How to Detoxify Harmful Xenoestrogens From your Beauty Rituals | Part 2

Hi dear one!

I hope you’re doing great!  This powerful time together is a carry over [ part 2 ] from our previous conversation about estrogen mimickers called xenoestrogens.  

 Many personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoos, and body lotions, contain  harmful chemicals. For example, one of the most common chemicals found in personal care products is “Fragrance,” which can be made up of hundreds of various chemical compounds. Fragrances are linked to liver and kidney damage, cancer and endocrine disruption which interferes with your adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands.

When we use these personal care products we can inhale the toxins as well as absorb them through our skin (the largest organ that connects to the inside of our body). 

It’s simple enough just to say “Opt for natural plant-based alternatives with simple ingredients that have names you recognize…” its just as important to know the why and how to recognize the unwanted ingredients damaging our health.  

Before we move forward, make sure you’re read up on how the pesky chemicals mimicking our estrogens succumb us and cause havoc in the first place! 

For a quick review: 

 WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that mimic estrogen. Unfortunately, unlike estrogen, which the body fully eliminates after its job is done,  xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells where they disrupt the proper functioning of the reproductive system and increase hormone imbalances and the risk of disease in the breast and ovaries. 

Causes of Estrogen Dominance

The body accumulates excess estrogen in two ways:

Endogenously (inside) - We make too much of our own estrogen and it’s not being properly eliminated.

Exogenously (outside) - Excess estrogens enter the body from external sources, such as foods, the environment, toxins, and chemicals, and are not being properly eliminated.

Excess Estrogen Common Catalysts:

Stress - 

Surprise!  The leading cause of endogenous estrogen stems from excessive and prolonged stress which inversely decreases progesterone production to make more cortisol, the main stress hormone. This results in high estrogen levels in relation to progesterone.

Impaired Liver Function – 

Mentioned in part one, we know the liver removes excess hormones from the body, and if not working properly - it leads to estrogen dominance.

Dysbiosis –

A higher count of bad bacteria vs. good bacteria in the gut inhibits the conversion of estrogen into water-soluble molecules.  This causes the estrogens to recirculate back into the bloodstream where it can re-exert its effects. Gut health is very important for the metabolism of all hormones.

Now onto the deeper understanding of  ( Xenoestrogens ) from Personal Care Products

You may be overwhelmed, but trust me - reducing your xenoestrogen exposure through awareness when applied to your beauty products is easier than you think.    The impact is huge, and I have no doubt this will be helpful and clarifying for you and your beautiful health! 

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Two Reasons Why Xenoestrogenss Hidden in Skincare Is Harmful

Increase of Cancer Risk

About 40% of all cancers in women are hormonally driven. When estrogen mimickers are present in our beauty products - it increase the overall levels of circulating hormones. This is why it may also increase our risk for certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.

Breast cancer is estrogen-dependent.  Research has shown that xenoestrogens in personal care products can pose an increased risk of breast cancer.

Fertility 

In women, exposure to xenoestrogens can predispose us to estrogen dominant related health conditions like PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fibroids and fertility.   

Exposure to xenoestrogens is not the sole cause of these fertility, rather it’s constant exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds, like in your daily skincare routine that affects these conditions.

When becoming pregnant, xenoestrogen exposure can also be harmful.  In mice, exposure to xenoestrogens during pregnancy has been shown to affect the estrogen levels of the developing fetus. Men are perhaps even more susceptible to the negative effects of xenoestrogens on their fertility than women are. 

Xenoestrogens could be contributing factors to the deterioration of these men’s semen quality, resulting in their inability to conceive.

So, if you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, xenoestrogens in a beard oil or facial cream should be assessed as a easy way to reduce your exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds.

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Which leads me to how to awaken to xenoestrogens in our personal care and beauty products.

Outside-In 

When you consume chemicals internally they are first filtered through the liver before they make their way into the bloodstream, but when you use skincare products that contain xenoestrogens, they may pose risk  through absorption.  

 Top INGREDIENTS To Remove

Phthalates: Are round in cosmetics, cleaning products, food packaging, and detergents, PVC plastic, toys, and plastic wrap.

Buyer beware, the worst part about Phthalates is that Phthalates often times hide in the ingredient list under “fragrance.” Companies are able to vaguely label a group of ingredients as simply “fragrance” in order to protect trade-secret ingredients.

• Phthalate

• DEP

• DBP

• DEHP

Parabens: found in deodorant, antiperspirant, moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

Parabens show up in personal care products because they are antimicrobial agents and preservatives.

• Ethylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Methylparaben

• And other ingredients ending in “-paraben”

Looking for a “paraben-free” label is the easiest way to avoid exposure to these xenoestrogens in your skincare products.

Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake-eyelash adhesives and some shampoos. It has been banned in other countries.

Fragrance: Has hormone-disrupting effects. Fragrance is also connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma and allergies. Instead, use products with natural fragrances only.

