow bark, vitamin C• Soothing: Aloe vera, licorice root, green tea, chamomile extract• Sun protection: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide The 9 Best Oils to Make Winter Skin Glow   Argan Oil Best for: Fine lines, dry skin, and dry hairWhat it is: Argan oil is surrounded by more hype than U2's new album — and the consensus is that the hype is justified (for both). Extracted from the kernels found in the fruit of Moroccan argan trees, argan oil has high levels of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. While it first claimed fame as a savior for dry, damaged hair, the oil also works wonders on the face and body. "The fatty acids help our skin cells make healthy membranes, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy collagen," says Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, in New York City. Avocado Oil Best for: Dry, sensitive, or irritated skinWhat it is: "This oil is high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps proper cell function and decrease inflammation," says Jennifer Linder, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at San Francisco. Because it's such a rich emollient, avocado oil is ideal for those with dry, itchy, or aging skin. Coconut Oil Best for: Sensitive skin, eczema, dry hairWhat it is: "When a client has super-sensitive skin, I recommend coconut oil, straight from the grocery store, as a body moisturizer," says Joanna Vargas, a celebrity facialist in New York City. "Its fatty acids make it helpful for anyone with eczema, too."Additionally, research has shown that coconut oil restores dry hair. "Its 12-carbon fatty acid structure allows it to penetrate the hair cuticle and help provide flexibility and strength," says Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist in Chicago. Rub a small amount on dry ends, smooth a bit on your fingers to tame flyaways, or use it as a deep-conditioning treatment in the shower. Flaxseed Oil Best for: Irritated, sensitive skin, and conditions such as eczema and dermatitisWhat it is: Packed with heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed is important for a healthy heart and complexion. You can mix the seeds in foods, or use the oil as a topical moisturizer, says Howard Sobel, MD, an attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City. "It has anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown that if taken daily, it can improve skin conditions such as eczema in just three months." Jojoba Oil Best for: General dry skinWhat it is: While technically a wax, jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) oil has a chemical structure that's very similar to our skin's natural oils, so it's easily absorbed. Dermatologists recommend it because it also contains such minerals as zinc and copper, and vitamins B and E, which help strengthen the skin. Lavender Oil Best for: Acne-prone or irritated skinWhat it is: Collected from the fresh flowering tops of lavender, lavender oil may be especially beneficial for those with acne and general skin irritation. "It helps control sebum production, soothes irritation, and is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant," says Linder. Lavender oil can also boost the performance of your other skin products. Says Linder, "It's thought to help aid in the absorption of active ingredients into the skin." Olive Oil Best for: Very dry skinWhat it is: Olive oil — particularly extra-virgin olive oil — is a good all-around natural moisturizer and is recommended for dehydrated skin. "It's super rich in fatty acids and vitamin E," Dr. Sobel says. Like jojoba oil, olive oil is similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin and so is absorbed well into the skin. It typically does not cause allergies, but because it's a heavier oil, those with acne should avoid using it on their face. Studies also show that the antioxidant content in olive oil may help protect against skin cancer. Safflower Oil Best for: Dry, irritated skinWhat it is: The oil of this thistle-like flower contains linoleic acid, or omega-6 fatty acid, which helps your skin make ceramides, a type of lipid that helps the skin hold onto water and prevent dehydration. "It's the best of all the oils for inflamed, dry skin — with the exception of argan oil, but safflower oil is much less expensive," says Leslie Baumann, MD, a dermatologist in Miami and author of Skin Type Solutions. You can also consume safflower oil to prevent dry skin, especially if your diet is low in fat. "Vegetarians and those on low-fat or low-cholesterol diets are more likely to have dry skin, but adding safflower oil to foods can help," Dr. Baumann says. Tea Tree Oil Best for: Acne-prone skinWhat it is: Tea tree oil is the essential oil taken from the leaves of the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Found in many natural acne remedies, it helps kill bacteria in the pores and hair follicles that lead to blemishes, and, luckily for those who can't find relief fast enough, it penetrates the skin quickly. "For best results, use it in conjunction with alpha- and beta-hydroxy-acid washes," says Dr. Zeichner. "Doing so will help slough off dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores." *Although it's a natural substance, tea tree oil may cause irritation, so make sure you test it on a small patch of skin before you use it generally. 5 Moisturizer Ingredients to Avoid  Formaldehyde: A human carcinogen; watch for ingredients dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol or bronopol  Fragrance: Usually contains phthalates, linked to hormone disruption, possible birth defects, infertility and breast cancer Parabens: May cause reproductive disorders and has been detected in breast cancer tissue; watch for any ingredient ending in -paraben Propylene glycol: May cause hives, allergic reactions and other skin irritation in concentrations as low as 2 percent; synonyms include PPG, 1,2-dihydroxypropane, 2-hydroxypropanol, methylethyl glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and propane-1,2-diol •Retinyl palmitate and retinol (vitamin A): Rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties; may also speed up the development of cancerous skin tumors when exposed to the sun; excessive amounts may be toxic to a developing fetus if pregnant women are exposed

