Encyclopedia Organica

          I apologize for the serious lack of updates as of recently. However, my life has contained little to blog about – I don’t think anyone wants to hear about my return to healthy eating, daily Bar Method classes/ellipticallizing (I made that a word), and the daily fighting of super-fun parasites evolving into stomach viruses, a lovely takeaway from my Indian adventure.

          But, I felt it necessary to inform everyone of my latest skincare finds – all of which are organic! I have been eating mostly organic and unprocessed food since I was a young girl, but to be honest, if a cosmetics or skincare product works well and there happens to be a ton of chemicals in it…I’ll continue to use it. For me, as long as there is no adverse reaction, it is okay. On a sheer whim, I began using organic skincare products, and I have to say, my skin has not been this clear since I was in the fourth grade. Yes, that is when I began getting acne.

          I think in my lifetime, I have tried at least 500 different facial care products. That may even be a low-ball count. I’ve found products that work for a short term, but then the season changes, or my skin type goes wacko, and bam, I’m left with spots.

          My skin is supremely bizarre – extremely dry, yet acne prone. I seem to also have a lot of redness, which I have essentially accepted at this point. The main concern for me is keeping spots at bay. For the past few years, my acne has not been bad, but there were some stubborn zits on my chin and lower cheeks that just seemed to never budge, no matter what spot treatment I would use. I've solved this by mixing Lavender Essential Oil (Young Living) and Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil into my nighttime moisturizer (currently Kiehl's Rose Arctica, but another favorite is Yes to Carrots' Calming Night Cream - so cheap!).

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip – Although I can eat a whole lot of it, I have been slow to get on the whole “extra virgin coconut oil as moisturizer” bandwagon. Maybe it is my aversion to laying around naked and waiting for my body oil to dry for hours when I could be fully dressed and out the door, but something about body oils always made me feel as if I had clogged pores and a sweating problem. Anyways, getting to this body lotion, which, indeed contains coconut oil – it’s fabulous. It smells like real young Thai coconuts, not that sickening sweet Bath & Body Works catastrophe that reeks of a Pina Colada made from artificial concentrate. But most importantly – it works like a charm. It absorbs SUPER quickly (my holy grail fast absorber is Crème de Corps Light Weight Body Lotion and this is comparable), and leaves skin soft and lightly scented, but not oily in the slightest. This will be a beach staple this summer as it was designed to be used after sun.

Solar Recovery Spray and Hydrating Cream – This brand is a miracle. Two years ago, I was sunburned beyond recognition (the Jersey shore has stronger sun than you think – even when you are reapplying SPF 45 every 2 hours…). I discovered this at Whole Foods, and since then, have not been able to use anything but this product on sun-parched skin. It is basically a blend of essential oils, but boy, does it work. I’ve recommended it to hoards of (Irish) friends, and they all have amazing results. Seriously a must have for anyone who ever steps foot outdoors. 

Maui Babe Browning Lotion – So, I’m about to contradict myself by telling you to apply soothing oils and then recommending a tanning lotion. However, when using this OVER sunscreen (my favorite, as I’ve mentioned before, is Josie Maran’s), it helps you to get a lovely touch of color. Don’t mind the balsamic vinegar-esque smell, because this gives you a golden glow without self-tanner and with the ability to protect your skin. Besides, that is what showers are for.

Sanre Lemon Sparkle Toner - I'm a sucker for anything that says "lemon sparkle" on the bottle. And it's not a seltzer? Sold x2. While practically every derm says that toner is not necessary, I cannot deny how wonderfully clean it makes my skin feel. I usually use plain rose water from the Indian market, but this product is fabulous! It removes the excess makeup that my face wipe plus makeup remover combo does not. In addition, it is made almost solely of essential oils and completely of ingredients that I can pronounce. The best part? It's made in Sarasota, Florida, where my grandmother lives - a coincidence I found out after I studied the bottle at home. I picked mine up at Whole Foods. 

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil - Okay, this isn't a skin product, it is for hair, and I found it completely by accident. While visiting a friend, I asked if her roommate had Moroccan Oil I could borrow, assuming she would lend me the stuff in the dark brown bottle that I had adored for years, and she came back with this. I figured I would try it. I was amazed by the results - my hair was sleek, shiny, and still had volume. I bought it as soon as I could! While I will never give up my beloved Moroccan Oil, this is an awesome finishing product for the summertime and a good bottle and size for travel. A word of advice: don't go crazy spritzing, or you may look a little, well, unclean in the hair department. 

The rest of the products pictured are new purchases that I have yet to test. I’ll let everyone know what I think of them as soon as I get a chance!

Antioxidant Power

         In India, the selection of produce is incredible, and super affordable. Pomegranates, which typically sell for 2/$5 in the US (if there is an amazing sale) are 3 for $1. Unfortunately, due to the nature of germs and the fact that I have never been exposed to many of them before, I have to be very careful about the raw fruits and vegetables I meet. Gone are the daily, fresh, raw salads, much to my dismay. However, vegetables and fruits with peels are certainly allowed, and this week at the market, I bought practically every one in sight. My choices are all considered “superfruits”, with major antioxidant power and health benefits.

Papaya – With 313% of your daily vitamin C in a serving, this buttery fruit is sure to please your tastebuds and your doctor. Also present are Vitamins A & E, as well as papain, an enzyme that helps digestive health. Papayas have anti-inflammatory effects, provide immune support, and preserve lung health. They are especially delicious when spritzed with a touch of fresh lime juice and eaten like a melon.

Pomegranate – While cutting and peeling pomegranates is quite a bit of work, I’d say that enjoying this ancient fruit is well worth a little intensive labor. The antioxidants in pomegranates include polyphenols, such as tannins and anthocyanins, in higher amounts than in green tea and cranberry juice. There are even studies the delicious fruit may help prevent heart disease. Although I can’t promise any immediate benefit, I can personally guarantee that when put on top of plain frozen yogurt (especially Yogurtland’s http://www.yogurt-land.com/), they make a yummy treat.

Oranges – Everyone knows that oranges are chock full of vitamin C, but what else can they do for your health? Low in calories (when eaten alone, avoid orange juice unless it is fresh-squeezed – there is too much added sugar!), they are fiber-rich, and provide complex-B vitamins such as thiamin, pyriodoxine, and folates, which the body needs from outside sources. Citrus fruits have been found to be helpful in the reduction of risk for cancers, arthritis, obesity, and coronary heart disease.

Carrots – Whenever I’m craving something sweet, I grab some carrots and go hog-wild. Especially delicious dipped in almond butter (which unfortunately, I have yet to find in India), these root vegetables contain, quite obviously, beta-carotene, known to improve eyesight. Another great pick for your daily dose of Vitamin-C, a recent study in the Netherlands found that orange vegetables help to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. So, make like a rabbit, grab a peeler, and get crunching!

Watermelon – Ah, the fruit that brings back the memories of warm summer days, childhood, and sunburns. Thirst-quenching and inflammation-lessening, the pink fruit from “down by the bay” (anyone remember that camp song?) contains a high amount of the antioxidant lycopene, which helps to neutralize free radicals in the body, lessening cell damage. While watermelons are most delicious in the summer season, they are available year-round in warmer clients, so I got very lucky studying here in India, as they are one of my favorite fruits!

Source: http://www.whfoods.org