Lead: A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor found in certain eyeliners, hair dye and lipsticks.

Mercury: A known irritant and allergen that, with body accumulation over time, can impair the brain and nervous system.

Oxybenzone: An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cellular damage. I recommend wearing skin-protective clothing and using natural minerals or zinc products.

DEA/TEA/MEA (Ethanolamines): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, hair color, body washes, soaps and topical application. It’s been associated with cancer in animal studies.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body.

Diethylene glycol (or DEG): A central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. Sometimes found in fragrances. 

Note: Glycerin and propylene glycol are sometimes contaminated with DEG, which are common ingredients in personal care products.

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Stay Beautiful Inside and Out by Focusing on Nutrition and Detoxification

In conclusion, reoccurring toxins that build up in the body can adversely impact one’s health, hormones, looks and overall well-being.

I suggest checking your beauty-product labels, eating a plant rich diet, frequent exercise and plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body naturally flush out toxins not only keeps xenoestrogens at bay but might also deter blemishes and fine lines that show up on your skin. 

If you are having skin issues or any hormonal imbalance symptoms you should have your hormones tested instead of guessing. The comprehensive hormone panel is an excellent starting place for evaluating hormone function. 

Small changes can add up to big impacts, so keep your eyes open for them and continue making healthy choices where and when you can.

To start making confident and empowering decisions today, head on over to www.evoqbeauty.com where you’ll find Xeno-FREE hair, skin and wellness products galore!  

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Awaken Beauty Podcast:
Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review! 

Want to grab the top most offensive xenoestrogens in youre life? Just head to Awakenbeautyhq.com and find this mini episode with show notes! 

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care?  Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com. E-V-O-Q beauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for your very first order! 

XO Love n’ light,   Kassandra

A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Estrogen Dominance from Xenoestrogens | Part One

Did you know that your stress levels and hidden chemical-laden skincare products may actually be behind your stubborn weight gain to a myriad of other symptoms?

Here, I share informative hormone health tips that I discuss on the Awaken Beauty Podcast.

We explore what happens as a consequence to our inner and outer ecosystem and daily actions that may be putting us at risk when we have “too much” or an imbalance of Estrogen.

Estrogen is what gives us women our beautiful hips, breast and thighs and keeps our entire body well lubricated. Estrogen also increases the health of our bones, plump skin, mood and much more.

Feeling it?

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Water retention

• Acne Breast swelling and tenderness

• Headaches

• Fibrocystic breast changes

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

• Hair loss

Today we review exactly how your estrogen gets out of balance and the critical key actions you can take to become aware and detoxify them!

Listen to the show below (scroll down to watch on Youtube)

How Does Your Estrogen Get Out of Balance?

Based on endocrine research, an imbalance happens in two primary ways.

1. Inability to metabolize hormones.

Not being able to rid our body of excess estrogen is becoming more common and is caused by a myriad of factors including genetics, stress, diet and lifestyle.

These may all contribute to an excess of hormones in the body and known as endogenous (internal).

The leading biomarker to test is if you have a optimal biological function to detoxify efficiently on a daily basis. There are tests to learn more about your personal ability to methylate and what specific detoxification pathways your body engages — good or not so good.

If left unchecked, a long term circulation of hormones can lead to an excess of certain hormones, particularly estrogen, in the body tissue.

2. Exposure to excess hormones in our outer environment.

Exposure to exogenous (external hormones) or hormone like substances can make a woman go crazy - and it’s the consequence of modern day living exposure to hormone like substances on a daily basis.

It’s these excess hormones that are obtained from a coined word knows as “xenoestrogens” that may directly contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other health deficiencies.

How’s this happen? Glad you asked!

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WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic our body’s natural hormone, estrogen. Normally our endocrine system releases an appropriate amount of each hormone for the body to function optimally. When’s the last time you’ve felt fully balanced?

This disruption happens because these chemicals bind to or block our natural hormone receptors.

So these xenoestrogens, in particular, get in the way of our estrogen receptors. This keeps our natural estrogen from binding as it normally would.

This leads to higher levels of circulating estrogen free flowing in our bloodstream, known as estrogen dominance

So in a nutshell, the more xenoestrogens we’re exposed to, the more total estrogen we’ll have in our bodies.

Mimicking estrogens effect on weight gain in a couple ways:

First, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals target signaling proteins to make more fat cells which can promote weight gain.

Next, this can further change the energetic balance and the metabolism of ghrelin and leptin, the chemicals which control hunger and satiety. Errored thinking and a double minded confusion then leads to overeating.

Endocrine Disruptors and Estrogen Dominance

Unfortunately our environment is so filled with these chemicals (both inside and outside our home), our bodies are constantly inundated with and exposed to them.

Signs of this estrogenic excess weight are usually found around the abdomen, thighs, breast and the back of the arms.

Instigating the situation even more, excess estrogen processes an enzyme called aromatase, which converts our adrenal steroids (hormones) into estrogen. MORE ESTROGEN!

