Coconut Oil

Is Coconut Oil Right for YOU?

Every few months we see news of the latest ingredient. Coconut oil is the latest on the news But how

do you know it is the right or even safest ingredient for YOU?
They hire great marketing agencies to tout their new product… one they have invested a lot to develop.  But there is a gap between the market hype and consumer best choice. Here’s my insider scoop on what you’re being sold.
There are two different type of product companies.  Those who develop blends to solve different problems. And those who base all of their products on a KEY ingredient.  Right now that ingredient is coconut oil.

But is coconut oil right for you?

Coconut oil is a tropical oil obtained from the nut of a palm tree. The jar of coconut oil in your cupboard validates that this oil solidifies at room temperature.
In comedogenicity tests that date back to the 1960s which are the gold standard for products produced since, it was shown to be a comedogenic ingredient – meaning those oils tend to clog pores. If you are using a product with coconut oil in it and noticing more breakouts…it’s probably your product.
If it is only on your skin temporarily, as in a makeup remover, it’s probably fine.  But it shouldn’t be left on your skin.  People who use it as a hair conditioner should keep an eye on scalp or hairline breakouts it could trigger.
If you bleach or color your hair or it is weather damaged from time in the sun, coconut oil might be a fine conditioner, but try to keep it off your scalp.
If you have fine, thin, dry, sensitive skin, you might be okay with it.  But a product with jojoba oil might be a better choice.  It is an ingredient that doesn’t solidify at room temperature.  Its comedogenicity rating is nil.  It actually has the ability to emulsify sebum so helps acne clients rather than aggravates their skin.
So when the next…newest and greatest ingredient shows up in marketing…save yourself some money.  Investigate the ingredient first to see how it might work with your skin.
If you need help trying to sort through all the products on the market and their hype…speak to a trained qualified esthetician who has taken the advanced classes to help you make smart decisions.

5 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays

Plan to de-stress...

The winter holiday season can mean you're super busy not only at work but at home. Did you know we women are more prone to depression than men are? And the winter season with shorter periods of daylight can bring on depression.

Research studies have shown death rates peak in December and January across the US, regardless of what part of the country you live in. Stress is a key part of those numbers.

There are dozens of ways to make holidays less stressful, but here are 5 easy favorites.

1.  Dump the expectations!

It's super easy to take on more than even Wonder Woman could accomplish. Think about the things that are your favorite parts of the holidays and focus on those.  Delete those things that create more angst for you.  

If that means cutting out long-distance travel, do it.  If it means buying cookies for an event instead of baking them...do it.  

If work gets stressful and overwhelming with clients asking for extra hours...set boundaries and stick to them.  

If it means limiting your social engagements to a "doable" level, that's a good thing.

      

     2. Make it a family team effort.

Get the kids and spouse involved. Delegate so everyone gets a part of the workload and more engaged in the fun. Delegate set priorities and simplify.

Make NEW traditions that focus on involvement, relaxing and having fun.  

If that means less decorating or less than perfect decorating or gift-wrapping...go for it.  

Maybe it means getting a grip on the spending and setting limits on the quantity and price of purchases.  

Maybe it means teaching kids the benefits of helping others.  One less gift for themselves and the opportunity to pick out something for someone less fortunate.

     3. Get active...

When we get busy and stressed, often the first thing to go is the exercise routine. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise makes a huge difference. Take the kids and the dogs and get out in the fresh air for a walk.

Weather too lousy for outdoors? Walk at the mall. Or move exercise into your living or family room. Kids love games and videos - dig out the PlayStation, Xbox, Wii or Nintendo. There are great exercise games available for all of them. Let everyone join in and it becomes playtime.

Studies have shown video exercise games are just as effective as a gym workout or a 30-minute walk.

     4. Start early 

If you wait until the last minute, it will always be more stressful. Starting early can make all the difference. Shop early, bake early (and freeze), and decorate in stages. If you mail out cards or write a holiday letter... get them ready to go now.

My personal favorite part of this is shopping. When we go on vacation...regardless of what time of year that is, I look for gifts that the recipient will love and allow them to share something from our experience. Be sure to put them where you'll be able to find them months later and label them with the recipient's name.

     5. Entertaining? Get guests involved.

Instead of trying to do it all, make it a potluck and let each guest contribute. Guide them with choices so you get a nice diversity not six of the same thing. To minimize party stress, keep it relaxed and casual.