Radically Holistic Beauty

Releasing ~ to the Gift of Now

Why You Want to Balance Your Skin's pH Levels

A key to creating healthy, glowing skin is to bring your skin’s pH back into balance. The outer layer of your skin, the acid mantle, is the protective layer that comes into contact with the world you live in.  When it's healthy, it does an amazing job of protecting your skin from environmental factors such as pollution and bacteria; it secretes enzymes to break down excess sebum in the skin; it keeps your skin soft and supple; and it produces antigens close to the skin to boost your immune system and fight against the growth of bad bacteria. Bacteria, allergens and foreign bodies find their way through your skin when the mantle is out of balance and cause trouble….once they get to your blood stream they create inflammation, allergies and breakouts. A quick sign to let you know it is out of balance is when your skin feels tight or dry.

Our skin has a normal pH of 4.5-5.5 and women are known to have a more acidic mantle than men. Oily skin has a higher pH making it more alkaline (due to the increased sebum) and is more susceptible to infection since bacteria can grow and develop in an alkaline environment. ~ bacteria does not like or thrive in acidic conditions. Dry skin has a more acidic pH and causes itching and inflammation. Everything that comes in contact with your skin (soaps, toners, lotions, wind, water, smoke) has a direct impact on the skin’s pH. Our skin has natural mechanisms to bring it back into balance, however, we need to be sure we are treating it with products that support that balance so it is able to do its job. 

So what are the ways that we break down our pH?

• Over washing
• Soaps & detergents
• Tap water ~ the harder the water the higher the pH
• Extended sun exposure
• A diet high in acidic foods

Four ways to bring your skin’s pH back into balance:

• Honey has an average pH of 4.0. Using honey as a cleanser or doing a honey masque has many benefits to the skin. Honey is known for its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, and it is a humectant ~ meaning it attracts water and retains it in the skin keeping the skin smooth and protecting it from dryness and premature wrinkles. It’s also a great source of anti-oxidants to protect your skin from harsh UV rays. So eating honey and using it on your skin as a wash or a masque is a great way to support your glow and keep your skin pH balanced!  REMEMBER, using raw, organic honey is important ~ processing honey removes all the beautiful phytonutrients.

• Hydrosols ~ organic, 100% high vibrational plant waters! They contain active plant ingredients that help support skin hydration, soothe inflammation, promote cell regeneration, and balance sebum. They are low in pH and support your skin’s barrier health by gently rebalancing your pH. In addition, they are a beautiful aromatherapy and can positively influence your mood. They connect you to a plant, a place and a season.

• Apple Cider Vinegar ~ this magical kitchen ingredient is wonderful for the skin. Which is why we use it in our Sunstone Lotion to keep your mantle healthy and pH balanced. Using a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar on your skin after your shower not only balances your pH it also eliminates odor causing bacteria!

• Moisturizers ~ look for moisturizers that will balance your skin’s pH. Read the ingredients. Alcohols are drying to the skin. Gemstone Organic face crémes are created with waters that are the proper pH to keep your skin pH balanced. I use reverse osmosis water because the process removes all the harsh chemicals and it has a pH of 4.5, and Rose hydrosol which has a pH of 4.4. Crémes with a proper pH will absorb deeper and hold in the moisture longer. 

Be kind to your skin ~ you wear it everyday 

~ Debra

Secret Offer:  To support your skin's pH ~ we are sharing a $5.00 coupon for those who read this article :) ~ use the code pH on your next order ~ good through 7-6-16!

Summer Fun ~ Before & After Care

We have entered the busy months where we all love the outdoor activities that warmer weather brings! The sun is a healing and powerful planet and if we are respectful with our time under his radiant rays we can reap the benefits while still having fun. Sunscreen is controversial today and although most of us grew up slathering on the sunscreen, it is being shown that many of the ingredients can actually encourage cancer growth ~ so when using sunscreen choose carefully and read the labels closely. Another important fact is that small daily doses of sun, around twenty minutes, is still our best source of Vitamin D!  So getting the sun we need but not over doing it is the key. 