See the cycle?

It’s a cruel twist of biological fate, that estrogen prompts the formation of more fat cells, and the cycle just perpetuates itself.

EXCESS WEIGHT = EXCESS ESTROGEN = MORE FAT STORAGE

How about he role of stress?

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland and can easily sabotage weight loss. This is a basic biological function intended to protect us from starvation. When we experience high levels of stress, we produce high levels of cortisol, and our bodies store fat, sort of like an emergency backup plan.

So if you’re leading a high stress lifestyle, and wondering why you can shed those pesky pounds despite your best efforts, finding a way to de-stress is a must.

Feeling stressed? You can address overwhelm in a matter of seconds. I trust you’ll love the 7-11 breathwork exercise.

Exercice: Take a moment and close your eyes closed and put your hand on your stomach. As you take it deep breath in for seven and release for a count of 11, allow your stomach to gently push your hand out and in until you’ve changed your state into a calm, clear, clean, quiet, powerful and peaceful mind.

Now that we are clear and calm, let’s go in depth and create a plan on how to improve detoxification for overall wellness and weight management.

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5 Steps to Balancing Your Estrogen Naturally

Love Your Liver. Your liver is responsible for metabolizing and releasing estrogen out of the body.

Nutrient density – Eat quality protein
– Eat plenty of garlic and onions
– Take a B complex
– Eat a minimum of 3 cups of cruciferous vegetables weekly

Fix Your Gut.
Once the liver processes estrogen for elimination, it is up to your gut to move it out! If you are experiencing constipation, there is a good chance your estrogen isn't making its way out, but instead, going back into circulation in the body. Figuring out and treating the underlying cause of your digestive issues is crucial in creating optimal hormonal health.

Eat Fiber. Aim for at least 25 grams per day by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fiber will keep your bowels regular and help eliminate waste, including unnecessary estrogen.
Stress Less.

Sleep! Seven hours is the minimum you should be getting nightly. Your body needs sleep and your hormones demand it.

Remove Products Containing Endocrine Disruptors

Front and center, as a formulator, I can see first hand how estrogen mimicking chemicals are traditionally found in personal care products. As I started formulating over 12 years ago- I made sure none of my skin and hair products were free of hormonal disruptors.

I’ll go deeper into Xenoestrogens in beauty products on a upcoming episode, but for today’s purposes, I want to leave you with a overview of the top 3 offenders you can address immediately.

Ready to take action?

The importance here is to bring awareness to our inner and outer everyday trance of “normalcy” by assessment because I want to make sure that you're informed and you know how to support your hormones in every way possible.

So let’s jump into the power of removing these top three!

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3 Most Common Endocrine Disruptors and How to Find Them

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a chemical that has been associated with cancer, including breast cancer. But beware! The chemicals they use to replace BPA are equally concerning in regards to the negative health effects like sabotaging your fertility, causing your weight to climb, and painful periods.

BPA is Commonly Found In:

• Receipts

• Plastic bottles and containers

• Canned foods

• Food packaging

2. Flame Retardants

Your rest it at night may be in conflict with your hormones!

The tricky thing about flame retardants is that they aren’t just in our couch cushions or mattresses. They are also in our pets beds, find their way into the dust in our home, are in baby car seats, electronics, and on kid’s pajamas.

• Flame Retardants Are Commonly Found In:

• Mattress

• Furniture

• Pet beds

• Children’s Car Seats

How to Avoid Flame Retardants:

• Check the labels on clothes and don’t even touch those synthetic pajamas in the store.

• Check the labels on furniture before you make a new purchase

• Purchase flame retardant free mattress

• Choose pet beds without flame retardant

• Use a HEPA or other air filter in your home

3. Phthalates

Ever wonder why you hear avoid fragrance when it comes to hormones? That’s because fragrances can be a source of phthalates, which are known to cause harm to reproductive health.

Phthalates Are Commonly Found In:

• Personal care products

• Plastic wrap and food storage containers

• Plastic children’s toys

• Fragrances in trash bags, diapers, and candles

• Air fresheners

How to Avoid Phthalates:

• Read labels and avoid products that list phthalates or fragrance

• Eat out of glass, rather than plastic storage containers

• Ditch air fresheners and opt for essential oils instead

• Buy natural, beeswax candles only (or at minimum fragrance free)

• Use laundry detergent that doesn’t have artificial fragrance

Eating organic foods as often as possible

Avoiding Xenoestrogens (like personal care products or cleaning products that can disrupt our hormones)

Avoiding further exposure by not eating out of plastic containers and not touching the paper receipts from the grocery store.

Make sure you're getting a variety of fiber-rich foods that can help you carry waste out. And, at the same time, those foods are supporting your overall hormonal system, your nutrient health, and your liver detoxification.

