Glow Notes

Recovery from exercise, be it strength or endurance training, is essential for optimal health and muscle growth. After all, it is during recovery, not exercise, that the body ultimately develops new muscle. Although there are benefits to exercise like the...

Skin allergies, be it itchy and dry skin or more severe allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis share a common culprit; histamine. Elevated levels of histamine in the blood and tissues have been noted during allergic responses of the skin, nose, and airways. In fact, histamine is a known mediator of the cardinal signs of allergic reactions including edema, inflammation, and itchiness. 

Skin aging is a multifactorial process that takes place both internally and externally. In the world of science, the internal processes that affect skin aging consist of metabolic and cellular stressors that are more or less part of the natural...

When it comes to the world of cosmetics and skincare, things can get quite complex. It seems there is a product for everything; cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums and more fill our medicine cabinets leaving most of us a bit overwhelm on what to do with them all. To make matters more confusing, most commercial products are loaded with toxic ingredients that often do more harm than good.

Essential oils provide heavenly, non-toxic aromas and also come with many medicinal benefits. In addition to their use in diffusers for aromatic purposes, they have become popular in natural skincare products. This is because essential oils possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, mitigating the most harmful offenders to radiant and healthy skin. Discover which essential oils suit your skin type best below!

or years now, new technologies and scientific research have brought forth the most incredible healing abilities Mother Nature has to offer. The growing innovations have led to an increase in breakthrough anti-aging and beauty products. One of the most recent and profound findings in natural, anti-aging remedies, is the discovery of Plant Stem Cells.

The cold, windy and dry winter season can be harsh on the skin. Also, in the winter we tend to spend more time indoors in low air quality.  We get minimal sun exposure, exercise less, and eat fewer fresh foods, all of which tax the skin. To take top-notch care of your skin this winter, follow this winter skincare routine.  It will help your skin function more optimally from the inside and out.

Let's get fishy with the fascinating science and beauty benefits of marine collagen. Marine fish collagen peptides are an emerging functional food, which supports the homology of human collagen production. Marine collagen peptides, obtained by enzymatic digestion of fish skin, have been shown to have many positive health benefits. They are safe, biocompatible, highly bioavailable, and make for a potent dietary supplement that can give our skin a youthful glow. The science-backed beauty benefits of marine collagen mainly revolve around two areas: improved metabolic function and skin/hair/bone repair.

Horsetail, also known as Shavegrass, Bottle Brush or by its scientific name Equisetum arvense, is a perennial plant that resembles a horse’s tail. It commonly grows in North America, Asia, and Europe. Horsetail contains important nutrients that support the health of the skin, including iron, manganese, silica and various antioxidants. Additionally, horsetail is known to possess antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Copper has two key beneficial properties for improving the well-being of the skin. One is biocidal properties. Also, copper as a mineral is involved in many physiological and metabolic processes that are essential for the appropriate functioning of all the bodily tissues including the skin.

The use of clay for topical healing and internal medicinal uses traces back throughout ancient history. Clay as medicine has been referenced as far back as ancient Rome, 60 BC to be exact. Aristotle – the Father of Medicine – also referenced the conscious effort of eating the earth, in the form of soil or clay, for its therapeutic benefits as far back as 384–322 BC. Considering that the Earth is made up largely of minerals, which is the bulk of what clay is, it wouldn’t be surprising to find out that the use of clay as medicine traces back even further. All throughout the natural world we see animals use mud intuitively to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure, to ward off insects and bugs, and to protect their skin. 

Many cosmetics and skin care products that are used all over the world have chemicals that contain carcinogens, which are known to cause cancer. Much like other conventional skincare products, typical deodorants and antiperspirants rely heavily on preservatives, fragrances, and...

The connection between our internal health and skin is undeniable. There is something obvious, yet profound that affects the health of our internal organs, glands and systems on a consistent basis – our diets. The effect of certain nutrients on skin aging has been an interesting field of study, from ancient times to modern times. Considering the matrix of the skin, our diets can be a source of regenerative fuel for healthy, youthful skin. Regardless of the skin issues or concerns you have, one particular nutrient you will come across in your study is Vitamin A. This antioxidant vitamin plays a major role in the health of your skin. Everything from acne, wrinkles, brown spots, hyper-pigmentation, to large pores can all be treated with the proper use of Vitamin A and with amazing results. 

In an earlier post, we talked all about the damaging effects of stress hormone cortisol. In this post, we will focus on the harmful beauty effects of estrogen, another stress hormone.

Although "oil-free" is still seen as a prized label for some skin care products, it's time we stop villainizing oils on the face because the fact is, they're highly beneficial for just about any skin ailment. Plant oils have been used for a variety of purposes throughout time. Various plant oils have been successfully incorporated into diets and even used as pharmaceuticals. Today, they are recognized for their therapeutic, anti-aging, and restorative effects on the health of our skin. When it comes to natural skin care, there are two classes of oils for the face that are must-haves; those are the plant carrier oils (specifically coconut, olive oil, and jojoba, amongst others) and various essential oils. 

Winter is notoriously the “bad skin” season. We tend to spend more time indoors with poor air quality, exercise less, lack sun exposure, and eat fewer fresh foods. In addition, when we do go outside, the air is cold and dry. All of these factors are incredibly taxing on the skin.

Acne and skin blemishes are irritating enough, mentally and physically. The last thing anyone wants is those pestering acne blemishes to turn into difficult to cure scars. When it comes to skin scarring, prevention is king; however, not everyone is fortunate enough to avoid facial scars, be it from acne or other physical traumas. The good news? Scars can be treated. Best of all, the abolishment of scars can be achieved entirely naturally too. 

Natural skincare is a growing industry in America, but for many other cultures, natural health and beauty have always been the standard. This is particularly true for the people of the Orient. The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in particular,...

Most of us are aware of the negative effects that chronic alcohol consumption can have on our health. Countless studies have verified that regular drinking is associated with a range of health problems including liver and pancreas diseases, hepatic encephalopathy,...

Ashwagandha has a wide reputation in the world of herbal medicine as a potent adaptogen. Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used to improve energy, stamina, resistance to stress, libido, immunity and more. Today, research on ashwagandha’s broad-range medicinal effects has given it modern recognition.