Natural "Bug-Off" DIY Home Blend

 

We are in the middle of summer, and we all  love spending time outdoors, but mosquitoes and other flying/biting insects can ruin the best of outdoor occasions. Synthetic insect repellents smell awful and are known to cause irritation and sensitivity in some people. They are also known to be toxic and can be harmful to the environment.

Below is a gentle insect repellent only requires a few Kasia pure essential oils and other ingredients.   Enjoy a more  pleasant aroma in keeping the bothersome itchy critters away. Keep in mind, your usage and body chemistry potentially affects your resulted scent.

 Bug-Off Repellent

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
• 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not). Alternatively, you may omit the alcohol and increase the amount of distilled water to 3 ounces.
• 15 drops  Lemon Tea Tree
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 3 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add the essential oils.

To Use: Shake the bottle before each use. Essential oils do not fully dissolve in water and alcohol and will settle. If you do not shake the bottle, you risk having concentrated droplets of essential oil irritate your skin.

Mist onto your skin and clothing and reapply as necessary. Discontinue use if you feel sensitivity from the repellent. Be careful not to mist delicate fabrics or surrounding furniture that may be harmed by the ingredients in the repellent. 

There is no guarantee that this recipe will prevent you or other users from being bitten by insects and it hasn't been scientifically tested for effectiveness.

Relief

For mosquito or other insect bites that don’t demand much attention, a simple dab of essential oil of lavender or tea tree provides relief from itching.  Lavender essential oils reduce swelling and inflammation, and diminish itching or other allergic response. Bentonite clay (available at your natural food store) poultices are of great help for more painful stings or bites. As the clay dries, it pulls toxins to the skin’s surface to keep them from spreading, and it pulls out pus or stingers imbedded in the skin. Adding essential oil to clay keeps the clay reconstituted, preserved, and ready for an emergency.

Essential oils for bites and stings: lavender, tea tree, chamomile, peppermint (stops itching)

Other essential oils that are insect repellents: birch, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass (or citronella), orange, patchouli, peppermint (repels ants), pine, sandalwood

Learn more about Kasia Organics - Pure Essential Oils HERE

Toxin Free Toes - Informed Beauty Ingredient Check-Up.

You asked for it - we made it happen. Contact the Kasia team to book your natural pedicure today!

Our refreshing aromatic pedicure is designed to treat, maintain and enhance the nails natural state.

Easy * Lasting * Healthy * Color

Non-Toxic

No Polyurethanes
• No Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde like derivatives • No Toluene, Ketones or petrochemical solvents
• No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) or other phthalates
• No Parabens or Camphor
• No Gluten or wheat by-products
• No aromatic hydrocarbons

Informed Beauty ingredient look out:

“Most kinds of house paint are less toxic than what you find in nail polish.”- Cora Roelofs, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts School of Health and Environment. She is a researcher who specializes in health problems associated with nail salon employees.

Formaldehyde is a resin, used to make the polish tough and resilient. It is associated with cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, eye, skin, and/or lung irritation, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, and changes at the biochemical and cellular level.

Toluene is a solvent, aiding in the application of polish. It is known to be neurotoxic to humans. It is also harmful to the reproductive systems. It goes without saying that it, too, is also a known carcinogen.

DBP stands for dibutyl phthalate. It is a plasticizer that works to prevent chips and cracks. Phthalates are hormone disrupters that have been shown to be toxic to the developmental and reproductive systems of both men and women. “In a 2000 survey by U.S. Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified high levels of phthalates, particularly (DEHP), in the urine of approximately 300 women. The highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.” It should be noted that if the fact that what you are applying to your nails is making its way into your urine doesn’t scare you enough, this fact should, “A subsequent pilot study reported genital abnormalities in male babies whose mothers were found to have high levels of four phthalate byproducts.” – Toxic Beauty

Acquarella’s non-toxic polishes

Hydrates Nail and Tissue - Promotes healthy growth
 Hydration of the nail is an indirect, qualitative look at the following properties of the nail: color, strength, flexibility, and growth rate. Normally, strength is inversely proportional to flexibility with use of conventional products. Since Acquarella contains water and allows the nail to “breathe”, it creates a permeable environment where the nail can exhibit both qualities. We assert that consumers will see a change in their bare nails with pro- longed, repeated use. This visible trail of evidence will allow you to see the nail turn from a state of discoloration to an ultimately clearer state (a natural French manicure). This will require a long-term observation. Over the course of months, newer healthy nail will re- place old, chemically damaged or stained nail structure and will be visibly different than nail closer to the cuticle.