You can also support detoxification and elimination of chemicals that harm your hormones by supplementing with:

• Diindolylmethane (DIM)

• Broccoli seed extract

• Resveratrol

• Chrysin

• Calcium D-Glucarate

• Folate

• Magnesium

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Well ladies, that’s it! I get pretty heated up around hormone disrupting invaders in our life.

Stay tuned to a story shared with Julie Tebben on Episode 11 and how it directly relates to the importance of our beauty and personal care products we use as women, every day.

Here’s a few facts to preface my next mini episode on Xenoestrogens and products.

The average US woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing 168 different chemicals

While most men use fewer products, they’re still exposed to about 85 such chemicals daily

Women with higher levels of personal-care chemicals in their bodies experienced menopause two to four years earlier than women with lower levels

Ok, Enough for now. I hope you enjoyed this savvy info.

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Watch on Youtube!

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You can listen to the episode here.

Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review!

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care? Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for 25% your very first order!

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Download the SHOW NOTE PDF HERE!

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Resources:

Dr Jolene Brighten

Thttps://www.energeticnutrition.com

https://www.shechangeseverything.com/blog/2018/11/4/are-chemicals-making-you-sick-the-full-list-of-obesogens

Add These Most Influential Foods for Genetic Health and Aging

Hi there!

Genetics, 23 and Me, and MTHR are all phrases you’ve possibly seen in the last year around the discussion of optimizing our genetic health.

I’m also sure you’ve heard of the “80/20” rule. Well, below you’ll learn the importance and how I’ve put a new flare to this concept and relate it to our DNA health.

How?

The truth of the matter is that in relation to genetics - science proves that 80% of our health state is from the daily choices and our direct environment. The other 20% is hard coded. This should come a a great relief (and a little pressure of course).

Did you know our nutrition has a DNA to it as well? It’s how it helps heals us.

Improve Your Longevity and Aging Adding Epigenetic Influence of Foods and Supplements

Learning more about what we eat and what impact it may have on our bodies, especially the potential epigenetic impact it may have on our DNA – the very “code of life” – is just one step on the path to better health.

When’s the last time you really thought about how the foods you eat positively or negatively affect your body, health, and wellbeing?

With more research and an increasing amount of practitioners, we can begin to unravel the mysteries of what may be contributing to our ailments and what could be done to help improve our health with a much more comprehensive understanding.

It’s intriguing to follow the progress of epigenetic testing and the benefits that analyzing the epigenome can have on guiding proper health regimens.

Polyphenols, for example, which are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, olives, and chocolate, have been shown to be effective in promoting resilience again stress and reducing depression.

The combination of these compounds were found to epigenetically reduce stress and depression by modulating inflammatory responses and synaptic plasticity in the brains of those with depression.

Cool right?

So just for you, here’s the list of the most powerful foods studied to address your genetic health at the cellular level?

To age better. Feel better. To think better.

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The Most Influential Foods for Genetic Health and Aging

Broccoli sprouts—Best source of sulforaphane, which prevents brain aging, excess estrogen and lowers cancer risk.

Pomegranate—anti-oxidant which appears also to reduce blood cholesterol count.

Blueberries.

Neuroprotection, hearing and memory loss, possible anti-cancer benefits.

Ginger.

anti-inflammatory action via several independent mechanisms

Curcumin.

Anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-cancer. Slows Alzheimer's progression.

Green tea.

Anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer's effects

Molecular Hydrogen.

Great for cellular oxygenation and free radical repair

Fish—for omega 3 oils.

The best sources (in order) are mackerel, herrings, sardines, tuna, lake trout, sturgeon, salmon, anchovies, bluefish, halibut, bass, rainbow trout.

Tomatoes.

For alpha lipoic acid and lycopene

Cruciferous vegetables.

(broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale) for vitamins, anti-oxidants and anti-carcinogens.

Raw garlic and almonds.

May help reduce arterial plaques and lower homocysteine levels, lowering heart attack risk.

Cannabidiol

Creates homeostasis and everyday stress resilience

Vinegar.

At the beginning of a meal, tempers the body's subsequent spike in blood sugar in response to carbohydrates.

Soy is a mixed blessing.

The phytoestrogens in soy products seem to protect against heart disease and some cancers. But there is a theory afloat that high consumption of soy may contribute to brain aging.

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In closing, I hope this list of powerful DNA enhancing nutrients make it onto your shopping list! In return, it’ll protect you from the small daily chronic levels of stress we are exposed to everyday.

CHEERS! xo Love n’ Ligh, Kassandra

Hormonal Frustration? It Could Be Linked to Your Endocannabinoid System.

Hormonal Frustration? It Could Be Linked to Your Endocannabinoid System.

Do you feel like you used to have a lot more energy?

Maybe you could get a good night's sleep, or were more easy going and positive about life.

So what’s causing this and who says what stays and what goes?

Some of us figure we're getting old.

Sometimes, life’s journey is not entirely in our own hands. For example, maybe there was an life event that took something out of you - an illness, or a new baby. After that, you were never the same.