Here are a few ways to protect your skin and keep it healthy and glowing this summer:

1. Cover-up
   The best sunblock out there today is clothing! During the sun’s most intense rays try to stay covered. Light clothing, hats, or umbrella’s are a great way to keep your skin protected. White clothing will reflect more of the sunlight and keep you cooler.
2. Eat Healthy
   Eating foods that are rich in carotenoids and antioxidants helps protect your skin from damage, including UV damage. So reach for blueberries, blackberries, and prunes along with sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and beet greens. All the beautiful dark leafy greens, fruits and veggies are in season for a reason!
3. Use Organic Oils High in SPF
   Red raspberry seed oil is one of the best seed-oils for blocking UVB rays and has a SPF between 28-50. Carrot seed oil has is said to have an SPF of 38-40 and is also a great carotenoid antioxidant for your skin!. Coconut oil is something you can benefit from both internally and externally. It blocks about 20% of the sun’s rays from the outside, taking it internally will contribute to the healthy production of vitamin D.  When using oils apply them at least 30 minutes prior to being in the sun to give them the time they need to be absorbed.
4. Exfoliate
   Removing the dead cells on the surface of your skin keeps if from looking dull and rough. Exfoliating allows your cells to regenerate more quickly, keeping your skin healthy and radiant. Use a gentle exfoliator weekly or bi-weekly.
5. Moisturize your skin
   Take care of your skin during these hot, summer months by using a good moisturizer. You may not feel dry with all the moisture in the air, but with all the extra sun and wind you can be sure that it needs extra care. Using a good face crème and lotion will help your skin stay healthy all year round.
6. Drink lots of water and healthy liquids
   Make sure you are drinking enough water and other healthy liquids, such as coconut waters, kombucha or even better homemade juices! 

And I can't end without sharing my summer Gemstone Organic picks for you!

• Organic Sunstone Body Lotion ~ gently exfoliates, balances your skins pH and is full of active nutrients and antioxidants. Pow!
• Organic Lavender Gem Juice Hydrosol ~ cooling and soothing for your skin and senses. It will keep your pH healthy and balanced to keep your skin moisturized. Ahhhhh!
• Organic Rose Quartz Face Crème ~ perfect for after the sun with the lavender essential oil to soothe and balance your skin after sun exposure + protective coconut and Cupuacu oils to lock in moisture.  So, so nice!
• Organic Gold Face Crème ~ contains carrot seed essential oil to give you high amounts of naturally occurring SPF + protective hemp, coconut and cupuacu oils. Ooolala!

Wishing you a summer of fun and sun...

xx Debra

How to Stay Healthy and Keep Your Glow by Reading Your Product Labels

When we are not conscious of label checking our products we can find ourselves exposed to hundreds of chemicals. Being knowledgeable about what is in the products we choose is important for our health. Our cleaning, bedding, cosmetics, makeup and personal products can be filled with toxic chemicals that are worthwhile for our health to avoid. Here are five household chemicals you should stay away from: 

• Synthetic fragrances ~ candles, household cleaners, deodorants, shampoos, personal care products. Many of these today still include synthetic fragrances. Did you know that ‘the word fragrance’ can include up to a 100 different synthetic chemicals?! And manufacturers are not required to share the list, which leaves the door wide open for harmful synthetic chemicals that can be linked to hormone disruptors, reproductive toxicity, allergens and cancer. In addition, unscented products do not mean they do not contain fragrances ~ many include ingredients that are used to mask smells and again they are not required to be identified on the labels. This is not only important for us ~ but even more so for our children. 

• Pesticides - eat organic. It has been shown that pesticides destroy the nervous system of bugs ~ what are they doing to us when we eat them? Beth Greer, Author of Super Natural Home, says that strawberries have over 55 pesticide residues ~ and did you know that you cannot wash the pesticides off? Why? Because the pesticides are injected into the root system, yowza! And that means that you are ingesting hormone disruptors that you don’t see, smell, or taste. You can find a list of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ - produce with high amounts of pesticide residues to avoid, on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) site . And just in case you need a little more nudging to buy organic…organic fruit and vegetables are higher in their antioxidant content and have been found to contain less cadmium, which is also known to be a carcinogen. So buying or growing your own organic produce is a win-win!

• Artificial Sweeteners can age you! Aspartame is something that you should highly avoid. It is comprised of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. You will find it in all your diet sodas, Nutra Sweet, Equal, sugar free gum and many other products. Taking the time to research this drug is well worth the effort.

• Antibacterial soap, soap wipes and hand sanitizers. They all contain triclosan, which is actually a pesticide. Studies have linked triclosan to a range of adverse health issues such as skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and to the growth of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. It also is a water contaminate and has a negative impact on fragile aquatic ecosystems. Minnesota has banned triclosan in consumer personal care cleaning products, which takes effect on January 1, 2017 (yeah Minnesota!) Many companies are phasing out their use but there are plenty out there that still carriy the chemical. So stay away from things labeled anti-bacterial.

