Humans have utilized plants for healing and health since the beginning of time. Each plant has the unique ability to draw nutrients from the earth and transform them into powerful, bioactive constituents that create a corresponding biological response in the human body. For overall efficacy in both skin care and health care, plants need to be used as close to whole as possible, maintaining their unique chemistry, required co-factors, and, therefore, bioavailability. If plant extracts are used, quality manufacturing procedures are required. If not, absorption and delivery of the extracts can be an issue because, when an individual part is separated from the whole, its benefits begin to degrade and its bioavailability is reduced. In the plant world, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, and the parts depend on each other. Read More

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or hydrolats, are produced through distillation of essential oils.   In a steam distillation method, the hydrosol – or water of the plant – is released and the essential oil floats on top and is siphoned off. Some producers create hydrosols for their own unique benefits, bypassing the essential ... Read More

Skin hydration is important, but it is not only achieved through topical treatments. Diet can also help to keep the skin from becoming too dry. But the question is, which vitamins, minerals and nutrients are skin-hydrating and which vegetables and fruits can they be found in?   Read More

DIY skin care is a hot topic among skin care professionals and consumers. But it begs the question: if the ingredients are easily accessible and the products can be made by anyone, can it be considered professional? Additionally, there is debate about whether the application of whole foods and whole plant preparations are as effective ... Read More

Marijuana is known for many different reasons, but not many know that it can be used in skin care products! Furthermore, the results from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) can be amazing! Cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and anti-aging power houses. Read More

Nutritional and dermatological research has demonstrated that specific and key nutrients are required to ensure the physiological functioning and overall health of the skin. This factor is well recognized by nutritional professionals, along with the premise that simply consuming a balanced diet may not always ensure optimum nutritional status with anticipated benefits or results. Within the realm of nutritional information, there remains one focal determinant of nutrition that is constant no matter the opinion, philosophy, or mindset. Read More

Essential oils play an important role in skin care. Because the skin reacts to emotions, the effect of inhalation in the form of aromatherapy can be a powerful addition to aesthetics. Read More

While the thought of putting slimy, green seaweed on a client’s face may not sound so appealing, marine seaweed, also referred to as alga, has become the ingredient of choice in skin care today. More than likely, clients have been using it for some time without even realizing it. Everything from facial cleansers and toners to serums and night creams touts some variation of this power-packed species from the sea. Read More

Extremophiles may be a relatively new term in the skin care industry, but they have been around much longer than many people are aware. Read More

Clients tend to love organic products and are always looking for anything with a healthy twist. Refresh their skin with this pumpkin pie-inspired mask for gentle exfoliating and seasonal bliss! Read More