If you don't feel like yourself - if you feel depleted and can't catch up - it is very possible that not only your hormones are out of balance - but your endocannabinoid system which is the largest “endocrine” messenger system in the body - is what we’re now discovering that we need to address first to accurately control the hormone cascade. The ECS is striving to keep us naturally in balance!

Understanding the LINK between hormones and your endocrine system.

It’s important to have a basic understanding of hormones themselves, the endocrine system, and the relationship between the two.

Hormones are essentially chemical messengers. They are involved in numerous bodily processes, including growth and development, metabolism and appetite, sexual function, reproduction, and mood.

How do cannabinoids affect your hormones?

Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is also involved in managing endocrine processes. It does so by activating receptors in the brain and body, which directly influence activity in endocrine glands like the thyroid, pineal, and pituitary glands.

Hence, by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids can directly affect hormone levels in the body.

What does a endocannabinoid deficiency look and feel like?

Depression, anxiety, mood swings, hair loss, mental fog are common symptoms of deficient or imbalanced hormones.

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone (the main female and male hormones) have powerful effects on the brain and the body.

Thyroid hormone is a key regulator of body and mind, and low thyroid function is more common than conventional tests can show.

If your adrenal glands are not healthy, you will have many emotional and mental symptoms in addition to body discomforts.

And low or high neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine cause fatigue, anxiety and depression.

OK, enough doom and gloom! That’s not who we are, or called to be.

As women, we may want to just “treat our hormones” to feel better - there’s actually deeper story here. Studies are now discovering our endocannabinoid system MUST be in good working order for a healthy - HORMONES, body, mood, hair growth, …. You name it.

So in closing, with the recent recognition of the critical and complex bidirectional effects of the endocannabinoid system and the dominant female hormone – estradiol – we have entered a new era, a new future filled with many potential opportunities both for the benefit and sometimes the detriment of women.

We must now begin our journey with the attainment of a solid knowledge-base of the endocannabinoid system, and an understanding of its complex role in reproductive, emotional, and immune health in women.

I’m beyond passionate in providing in-depth education for women, to enable them to assess their risk of both the potential for good and for harm from their contraceptive choices, pharmaceuticals used, exposures to endocrine disruptors, and equip them with the ability to make good decisions regarding their use of both CBD and medicinal cannabis.

Cheers to the journey of discovering more about the symphony of our endocannabinoid system and the interplay of these systems and of their implications for mental, hormonal and emotional wellbeing.

If you’d like to hop onto premium clinical grade CBD - curated for potency, bioavailability and fast healing - head on over to the EVOQ SHOP.

Want to learn all about your stress hormones, cannabinoids (CBD) with women and for women only?

Tap Below.

PS: Don’t forget, we host WOMEN and CBD EVENTS every last Sunday of the month so you can have a seat at the round table and learn more about your endocannabinoid system.

xo Love n’ Light - Kassandra

Avoid CBD Greenwashing & How to Take Full Control of Skin Inflammation

Talk about a new era of GREENWASHING.

The onslaught of “CBD heals everything,” that can amount to a bunch crazy.”

Curious exactly what CBD oil can do for your skin?

Ever wondered if hemp seed oil is the same as cannabis oil?

Great questions my friend.

Let’s debunk and get clear on some skin facts .

Come get your skin love baby - come and get your love …

Groundwork: What Is CBD Oil?

CBD (cannabidiol oil) is not hemp oil, and it’s not technically cannabis oil  either. Lastly, no it’s not going to get you high. So what the heck is it?

CBD oil vs hemp oil vs cannabis oil.

What you need to know: cannabidiol (CBD) oil is naturally found in hemp oil – but in extremely small amounts.

Here’s the most important CBD  “green washing tip-off:”

The majority of “CBD” Skincare Hemp oil is contain cannabis sativa oil.

SO is it Hemp or CBD Oil?

Both are good for your skin but hemp seed is mostly used for its deeply moisturizing abilities.

CBD is the activating compound in cannabis that fights inflammation, bacteria, and cell turnover.

Hemp seed oil has been used for centuries in skin products and is similar to a common carrier oil like rosehip oil, but its not the same as active cannabidiol.

What to look for when wanting ACTIVE Cannabidiol in your skin products.

If the brand doesn’t list CBD, phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol, or full-spectrum hemp (which are all indications of CBD in legal chemical terms) on their packaging, you’re just buying hemp seed, which has no active CBD.

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HOW CBD OPTIMIZES AGING & SKIN HEALTH

The Imperative Cross Talk Between CBD and Your Skin

Fact: CBD oil regulates over 1000 gene expressions in your biology. This is great news! The impact of positively creating a healthier short and long term epigenetic interaction brings potential for both aging and ailments.  

A recent study completed by a clinical research company called Genemarkers showed CBD oil – when in the right formula – has potential to speak to up to 165 of your skin’s genes via your cb2 receptors.