Body Butter vs Lotion

Body Butter vs Lotion

The Science behind your skin care:With the vast array of body lotions and butters available, making smart skin care choices can be difficult. According to plastic surgeon and author Dr. Michelle Copeland, "it takes two" types of moisturizers to keep skin healthy: "humectant and lubricant." These hydration elements are often present in both body butters and lotions. Therefore, educating yourself about ingredients, knowing how products are labeled, and knowing your skin type will ensure the best results from either type of product. Industry Labeling:While ingredients can play a role in classifying a product as either a butter or a lotion, there are no standards to dictate how companies name their products as long as they don't deceive consumers with false labeling and product claims. That means a product is not required to contain any kind of "butter" for it to be called a body butter. It is texture and consistency that primarily determine how a product is classified and marketed to consumers according to licensed esthetician Jeffrie Ann Hall. Body Butter BasicsMoisturizers known as butters tend to be "heavier and more emollient and have a more luxurious feel as opposed to lotions," says Hall. When moisturizers contain lubricating ingredients, such as shea butter, and natural oils, such as, coconut, olive and jojoba, "they are occlusive or coat the skin to create a barrier between the skin's surface and outside elements." This "barrier" seals in moisture as well as protects the skin from environmental impurities and damage from harsh environments.Lotion Basics:Products classified as "lotions" are normally lighter in consistency, have a lower oil content, are not lubricating, and accommodate all skin types. One primary benefit of a lotion is that it can preserve the moisture already in the skin; products that do this are considered humectants. According to Skin Care Rx, "dry skin lacks moisture rather than oil," making humectant products a better choice over creams or oils. Hall says "alpha hydroxy and hyaluronic acid are common humectants in lotion that, after serving as exfoliants, bring the skin's natural water source from the dermis to the epidermis." Considerations:Body butter can cause breakouts on oily skin. The occlusive barrier blocks pores, creating a fertile ground for bacteria and oils to accumulate. Try semi-occlusive products like cocoa butter that seal in moisture but allow skin to breathe normally. Lotions in general can be used more frequently than butters because of the lighter ingredients and texture they contain. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently break out. "Know your skin type and make sure to read the ingredients list before purchasing," suggests Hall. Warning:Some ingredients commonly found in both body butters and lotions should be avoided, as they may irritate or harm skin. Dr. Copeland says steer clear of lanolin, which can be irritating and extremely heavy, and mineral and coconut oils, which can clog pores. If you have an allergy to nuts, be aware of all ingredients in your skin care products. Silicone and dimethicone are also known to block pores.

Skin Care: Humectants - The Key to Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

Skin Care: Humectants - The Key to Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

It seems we are in a day and age where people have become more concerned and deliberate about what they consume, what they put on their skin and hair, and how knowing the different options are greatly important. In this article, we will attempt to educate you about hair and skin care as part of a multi-part series.  In this article we look at humectants, one of the two components found in every type of skin and hair moisturizer. What is a humectant? hydrate the skin by attracting water like a magnet, locking in moisture form hydrogen bonds with water molecules they increase the amount of water the stratum corneum - the outermost layer of the epidermis - can hold How Humectants Work they pull water from the dermis into the epidermis, and if humidity is above 70 percent, they can even draw in moisture from the air they are extremely important in keeping skin soft and supple they encourage desquamation, the shedding process, by wearing down the corneodesmosome that hold skin cells together Humectants repair dry, cracked skin by providing maximum hydration and reducing skin irritation. Act as a barrier by preventing outside chemicals from making contact with the dermis Types of Humectants: Synthetic and Natural Synthetic less expensive to produce than natural humectants they lock in moisture to some extent, but they don't provide any noteworthy nutrients or benefits to the skin they essentially moisturize in the short-term and dry out the skin in the long-term some include: Butylene glycol Glycerin (can be synthetic or natural) Urea Tremella extract Sorbitol Dicyanamide Sodium PCA Sodium lactate Natural they attract moisture to the surface of the skin and they deliver major moisture and nutrients to the deepest layers of the skin Natural humectants improve the skin's ability hydrate itself on its own some include: Aloe honey Glycerin Castor Oil (used in Hello To Natural products) Check back as we continue this series on skin and hair care products. Photo credit: here