• Plastics - Avoiding plastics is another must in my book. I believe women should be acutely aware of the dangers because of the high levels of xenostrogens. Plastic is a large part of today’s kitchens and we get fooled again and again of the dangers when we think BPA free products are ‘OK’. Many people still are not aware that exposing your plastic containers to heat in the dishwasher, to hot foods or by placing them in the microwave will break down the plastic and leach dangerous chemicals. Over the last two years I have tried (TRIED!) to be a plastic free household ~ which of course is impossible. But once I started to really pay attention to how much plastic I was consuming I cut my plastic consumption by 2/3. Using glass containers for storage and buying food in glass containers is a great way to keep you and the environment cleaner.

Educating yourself on the ingredients in your personal and household products will benefit you and those you love. While one chemical may not necessarily cause you harm, as we expose ourselves again and again to chemicals from so many sources we can find ourselves feeling toxic and our energy levels and health affected. Making small changes can lead to a change in health, for some of us the change can be radical. So read your labels and watch for the hidden ingredients ~ it will not only help to keep you looking and feeling younger, it will keep the environment healthier and happier too!

Love, love,
Debra

Listening to Your Body

“Your body is precious. It is your vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” ~ Buddha 

When we quiet ourselves enough to listen to our bodies they will tell us what they need. Sometimes we get caught up in eating the way we are told rather than what our bodies intuitively need. Remember, just like no two snowflakes are alike, no human is exactly like another… and in our diversity our bodies have different needs. When we are kind to our bodies and listen to its needs we feel more vibrant, healthy and clear.

Here are a few ways to give some love and attention to your body:

1. LISTEN. Your body is a gift to you and being tuned in to your body rhythms is a great way to keep yourself in harmony with your intuitive intelligence.
2. COLORS. Fill your plate with the colors of the rainbow. There is nothing more appetizing than sitting down to a colorful, well presented plate of food. Foods that are deep blue, purple, red, green, or orange are the leaders in antioxidants and contain nutrients to boost your immunity and enhance your health.
3. NATURE. Take a walk in nature. It can soothe your mind, lower your stress, soothe your mind and give you clarity. Green space can change your mood!
4. SPICES. Yes! Spices are powerful additions to your meal and strengthen your body’s immune system. Five spices that are known to be cancer fighting are garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne. You can use these in your cooking, drink them as a tea, or use them in your smoothies ~ go wild~
   
   
   
   
5. SLEEP. Get lots of restful sleep. Your body repairs and rejuvenates itself while you sleep. Not getting enough sleep disrupts your natural balance, weakens your immune system and speeds up the aging process. Getting between 6-8 hours of restful sleep each night is essential to feeling energetic and vibrant when you wake. Do it!
6. CEREMONIAL CHAKRA BATH. Learn to use your own healing energy through our self-love bath ceremony. Connect with your body and the power of water, botanicals and crystals to cleanse, clear and enliven your chakras. Your chakras are energy centers that you can tap into at anytime to teach you about the physical and spiritual body you live in. To connect with these centers will empower you to find your compassionate, passionate, courageous, powerful, sensual, divine, loving self! 

Trust yourself by trusting your body. Listen to your body with your heart and your body will give you the answers. 

<3 Debra

Meet Vicki Barghout ~ Founder of Viver Health

What is something you do everyday that makes you happy?

I love to cook and go to the gym. It brings me such pleasure to create a meal from scratch and see the benefits of good food. I was sick a couple of years ago because of bad eating and stress habits. I work very hard every single day to ensure my body is healthy and that I am happy. Life is short so I try to make the most of it. Food is medicine.

What do you find yourself daydreaming about the most?

Making a difference in the world, having an impact on people lives. I started up a company called Viver Health to empower people about health. I wish we lived in a world in which we genuinely knew what was in our food and beauty products. There are way to many people getting cancer these days and the starting age has moved down into the 30s – that is unheard of as it was once considered an older age group. Also the number of kids with allergies and disabilities is startling and something for us to reflect on. Our environment and the products we choose are so important to our health now but also for the future of our children.

What is your favorite gemstone, and what does it do for you?

Rose Quartz - it is all about the heart chakra and love.

What is your favorite Gemstone Organic product, and why?

I am loyal to the Rose Quartz Face Crème. I love the smell, the feel and the energy of this crème. I just had a facial at a spa and the esthetician was amazed on how beautiful my skin was – she asked me what products I used on my face. I had not had a facial in over a year and she said I did not even need one – how amazing is that! Thank you Gemstone Organic!

I also love the Lavender Gem Juice Hydrosol. When I first used this hydrosol it caught me off guard, as it does not smell like the lavender sprays I used to buy. But after a day or two of getting over the sweeter smell I found that I loved it! I spray it on my face and body and for me it lasts a long time! It is very refreshing.