Kasia Organics Natural Nail Services

Non-toxic nails are the name of the game! Our new pedicure stations offer a brush of Acqarella, a high-quality water-based polish, featuring a gorgeous array of colors, plus, four luxurious and indulgent pedicures.

Acquarella’s non-toxic polishes are odor-free and formulated without formaldehyde, phthalates, petrochemicals or solvents of any kind. They’re also specifically designed to hydrate nails and have an innovative fast-dry formula.

The Organic Express Treatment:

Relax with a cup of Kasia Fair Trade Tea, a seated vibration chair, and full, heated foot jets!  Your pampered feet  include a scrub and massage, shaping, filing and polish using natural, non-toxic and organic products.

30 minutes – $35

60 minutes – $65

 Learn more about our natural pedicure services and pricing HERE!

SUMMER SKIN 101

By Stacey - Kasia Skin Specialist With the long-awaited arrival of summer in Minnesota, we want to take advantage of the sun as much as possible. Yet, neglecting to take care of our skin during the summer months can leave us looking drab and lackluster over time and, even worse, it can seriously damage our skin. Here are some basic tips for playing it safe and maintaining a radiant glow all summer long.

1. 1.     Protect: Sunblock is your number one defense when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Be sure to apply a high-quality, nontoxic sunblock  30 minutes before exposure to sunlight, reapplying every 90 minutes. This not only protects against skin cancer – it prevents the appearance of unsightly age spots as well.
2. 2.      Moisturize: The sun can dry out the skin, accentuating fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure to use a good organic moisturizer, applying it at least twice a day. Avoid products containing parabens, artificial fragrances, and other skin irritants. Apply a hydrating mask a few times a week to keep your skin soft, supple, and glowing.
3. 3.     Replenish: Drink lots of water! Not only is this good for your health, but it helps maintain hydrated skin. Eating a variety of fruits, berries, and veggies supplies vitamins and minerals that make your skin glow from the inside out. By topically applying vitamin C, you can repair your skin and reverse signs of aging.
4. 4.     Exfoliate: Light exfoliation eliminates dead skin cells that build up with sun exposure. Gently exfoliate with a light sugar and honey scrub or a gentle fruit enzyme mask once or twice a week. The top layer of skin is essential for protection, so remember to exfoliate with moderation.
5. 5.     Treat: Sunburns are painful and can cause permanent damage. Supplementing with a good source of vitamin E and vitamin C  will help prevent sunburns before they occur. To heal and sooth already sunburned skin, apply aloe, milk, oatmeal, or honey topically. Cold showers and ice packs are also helpful.

 DIY!

Here is a simple mask you can make at home to sooth and hydrate your skin, while gently sloughing off dead skin cells:

Banana Oatmeal Face Mask

Ingredients:

½ cup cooked oatmeal

1 tsp honey

1 egg yolk

½ mashed banana

Book your Custom Organic Facial tailored to your skin type and/or condition with Stacey TODAY! # 612.824.7611  

Directions: Combine ingredients. Apply mixture to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

Summer Moisture and Repair DIY Facial Mask

Homemade therapy for any face that has spent the day in the sun.

Summer watermelon is the perfect ingredient for sensitive, dry, or damaged skin, helping replenish and repair. This pink melon is:

• High in vitamin A which is key for protecting skin cells from damaging UV rays.
• Good source of vitamin C and silica, two nutrients that are required for healthy collagen.
• Antioxidant activity from the vitamin C and carotenes.

  Added to the mask:

• Aloe vera juice for regenerative properties.
• Yogurt to  moisturize and gently exfoliate.
• Lavender for anti-inflammatory response and soothe

You will need:

• 1/4 cup fresh watermelon chunks
• 1 teaspoon aloe juice
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Almost Done!  Blend the melon, aloe, and yogurt in the blender. Move to a bowl and then add the lavender. Apply to a clean face.

Watermelon Beautiful Health Recipe!