5 Ways Shea Butter Can Help Skin and Hair That You May Not Know About

5 Ways Shea Butter Can Help Skin and Hair That You May Not Know About

Shea butter is a hair and skin superfood that comes from the Shea (Karite) tree found in West and East Africa. Combined with oils such as jojoba, almond, avocado, castor, olive, and coconut oil, it’s one of the most versatile mixture of natural ingredients that can be used for a variety of things that you may not be aware of. Sooth Irritated Scalp Shea butter has been used for centuries to sooth dry itchy scalp or dandruff. It’s also a great moisture sealant for dry or damaged hair. It is usually utilized like a foundation for health-related creams, and it has been believed to possess anti-inflammatory qualities. It absorbs easily into the scalp and it does not clog the pores. It moisturizes from the roots on down to the ends. It is therefore extremely beneficial to hair that is relaxed, colored, or heat-treated. Spread onto your fingertips and apply in small amounts directly onto your scalp. Rub in circular motion. Tea Tree oil is especially good for the scalp. Either add a drop or two to your favorite blend, or try one of our blends specially crafted for treating the scalp. Sealant for the Hair Black hair has the tendency to be dryer than other hair types due to the texture. The natural sebum from the scalp has a hard time sliding down the shaft to the ends because of the bends or coils of black hair. Shea butter is frequently found in curly hair treatments because of its emolliating qualities. This makes it great for locking moisture in and doesn't leave your hair greasy or heavy. Since it aids in locking moisture into hair it’s fantastic for keeping your hair protected against the weather. You can use it alone or you can add it to your favorite conditioner to give you extra moisture. It’s also a great additive for shampoos and hair creams. Protection Against Heat Shea butter does not sit on the hair, instead it absorbs into the hair strand/shaft without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. However it does coat the hair shaft so that it is protected against damage from the heat tool being passed along the hair. Apply in small amounts before blow drying and straightening natural hair. Shield Against UVS Shea butter is believed to have a low amount but sufficient SPF to protect your hair against the damage from ultra violet rays of the sun. This is definitely beneficial for processed or color treated hair. Apply lightly before going to the beach, lake, or any activity in which your hair is exposed to sunlight. You can even add it to a moisturizer spray to spray it on easily to your hair. Softens Hair Shea butter is great for softening hard brittle hair. It’s an excellent moisturizer, and therefore offers that advantage for dried as well as fragile curly hair. Apply as your "oil step" in the LOC method, or as a moisturizer for 2nd or 3rd day hair. Get some whipped shea butter for yourself today! See how whipped shea butter is made.

Top 5 Essential Oils for PCOS

Top 5 Essential Oils for PCOS

                                          Many women suffer from PCOS and finding resources to assist in living with this condition can be difficult. Amy Medling, Founder of PCOS Diva, provides extremely useful information about how essential oils can really help with managing many of the symptoms that stem from having PCOS. Hello to Natural is more than just a brand that sells shea butter, soaps or fragrant oils. Hello to Natural believe it's important and necessary to educate and provide our customers and subscribers with useful information about how our products can improve the quality of their lives based on whatever health conditions they may have or just want to learn more about. Read on and found out more about out how essential oils can benefit you or someone you know who has PCOS: Essential oils are a powerful tool in your PCOS toolbox. While upgraded diet, lifestyle and mindset are the pillars of thriving with PCOS, essential oils can help to alleviate individual symptoms. If used correctly, they are safe to use every day to help reset abnormal patterns, and they are especially beneficial when trying to balance hormones and insulin levels. Why use essential oils? Plants (and oils derived from plants) are powerful healers. Aside from the medicinal applications of plant compounds, their essential oils can have a strong effect on the limbic system. In this way, they help to restore hormonal balance, release emotional stress and impart the feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. In addition, essential oils can ease other common PCOS symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, hair growth, infertility, and insulin imbalance. Also, women with PCOS are particularly sensitive to endocrine disrupting chemicals. These EDCs are present in many medications, household products, make-up, our food, water, and the list goes on. Any opportunity we have to avoid these hormone disruptors should be taken. Essential oils make terrific replacements for endocrine disrupting chemicals in many household products.  What is the best way to use essential oils for PCOS? Diffusion– For many oils, diffusion is the most effective method. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways including simply opening a bottle, using a vaporizer or humidifier (check manufacturer instructions) or a warmer. Topical– In this method, essential oils are applied directly to the skin. Usually, oils are diluted in a carrier oil, but some may be used “neat.” Castor oil packs or roller ball bottles are popular methods of application. Many women have success using the topical method in conjunction with reflexology. Ingestion– Some very specific oils can be ingested. I don’t use this method, but if you choose this option, proceed with extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. So, what are the best essential oils for PCOS?     Clary Sage- This is one of the best all-around oils for PCOS. Clary sage fights acne, relieves anxiety, depression and stress, and boost hair growth. Importantly, it also works toward hormone balance and fertility.     Geranium- Geranium stimulates the adrenal cortex, helping to balance emotions, alleviate anxiety & depression and improve focus. It is particularly good for balancing hormones, improving fertility, and increasing progesterone.  Geranium even helps balance out the oils in your skin for help fighting acne!    Ylang Ylang– One of the oldest applications of ylang ylang is as an antidepressant. It works to balance your cortisol & adrenals (reducing stress) as well as to promote emotional balance. As an added bonus, women with PCOS often see improvements in fertility and hair growth.     Cinnamon- Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon? Good news! It isn’t just for the holidays. Cinnamon can help reduce insulin resistance (support blood sugar balance) and even help you lose weight.     Lavender– Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for good reason. While it is best known for promoting relaxation and relieving stress, it can also help bring emotional balance and reduce anxiety and depression. That makes it a home run for the whole family! If that isn’t enough, women with PCOS can see added benefits including reduction in hirsutism (unwanted hair), hair growth, hormone balance, and improvement in acne.   You can find the complete article here! Thanks for reading and please like, share, and follow us on Facebook & Instagram!  

