3 Harmful Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid
It all begins with an idea.
Your skin is your largest organ and it’s important that you take great care of it. That’s why at Sage Stone Botanicals, we use organic ingredients to bring moisture to thirsty skin cells. We also keep ingredients simple – you can easily read and understand our product labels.
Not all skincare companies do this. In fact, some add some very harmful chemicals to their products as preservatives or to mix in fragrance.
Three Skin Care Ingredients Specialists Say You Should Avoid
While not all skincare specialists and dermatologists agree on a particular brand or guiding principle when it comes to lotions or cosmetics, most agree that these three ingredients should not be in your skin care products.
Parabens
Parabens are a preservative that cosmetics and skincare manufacturers use to improve the shelf life of their products. Sounds okay, right? Nope! Unfortunately, when we apply a product containing parabens to our skin, the preservative sinks into the skin and stays in our cells. While we may want to look “well-preserved”, parabens don’t benefit our bodies the same way they preserve products. Instead, they mimic the hormone estrogen and have been liked to breast cancer.
On top of all of the above, parabens in products like soap or shampoo can be washed down the drain, entering and contaminating water. Studies have found parabens in the bodies of marine mammals for the first time ever.
So, be sure to avoid this harmful preservative!
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical – which just goes to show you that you should not consume or use every natural thing on this planet. This chemical is often used as a preservative in cosmetics. It’s also used in insulation, fiberboard, resins, and more. While this sounds like a very useful chemical – it’s not actually that great for you. Studies show that formaldehyde exposure increases cancer risk and may even cause some cancers like leukemia.
With so many natural cosmetic and skincare options available, there is no need to expose yourself to this harmful chemical.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used for all kinds of things, from making plastics more flexible to making nail polish less brittle. In the skincare world, companies use phthalates to fix fragrance into a product, keeping the smell there longer.
This chemical has been banned from use in cosmetics in the European Union as it’s been found that exposure increases cancer risk and harm one’s ability to have children. It’s also been connected to hormone disruption and various forms of toxicity.
Sage Stone Botanicals is dedicated to using all-natural ingredients. Try our products and enjoy chemical-free comfort, today!
Why We Use Jojoba Oil for Skincare
It all begins with an idea.
If you examine the ingredients in our Sage Stone Botanicals lotions and soaps, you’ll see that organic jojoba oil is listed among the ingredients. This deep moisturizing ingredient has a fascinating origin – and many uses beyond skincare. However, today we are focusing on the use of jojoba oil in nurturing your skin.
What is Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is an American shrub that grows in the desert of Arizona. The oil that we use in our lotions and body washes is extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant.
This oil has been utilized by native Americans in traditional medicine and as part of personal care routines for hundreds of years. Arizona natives would heat the jojoba seed to soften them, then crush the seed to create a waxy substance which could be used as a salve or moisturizer.
We are proud to take on the wisdom of the first peoples in America and use jojoba oil in our skincare products.
Why Jojoba is Great for Your Skin
There are many benefits to using jojoba oil topically on the skin. These include:
Non-greasy moisturizing
Imparting antioxidants
Providing skin with essential vitamins like E & B
Helps to balance oil production
Excellent for use on sensitive skin
Relieving for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and sunburn
Anti-inflammatory
We are proud to use organic, cruelty-free jojoba oil in our products. Find out more about our products or shop now by heading to our store here.
Ten Health Benefits of Shea Butter
It all begins with an idea.
We use organic shea butter in all of our moisturizing skincare products here at Sage Stone Botanicals. Not only is shea butter an all-natural moisturizer, but it also has additional health benefits that make it an excellent option for many skin conditions including:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Acne
Dandruff
Inflammation
Insect bites
Dry, itchy, or scaly skin
Shea butter also has anti-aging properties and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a naturally occurring fat that is extracted from the seeds of the African shea or karite tree. This natural fat contains vital nutrients like Vitamins A & E and essential fatty acids.
Ten Ways Shea Butter Can Benefit Your Health
You can find shea butter in all types of body care products like lotion, creams, lip balm, shampoo, and more. Here are ten ways shea butter can improve your skin and hair health:
Nourishing your skin with vitamins and nutrients.
Moisturizing oils.