Watermelon Guacamole

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients: 6 avocados, split, seed removed and flesh removed from skin 2 small tomatoes, seeded, diced 1 small red onion, minced 2 serrano chiles, stems and seeds removed, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Salt to taste 6 watermelon wedges (no rinds), cut into chunks

Directions: 1. Place avocados in a bowl and mash well. Mix in tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro, lime juice and salt.

2. When ready to serve, spoon guacamole in a large bowl and top with watermelon chunks. Serve with crispy tortilla chips.

Cheers, Informed Beaute' - with love..... the Kasia Team.

Can Lemon Juice Help Lighten and Brighten Your Skin?

  YOU BET  it can, but let me explain how and why.....

As we approach the age of 30, our body tends to unleash creeping  inadequacies  within our skin and outer appearance.   Dark spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation, an uneven skin tone, and many other skin pigmentation conditions have a specific reason of manifestation.  Aging is commonly blamed for being the main cause for skin blemishes, but the reality it is only partially true.  While it plays a part, it is not one of the primary causes.

Three Cause and Effects of Skin Blemishes:

• UVA rays- The most common cause of  skin conditions is too much exposure to direct sunlight without protection.

Most people will begin to develop these spots when they are middle aged or later in life, so yes age is involved, but the underlying cause is overexposure to UVA rays throughout your life.

When your skin is exposed to UVA rays, it produces an excessive amount of Melanin, which when you are younger gives your skin the appearance of an overall even tan. As we become older this Melanin has a tendency to clump together in areas that have been over exposed to the sun, and that is why such a high percentage of these conditions are located on visible skin.

• Skin trauma- There are many skin pigmentation conditions that are linked to trauma of the skin.

Some common skin traumas include acne damages, infections, wounds, eczema, contact dermatitis, and certain reactions to skin care products, all of which can cause skin discoloration.

• Genetics- A persons genes play a role in how susceptible they are to developing skin blemishes. Also, skin conditions such as freckles, moles, acne, and melasma (which is often caused by hormonal changes when taking birth control or during pregnancy) rely highly on your genetic make up.

Here is the GOOD NEWS!  In most cases, you can fade these areas of skin, and regain a your complexion just by using all natural techniques and recipes. Lemon juice happens to be one of the most common ingredients found in many of these recipes.

Why Lemon Juice is So Effective

As you may or may not know, lemon juice contains tons of Vitamin C, which is among some of the purest natural antioxidants that there are. Antioxidants that are this pure have been scientifically proven to reduce the amount of melanin that is produced when applied to your skin and used regularly.

If you currently have a skin lightening regime, then you probably know that exfoliating your skin on a consistent basis is an important aspect to achieving a lighter skin tone. Exfoliation is the process of removing old, dead skin cells that are attached to a fresh, new layer of cells that lie below. These cells die off daily, making your skin appear dull, so it is important to eliminate them and reveal the glowing layer of cells that awaits below.

There are five Alpha Hydroxy acids that possess the characteristics needed to break the bond that holds your dead skin cells to your fresh cells, and citric acid is one of the five that carries these characteristics.

Therefore lemon juice should most certainly be included in your natural exfoliation recipes because it carries a very high level of citric acid!

Recipes to try at home:

Skin Lightening Mask

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon tomato juice

1 tablespoon cucumber juice

1 tablespoon sandal wood paste

Mix all ingredients into a paste, apply to face, and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize. This can be done 2-3 times a week.

Skin Lightening for Dry Skin

1 tablespoon powdered milk

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 drops of essential oil

Mix ingredients together, apply to affected area of skin and let sit for 20-25 min. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and moisturize.

Natural Exfoliation Recipe

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 egg white

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix ingredients well, using your fingers massage the mixture in a circular motion onto your skin for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize. This can be done two times a week. For sensitive skin try once a week.

Remember…whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body! It’s best to choose safe and natural skin care to help prevent parabens, sulfates and other cancer causing ingredients to enter your bloodstream!

“As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.” Says Dr. Nancy Lonsdrof, M.D. an lowa-based physician. “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” – April 2006 issue of Women’s Health Magazine.

Related Articles:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2300114_use-lemon-lighten-skin.html

http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/2011/04/06/enough-vitamin-c/

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Lemon-to-Lighten-Your-Skin

http://www.naturalnews.com/035614_lemon_juice_toxic_chemicals_home.html

Thank you: References by guest post  Paul Miller.