This gene pool party can have a splashing impact on:

• How quickly your skin heals

• Hydration

• Skin barrier health

• Pigmentation (aka age spots or acne scars)

• Inflammation (huge in eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis)

• How oily your skin is (and therefore acne – impressive studies on this)

• Ageing

• Your skin’s response to stress

• Skin cell renewal aka how youthful your skin looks

Inflammation is a biggy for skin. Now let’s hit how CBD oil helps.

Inflammation - A Sight Unseen

All skin types can benefit from anti-inflammatory actives. Your skin can be triggered into inflammation quickly and we go about our life not even seeing it.

For example: UV light causes inflammation, stress causes inflammation, too little sleep causes inflammation, sugar causes inflammation – ever got red skin after a hot shower? Yup – inflammation.
Imagine your skin’s like a disco band concert DJ volume panel.  There’s hundreds of buttons, dials and sliders. You can push them up and you can push them down.   When the party of Cytokines which are messengers that impose stress and inflammation, your skin’s biome and genome visibly becomes agitated, aged, dry and eczema. This is also when you go from having patches of flaky skin to psoriasis.

To sum it up, when your skin’s inflammation volume gets turned up – genetic vulnerabilities to developing chronic skin conditions get switched on.

A geeky way of saying your skin is stressed.  Not the disco dance we want to experience. >> Where’s John Travolta when ya need him?

Pull in Your Oil Control - Anti-Acne Affect

CBD benefits are pretty awesome considering over 90% of us will experience acne and oily skin and some point in our lives.  I’m not talking about a drying astringent effect which temporarily absorbs or cuts through grease/sebum. Cannabidiol has proven to turn down your skin’s volume of sebum production.

Not only does this mean less oily skin, this also means a reduced chance of breakouts, acne and pimples.  Shine from your heart, not your face! The goal here is to make your skin less oily and your skin’s microflora balanced.

Flash~ acne causing bacteria get pushed out.

CBD oil studies have been shown to;

• Suppress skins sebocyte manufacture – these are the cells which make sebum

• Help stop skin reacting to testosterone – a hormone which makes skin more oily

• Help balance sebum production – sebum made by oily skin is different to sebum made by normal skin

So to review what benefits for oily, acne prone skin can experience….

1. Your skin becomes less oily.

2. Your skin therefore becomes less loved by acne bacteria.

3. Your skin experiences less acne, spots and pimples.

4. You can fly your skin plane steady and regain skin confidence!

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How Much CBD is Needed for Results?

Like with all active compounds, you need enough of it to work.  Dr. Caroline Hartridge, an osteopath notes that 200-mg per ounce of product is effective for pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Lower doses are still powerful for cellular repair among a host of other benefits but if you're seeing lower than 25-mg per ounce, or the company is hesitant to share levels, be wary.

Bidirectional cell talk brings an impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-acne affect by downregulating cytokines. Since almost every skin condition in existence is caused, worsened or made to happen more quickly by inflammation – the skin benefits of active diols, not just a seed oil are why myself and top formulators are evolving the anecdotal proof to largely reach women in the free market.

Is Full Spectrum or Isolate best for skin?

Chemicals are chemicals are chemicals. The battle between isolate and full-spectrum CBD are valid as isolates are difficult to trace, but, if your beauty company is transparent about where the CBD comes from, isolate might be better for your face. Full-spectrum is like a wine crop: Each vintage varies. CBD’s terpenes or essential oils can vary from crop to crop. While that’s okay for food, for your face, you may want something that’s more consistent.

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Get the SKIN HEALTH you deserve, NOW!

Remember, you are what you absorb.

1. Look for Organic and a COA.

2. Filler Free

3. Bioavailable through terpenes and low molecular fatty acids to assure you're avoiding the P450 Pathway - in which all your plant medicine is being stolen from Enzymes.

Want to get started on bringing your skin back to equilibrium?

Learn more and shop Nano CBD and top-selling topicals that are bioavailable, organic and sure to be a win-win on keeping your outer most protective barrier in top shape.

Awaken Beauty Podcast Mini Episode

A Non-Scientist's Intro to the Endocannabinoid System | Easy as A B C

Living in Minnesota, cannabis is recreationally illegal, but I believe on it’s way as the rest of our nation leads by example in legalization. Case in point, states applying cannabis use for opiate addictions are seeing 30%+ in a reduction of overdoses and opiate abuse.

Medically, cannabis brings hundreds of health benefits to both the body and the mind. Studies share it can help quell anxiety, relieve pain, and decrease epileptic symptoms, and these are just a few possible cannabis perks. Cannabis isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a miracle drug. As a avid cannabis coach, the rewards is different for every consumer.

How Cannabis Effects on The Human Body

The reason why cannabis can seem like a magical healer has to do with the endocannabinoid system. This system is present in all mammals. I love the beautiful story of how we’ve existed and relied on plant medicine rapport for ions and ions.