Reducing inflammation with anti-inflammatory compounds.
Encouraging natural collagen production.
Strengthening skin and hair.
Soothing raw, cracked, dry, or inflamed skin.
Improving skin elasticity.
Safe for almost every skin type.
Moisturizing without making skin oily.
Offers added sun protection.
Why We Use Shea Butter in Our Products
We use shea butter in our lotions, cremes, and lip balms for the reasons listed above. However, the main reason we use organic shea butter in our skincare products is that it works with almost every skin type. People who are trying to prevent acne can use shea butter, and it can also be used to moisturize dry and sensitive skin.
If you are looking for body care products packed with organic shea butter, you have found what you are looking for here at Sage Stone Botanicals! Click here to start shopping.
Sage Stone Botanicals is Leaping Bunny Certified
It all begins with an idea.
Sage Stone Botanicals skin care products have recently become Leaping Bunny Certified! This is the most thorough cruelty-free certification available.
What does Leaping Bunny Certified Mean?
When we became Leaping Bunny Certified, we proved to the Leaping Bunny organization with information proving that our skin care products have never been tested on animals. Not only are our product cruelty-free, but every ingredient used in the creation of Sage Stone Botanicals products is completely cruelty-free.
We are proud to use organic, fair trade, cruelty-free ingredients in every one of our lotions, soaps, lip balms, and more.
Are you ready to enjoy our Leaping Bunny Certified body care products? Click here to start shopping!
Ten Tips for Smooth Winter Skin
It all begins with an idea.
Winter is always a tricky time for skin. The dry heating inside of homes and buildings contrasting with blasts of cold air from the outdoors creates temperature fluctuations that are impossible for us to adapt to. However, there are ways you can protect your skin!
Ten Tips for Winter Skin
Keep your skin from getting dry and cracked this winter by following our ten tips!
1. Stay hydrated.
Keep your body hydrated both inside and out by drinking plenty of water, tea, and juice throughout the winter months. You can boost this hydration by applying lotions and creams to your skin whenever it feels too dry.
2. Avoid drying soaps.
Ditch soaps with drying ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate, lye, and synthetic dyes. These ingredients contribute to dry winter skin. Instead, purchase soap with soothing oils like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and more.
3. Dry your skin thoroughly after washing.
This might seem counter-intuitive, but removing any water from your skin before going out in the cold can help to reduce cracking and drying. This doesn’t mean avoiding moisturizer or creams with oils in them – as they help your skin retain or replenish natural oils. Instead, it’s important to dry off thoroughly after you’ve showered or after getting drenched in that rainstorm.
4. Use a humidifier.
Adding gentle moisture to the air can keep you hydrated, even as you sleep. Just turn your humidifier on a low setting right before you get into bed.
5. Moisturize immediately after bathing.
Once you’ve taken your shower or bath and dried your skin and hair thoroughly, be sure to moisturize. This the perfect time to seal in and replenish your natural oils.
6. Avoid steaming hot showers
A hot shower may feel nice on a cold day, but try not to go too hot. The extreme temperatures will suck moisture out of your skin and can even make you sweat!
7. Moisturize before bed.
Give yourself a once-over before bed. If you have dry, itchy skin or problem areas like feet and elbows, it’s time for some extra moisture. Apply lotion anywhere that seems dry right before you hit the sheets to help keep your skin supple in the morning.
8. Change out of wet clothes.
Wet clothes can irritate your skin, making it dry and itchy. There’s no need for this discomfort – simply change out of those wet clothes as soon as possible.
9. Get cozy with blankets and layers – not dry heat.
Your heater is drying out your skin. So, reduce your electric bill and save on moisturizer by turning the thermostat down by five degrees and cuddling up in a blanket when you are at home.
10. Always shower – and moisturize – after a sweaty workout.
Just as you want to change out of wet clothes, you also want to refresh your sweaty skin after a workout. Taking a quick, lukewarm shower after a sweaty workout can give your skin a pick-me-up. Just don’t forget to moisturize before donning your dry clothes!
Click here to find gentle, organic skincare products that will never dry out your skin.
Get Your Feet Ready for Winter
It all begins with an idea.
