Shea Butter-Up That Skin!

It’s that time of year again: dry, irritated winter skin. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, you know that winter skin needs to be moisturized with extra care. Be Natural Organic’s Shea Butter Lotion uses rich, certified organic shea butter to moisturize, avoiding the toxic petroleum base so common in well known brands.

In fact, shea butter is a powerful moisturizer high in fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F. Shea butter has been used for centuries to nourish and protect skin from harsh climates. Traditional uses of shea butter include: treatments for dry skin, blemishes, skin discoloration, scars and wrinkles, and even as a mild sun screen. As good as it is for your skin, did you know using shea butter supports sustainable development in impoverished communities?

The work of collecting and processing shea butter is an exclusively female activity and serves as additional income for the women of West Africa. This yellow-white to ivory-colored butter starts as the nut of the Shea tree, which grows only in West Africa. Once collected, the nuts are boiled, sun-dried, shelled and then prepared for extraction by women. As one of the few economic commodities under women’s control, this work positively correlates with improved educational levels and overall economic development.

At BNO, we strive to support women in small business by using ingredients that are not only good for our bodies but also good for people everywhere.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Chances are, you're familiar with using aloe vera on skin that's been left out in the sun too long. However, Aloe Vera's nutritional and healing properties are beneficial to the skin on a daily basis as well.

Why we use organic aloe vera juice as a base:

Research has shown aloe vera has the unique ability to regenerate cellular membranes and produce fibroblast cells (responsible for collagen production) up to eight times faster than normal cell reproduction.

It has been proven that aloe vera can soak into the skin almost four times faster than water. This allows other nutrients and botanical actives to penetrate far deeper into the underlying layers of the skin for optimal results.

Contained in Aloe Vera are almost 20 amino acids, calcium, magnesium, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components that work together to heal and nourish your skin.

Aloe Vera increases the circulation of blood, which in turn facilitates an easier oxygen exchange between the cells. Aloe vera even has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects!

Products that use Organic Aloe Vera:

Niacin Complex Balancing Mist

($12, www.benaturalorganics.com)

Aloe Leaf Body Lotion

($18, www.benaturalorganics.com)

Day Light Organic Moisturizer

($24, www.benaturalorganics.com)

Health Tips & Beauty Tricks: Stay Hydrated

Summer's heating up! Beat the heat by staying hydrated!

Research has shown that we begin to feel thirsty after we have lost 28% (the equivalent of two quarts) of the average 7 quarts of water in our bodies. At this point, it's important to rehydrate yourself or risk damage to your circulatory system.

But why wait until you begin to feel the effects of dehydration?

Sipping water through out the day will keep you hydrated and enable your body to flush out all of the toxins that are accumulating in your blood. The proper amount of water to drink a day varies per person, but the bottom line is this- Drink enough water so that you can urinate two quarts a day.

The Anti-Aging Collection

Customers love our Anti-Aging Collection.

{and so do we!}

Check it out for yourself here.

Experience the new generation of healthy skin care!

Be Natural Organics On c.marchuska!

Read Joanne's full interview with c.marchuska here!

c.marchuska makes chic and sustainable clothing for the style and eco-savvy, and shares our passion for staying green.

CMar: What are your views on sustainability?

Joanne: I have a strong commitment to buying sustainable ingredients. Every sustainable ingredient used in a personal care product ensures safer products that reduce the damage to our water, soil and air.

CMar: What are your favorite items from your line?

Joanne: My Anti-aging Collection is my all time favorite because these were the first products I formulated with pure, organic aloe vera juice as a base (instead of commonly used water). I use pure aspen bark extract as a preservation system in these products. It is outrageously expensive but well worth it, due to its ability to stimulate cellular activity and enhance anti-aging results. These products are truly state of the art and you really see a difference within weeks. Repeat sales have been amazing.

The Story of Stuff - Cosmetics

It's no joke.
The stuff used in cosmetics and in so many other products are harmful. Just because you don't understand what Cocoyl Sarcosine is doesn't mean you should ignore it or assume it's safe.
Watch the video to get a better sense of what we're talking about.
You can check out a list of toxic ingredients to avoid here.

How To Zap A Zit

Zits and pimples. We all had them at one point in our lives. They may even still be popping up when you're past your prime. Either way, it's time you learned how to get rid of them the right way so that you're not left with scars or spots, which are worse than acne itself. Even if you've finally cleared the field, pass along these tips and tricks to those who may still need it!

1. Take a needle that's been disinfected with rubbing alcohol and gently prick the pimple.
2. Take some tissue and wrap your index fingers around them.
3. Confidently but carefully push down and in. The zit will pop on its own if it's ready. Make sure to stop when or if blood or clear liquid comes out.
4. Walk away from the mirror!

Always wash your hands before you go in for the kill, figuratively speaking. Afterward, wipe the area with antiseptic solution. Exfoliating twice a week will help with getting rid of excess oils and dirt that clog your pores.

Try this:

AHA Facial Wash
($20, www.benaturalorganics.com)