Essential Oil: What is it and Why is good for you?

Essential Oil: What is it and Why is good for you?

Essential oils are oils extracted from plants through steam distillation, resin tapping, and cold pressing. They contain a concentration of the nutritional benefits of the botanicals from which they come from. They are used for a variety of reasons such as for aroma diffusion, topical application, and consumption. When used topically (on the skin and hair), it's strongly suggested to dilute the oil in carrier oils such as almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil (to name a few), and/or shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter. This allows for safe application, maximum use of the nutrients that it contains, and natural enrichment through vitamins and minerals to the skin and hair.   At Hello To Natural, we use essential oils and carrier oils in our whipped shea products and oil blends.  This enhances the shea nutritionally and makes it easier to use.  So not only is your skin and hair being moisturized, it is receiving the nutritional benefits of the oils that are mixed in.  Thus whipped shea butter can be seen as a superfood for your skin and hair.   This will be an ongoing series on the various essential oils, and how you can select certain blends to help target and treat a wide variety of skin and hair issues.

White vs Yellow Shea Butter

White vs Yellow Shea Butter

    We came across a really interesting article on SheaButterLicious discussing the difference of yellow and white Shea Butter. Short, simple and to the point."I am often asked what is the difference between Yellow or White Shea Butter, which is better yata yata... First Shea butter comes in those small nuts and the color is an off white or beige or ivory kind of color. They parboil the shea nuts and then it goes to a milling process. You can actually search for videos of women making the Shea butter in a more detailed process (Google or  Youtube). I am not going that far into the details just briefly to explain the yellow coloring.  So the yellow and white come from the same Shea Nuts but are processed differently. For the yellow shea butter, a root from the borututu tree is added in the milling process, and gives it that turmeric yellow color.  Some think palm oil is added to give it that yellow color but no palm oil is required to make yellow Shea butter, it goes through the same process as the white shea butter. Therefore they both have same qualities. FYI some African make a tea from the bark of the borututu tree that is said to help with liver functions. So again, the yellow and white shea butter are from the same Karite Tree but are processed differently.  The Karite tree is grown in Central and Western Africa. Some people confuse Kpangnan African Butter with Shea Butter because it is also yellow.  You will find some vendors selling this butter under the name Yellow Shea Butter, most don't know the difference but some do, but will tell you it is the same because of the popularity of Shea Butter.  Kpangyan Butter is grown in Central Togo and is used for skin care.Now Shea Butter also has different grades, Grade A is usually referred as the white unrefined 100% Raw Shea Butter it can be consumed and used in the cosmetic arena. It contains more Shea nuts than grade B Shea butter. Now Grade B Shea butter comes in white and yellow but has *less Shea nuts ( I know kind of hard to explain), it actually seems softer than grade A. Grade B shea butter can not be used for consumption only in cosmetics. * I think the meaning of less nuts is that through the process the Shea Butter Nuts get smaller. So that is what's meant by it has less Shea butter. Remember they parboil the nuts, let them dry, sort them, mill them, boil them, cover and let them sit again, so as the process goes on the butter balls get smaller.( Sorry trying to explain as simple as possible.)Refined Shea Butter - cleaned, bleached, and deorderized - can not be used in cold process soap but can is usually added to cosmetics such as lotions and creams.Unrefined Shea Butter - as it is smells nutty and is off whitish, can be used in cosmetics and cold process soap.There is even Organic Shea Butter, this where some might disagree with me which is fine, I think that's a bunch of Hooplah. If its is 100% Raw Shea Butter then it is just the same quality as Organic, it is the same Karite tree. I feel its just another reason to charge you extra money."

Benefits of Whipped Shea Butter (Body Butter)

Benefits of Whipped Shea Butter (Body Butter)

Whipped shea butter is considered by many to be one of the best kept secrets of the natural beauty world. It is a skin and hair superfood. Shea butter contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A and E. It is whipped with other oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and essential oils that each provide a multitude of benefits that enrich your skin and hair, improves your appearance, and keeps you healthy. 

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