Summer may be the time when we most commonly flaunt our feet. However, they deserve excellent care all year long – especially during these cold winter months.
Winter Foot Care Tips
This winter, give your feet some extra TLC by following these self-care tips:
1. Wear warm socks.
Cozy socks are a great way to keep your feet warm and dry throughout the cold winter months. Choose socks made primarily of natural materials and make sure they fit your feet properly. This will ensure that your feet are able to “breath” – even if they are in boots all day.
2. Give your toenails a break.
If your nails live in polish all summer long, go au naturel throughout the winter months. This gives your toenails a chance to revive themselves, naturally.
3. Try a self-care routine.
Give yourself a little at-home foot massage with your favorite cream for a naturally warming and relaxing treat. Use circular motions as you massage your feet to boost circulation on particularly chilly days.
4. Get rid of tight shoes.
Those pointy shoes may be cute, but if they squeeze your toes then they are too small. Try wearing shoes that fit when you wear socks, but still give you a chance to wiggle your toes.
5. Exfoliate with a pumice stone.
If your feet feel dry or calloused, try soaking them and then exfoliating with a pumice stone. Once done, dry your feet and moisturize with our Hand and Heel Creme!
Are you looking for gentle, moisturizing winter skincare products? All of the SageStone Botanicals products are organic, natural, and soothing to the skin. Click here to shop!
How to Shop for Natural Skincare Products
It all begins with an idea.
Many lotions and soaps with long, incomprehensible ingredient lists are labeled “natural.” However, when one does a little research into the ingredients, he or she may discover that not every one of them is actually a natural ingredient.
So, how do you find wholesome products that are great for your skin?
How to Find Natural Skincare Products
Whether you are online, in a store, or at a skincare event, there are going to be products that don’t fit your standard. Here is a quick “how to” to help you go home with the right products for your skin:
1. Read the ingredients
This is, of course, the first step in any conscientious buyer’s arsenal. Make sure to read the ingredients of any skincare or beauty product before you buy.
2. Research the ingredients
If you don’t know what an ingredient is, be sure to research it before buying. For example, here at SageStone Botanicals, we use emulsifying wax in many of our products. This is a wax that keeps the water and oil in your skincare products from separating.
However, if you don’t know what it is, it can seem just as incomprehensible as parabens, which are chemical preservatives that can be harmful. All SageStone Botanicals products are paraben and sulfate free.
3. Look for USDA regulated keywords
“Natural” unfortunately doesn’t mean much when it comes to regulation. However, “Organic” products are well regulated, so organic products are much more likely to be natural than something labeled “natural.”
4. When in doubt, ask
If you aren’t sure about a product, talk to the store clerk or email/message the company directly. Most companies will be open and honest about their products. If they aren’t, it’s likely that there is a reason they are being cagey and you may want to move on to another skincare brand.
We hope this quick “how to” helps you discover the right natural skincare products for you! If you are ready to begin shopping here at SageStone Botanicals, just click here!
Why We Love Essential Oils
It all begins with an idea.
Essential oils have amazing health benefits that we feel are vital. We use essential oils in several of our products and hope that our customers feel they benefit them throughout the day.
There are so many essential oils available out there. Some are included in our products while others can be added to our unscented products. Below are a few of our favorites.
Our Favorite Essential Oils
– Lavender for skin rashes, minor burns, acne, or insect bites.
– Peppermint for internal and external uses like soothing sunburn, queasiness, cramps, nausea, and headaches.
– Jasmine for soothing stress and anxiety, menstrual cramps, insomnia, fighting infections, and anti-aging effects.
– Tangerine is an anti-fungal and anti-septic oil that can sooth skin issues.
– Citronella as an insect repellent and easing headaches.
– Lemongrass for internal and external uses like antibacterial and antifungal properties, as an anti-inflammatory, easing nausea and diarrhea, and reduction of stress or anxiety.
– Eucalyptus for use as a disinfectant, to ease asthma, and soothing symptoms of shingles.
– Tea Tree for athlete’s foot, cold sores, eczema, or worts.
– Frankinscence for stress and pain relief, soothing dry skin, and reducing the appearance of scars.
We hope you’ll find your favorite scent within our inventory. But if you don’t be sure to mix it in with our unscented products!