Alright, let’s awaken beauty, here’s how the ECS works, and why it plays a major part in the way we process cannabis and CBD.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

You’re probably familiar with the different organ systems of the human body—the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems, to name a few—but you might be less aware of the endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS. Its main function is to ensure homeostasis in the human body, meaning it exists primarily to maintain balance. It was discovered in 1992 when researchers discovered that the body creates its own cannabinoid, called anandamide, which is the Sanskrit word for bliss. The ECS is made up of three different components: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

Let’s dive into these biological relationships!

the first discovered naturally-occurring endocannabinoid, which attaches to the same mammalian brain-cell receptors as THC. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word for “bliss.”

what makes the endocannabinoid system one of the most important systems in the body because its main function is to maintain balance and homeostasis.

​sit on the surface of cells and transmit information to the inside of the cell, kick-starting the appropriate cellular response.

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A Non-Scientist's Intro to the Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that play a major part in ensuring that the body’s central nervous system functions correctly.

There are three different kinds: endocannabinoids, which are created naturally by our bodies; phytocannabinoids, which mimic the ones in our bodies and are also found in cannabis plants; and synthetic cannabinoids, which are lab-created. Endocannabinoids are known as our “Bliss Molecule,” representing anandamide, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These two receptors either bond or send a messaging signal to the ECS, signaling to the cells just what they need to do. (Best boss in town)!

Cannabinoid Receptors

The next aspects of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, otherwise known as CB1 and CB2. Many refer to these as the “locks” where the endocannabinoids are the “key.” CB1 receptors are located in the brain, particularly in the parts responsible for mental and physiological functions. CB2 is located throughout the immune system, peripheral nervous system (outside of the brain and spinal cord), and the digestive system. Signaling these receptors allows the body to regulate many important functions, such as digestion, appetite, immunity, inflammation, mood, sleep, fertility, memory, and more.

Enzymes

Once the messages are sent between the endocannabinoids and the receptors, enzymes enter the picture and break these messages down before the party gets out of sync and intuitively transitions the moving parts.

Enter Cannabis!

When we use cannabis and/or CBD, we’re inviting phytocannabinoids into our body, which mimic our natural endocannabinoids to help preserve homeostasis. If for some reason your body is out of whack and cannot bring itself to balance, this is where cannabis proves itself beneficial. It’s know that 20% of society has a ECS Genetic Deficiency, while sub-immune ailments are also now being linked to a sub-par ECS system.

It’s kinda like an adaptogen. Let’s say you’re in pain: cannabinoids will help modulate that pain; if you need help stimulating appetite, cannabinoids can make you hungry. Even beyond the ECS, cannabis effects multiple physiological processes and does what it is needed to get things on the right track.

So that’s the long and short of the KEY PLAYERS between cannabis, CBD and our biology!

Follow along @beautyecology and connect to our Youtube channel to listen up while ya work!

Is Hydrogen Water [H2] a Drink Never to Forget?

On the ongoing journey of being obsessed with CBD (cannabidiol) and how to assure the most bioavailable formulas for our customers, I discovered the recent up-roar around Molecular hydrogen (H₂).

View this post on Instagram

#trusiih2 coming to you soon! Cannot wait to share the upcoming news!

A post shared by Beauty Ecology Organic Salon (@beautyecology) on Nov 4, 2018 at 1:32pm PST

Follow the fun and H2 education on the GRAM & WATCH the youtube video to this article below!

“What is so novel about HYDROGEN?” Let’s dive in and discover this unique molecular structure.

Simply put, molecular hydrogen acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Consider hydrogen molecules as the nice police force, helping us fight free radicals as we go about our day.

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IN DEPTH

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the ultimate antioxidant. H₂ is known to eliminate only the most harmful free radicals, and may reduce oxidative stress to better help put our body in balance.

H2 gas is the smallest neutrally charged molecule on earth, giving it free range to instantly cross your cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, and possibly further allowing it to access DNA and mitochondria within the cell where it has protective action.

The Free Radical Theory of Aging

The Free Radical Theory of Aging holds that the damage free radicals do to our cells, particularly the oxidative stress that free radicals cause, is what causes our bodies to age.

How H₂ Works

Size

Molecular hydrogen is the smallest molecule and the only antioxidant that can access the mitochondria and cell nucleus under certain conditions. Unlike most larger antioxidants, H₂ instantly passes through the cell membrane that may allow immediate benefits.

Non Toxic & 100% Safe

Molecular hydrogens byproduct is water, therefore you cannot overdose nor store in adipose (fatty) tissue.

Homeostasis

H₂ supports the body’s ability to maintain a condition of balance by neutralizing harmful free radicals while also boosting your own internal antioxidant system. This keeps oxidative stress low, supports homeostasis and decreases chance of disharmony.

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Can we consume TOO MUCH antioxidant content?

YES, and of certain kinds. There’s been studies that correlate TOO MUCH of a consumption of antioxidants can desensitize the bodies innate defence system. It’s much like the Omega studies that reveal our nation is over-consuming Omega 6 in comparison to omega 3, in which increases inflammation.

Selectivity

H₂ target the harmful free radicals without affecting useful free radicals that sustain inner homeostasis. The concern is that we’re “over doing antioxidants common known as Vitamin A, C, E, folic acid, etc),” which can diminish the good free radicals that the body needs.  H₂ does not.

So as you go on and take your supplements, eat more berries, drink tea, or a glass of wine each night with the idea you intake all the antioxidants you need ….. please STOP and read because there’s a NEW SHERIFF is in town - and now found at Beauty Ecology.

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A Free Radical Recap

Free radicals are uncharged or unstable molecules, which make them highly reactive and extremely likely that they’ll pull apart pieces of other molecules to gain stability. In their search for stability, they can damage your body.

H₂ to the Rescue!

So, why am I hooked? When a close Functional Medicine friend of mine threw H2 at me, my eyebrows raised. I was initially skeptical because hydrogen is so abundant, why had we not realized the power of this element before?

With over 1000 clinical studies (for cripes sake), it’s CLEAR this powerful molecule may have potential to contribute to multiple forms of symptoms such as:

*ridding oxidative stress, *better metabolism, *combating brain inflammation, *exercise recovery, *increased energy, *gut healing, *skin clarity, *anti-cancer and more.

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THE 15 GAME CHANGING BENEFITS OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN

Pretty amazing, right?

Stick around and learn more about how these drops of effervescence may be the single, easiest way to introduce a hydrating “well of youth” to improve our inner health and outer beauty.

Take the Free Radical Aging Theory facts and do something about it today.



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Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11510417
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23031079
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26866650
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22520831
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24392771
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512236
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4865993/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21293445 https://www.nature.com/articles/nm1577
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26276082

Top 5 Tips How to Avoid a Allergic Reaction to Hair Color

Hey super natural!  

Have you ever wondered if your hair color is safe, void of lurking chemicals?

More like, what woman hasn’t?!

In this short read (or scroll down to the bottom if you’d rather watch), you’ll learn how avoiding just three letters could potentially save your scalp health and your hair.

I’ve been privileged to be a hair color educator and provide hundreds of women with beautiful hair color for over 20 years behind the chair. This means my hands have been deep in a myriad of ingredients that have been nourishing and good - and some not so great (harmful ingredients).   One of these “bad” ingredient is PPD (para-phenylenediamine).

Before natural was cool and organic was chic, I saw the ingredient safety issues around PPD, let alone it was highly allergenic. For this reason, over the last 15 years I’ve sought out the best hair color lines that provide  a PPD Free and Ammonia free for our hundreds of clients at Beauty Ecology.

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Why PPD  a leading concerning ingredient?

PPD is a powerful chemical sensitizer and I’ve seen it cause strong allergic reactions in everyday healthy women from out of nowhere.  

The top symptoms and reactions from PPD  are itchiness. Headaches, redness and irritation and at worst, PPD can also cause a anaphylactic shock reaction.    

Research Studies Share the Risk
University of Southern California study found that women who had colored their hair once a month for fifteen years or more had a 50% higher risk of bladder cancer.

A 2004 study published in the International Journal of Cancer, hair colorists who’d been working with color for more than fifteen years had a five-fold risk of getting bladder cancer compared to the general population.

PPD’s also been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2008).

Research at the University in Sweden in 2001, suggests PPD might compromise the immune system, setting off rheumatoid arthritis (women who’d colored their hair for 20 years or more had twice the risk of women who had not).

So what are the best ways to avoid a out of the blue” reaction, worse reactions if already experiencing symptoms and overall better hair and inner health?  

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Top Five Tip to Avoid PPD Reactions in Hair Color

1. Wrap it up.   Ask your stylist to remove risk by foiling lowlights to enclose the color and avoiding the scalp contact.

2. Go blonder.   By using blonde shades and “lifting” the hair, you avoid dark tones which contain significantly higher levels of PPD.

3. Go longer between coloring and disguise.  Use a powder to disguise regrowth and use a color conditioner that is PPD free.   

4. Wear hats, avoid chlorinated pools, wash your hair less—all in the service of keeping your color as vibrant and healthy-looking as possible, so you need to re-color less often.

5. Prep with Benadryl.   Hopefully you won’t fall asleep while applying color at home, but just in case, taking a anti-inflammatory supplement or OTC Benadryl will reduce symptoms. If you feel the slightest twinge of an allergic reaction after coloring, get medical help right away ( swelling, dizziness, difficulty breathing.)
   

   Last but not least.
   Always Always Seek out PPD-FREE formulas. The best place to start is to find hair color brands that are void of PPD, or at least very very low. Beauty Ecology is a top referal salon for safe, natural and conditioning hair color.

   - PRESS PLAY & SUBSCRIBE -

Contact our team and let us know if you’d like to benefit from PPD free color today! hello@beautyecology.com