My oldest daughter uses the Sunstone Body Lotion and loves it. Because she is a swimmer her skin gets dry after her practices and she loves the way it makes her skin feel - rejuvenated and soft. She also uses it in the mornings before school most days.

You’re stranded on an island with only 3 things, what are they?

My family.  It would be an amazing vacation until we get rescued - learning how to get food, swimming, making a home – it would be an amazing educational experience. 

If you could send a message out for everyone in the world to hear, what would it be?

Respect yourself and empower yourself with knowledge especially when it comes to health.

What does ‘Radically Holistic Beauty’ mean to you?

Beauty comes from within – what you project is what ultimately what you look like. When I was going through chemo 6 years ago I had no hair and looking frail and pale however, I was super happy and it showed and I glowed!

Vicki is a breast cancer survivor of six years.  She found out she had breast cancer the day before her second daughter was born.  She has taken that experience and changed her life and the life of many by starting her inspiring company Viver Health, providing wonderful nutritional information in a cliff like manner.  She eats and lives an organic lifestyle and is passionate about using products that are healing for her body, family and environment.  She is a Moon Sister and Tribal Sister ~ thank you Vicki <3.

Do you have an inspirational moon sister that you would like us to include in our interviews?  Please share with us at info@gemstoneorganic.com.

Raise Your Vibration with Rose

Most of us know that Roses are one of the most popular flowers on earth, a symbol of love, passion, and peace. But did you know that roses are the most high vibrational? It’s true! The subtle bio-energy that flows through all living things, sometimes called chi or life force, can be measured in Hertz. And pure extracts from rose can measure as much as 5 times higher as those from her sister plants, like basil and peppermint. So there is more to our love for roses than meets the eye.

We love when healing skin also helps us to heal, holistically: rose is not only amazing for your complexion, but using it actually raises your vibration! Don’t forget its divine scent is also beautifully uplifting aromatherapy. So breathe it in, body and spirit, and reap all the benefits of mother nature’s most famous bloom.

<3, Sara

Sunstone for Body & Soul

As we near the end of February, the winter has really started to take its toll on our bodies and our spirits. Lack of moisture in the frigid air and constant exposure to heating systems in our cars and houses has most likely dried our skin to a dull crisp. These long, dark nights also have us craving the feeling of soaking in a little sunshine. Since there is still quite some time before spring is in bloom, and not all of us can escape on a sunny vacation, I want to talk about Sunstone lotion for the skin & soul.

Sunstone has got to be the most unique body lotion formula out there in the skincare world. Everyone knows the benefits of apple cider vinegar for the skin, but this is the first lotion to ever make it one of its healing ingredients! Along with those amazing alpha hydroxyl acids, ACV also keeps your skin mantle healthy. The mantle is key, because it will keep skin protected from harsh winter weather and environmental changes (like the stark contrast between the outdoor freeze and your indoor sanctuary of warmth). My second favorite ingredient in this lotion is the chamomile infusion. Organic chamomile is soothing and moisturizing, erasing chapped skin and dry rashes. Both the chamomile and the lavender hydrosol that make Sunstone lotion so creamy are naturally anti-inflammatory. These ingredients help to calm the inevitable irritations from having dry winter skin. You can see the difference as soon as you put it on –

    (arm before Sunstone)                      (arm after Sunstone)

When it comes to winter, there’s more changes happening than just physically. Some people suffer from extreme mood changes and disorders like SAD (seasonal affective disorder) due to lack of sunshine and other winter factors. Although it’s no cure, there is one natural way to elevate some of these cold weather blues… with sunstone crystals! Sunstones are known for their warmth and radiance, as they carry within them the energy of the sun. Full of joy, strength and optimism, these gemstones can bring you confidence and relieve stress with their powerful golden vibrations. Bright and bold, I swear I can feel these crystals giggling sometimes if I listen close enough…

There are many types of sunstones that come from around the world. We like to use a variety of them when making the gemstone essence for Sunstone lotion (yes, this lotion contains actual gemstone essence, an elixir made with the high vibrational properties of these crystals!)

Here is to making it through the rest of the winter,

with smooth skin and a sunny and cheery outlook ~

<3, Sara

4 Natural Ways to Detox Your Body

Without a choice, we get hit with environmental pollutions and toxins on a daily basis. This means the last thing our bodies need is to be slathered by chemical personal care products that add to the challenge of keeping our systems running clean. Changing to a pure, organic skincare routine is the first external step in the process of detoxing the body. What about internally? Even if you don’t have the time for a dramatic fast or juice cleanse, these are a few simple ways you can help your body detox:

#1 - DRINK MORE WATER

A great way to start the day is with a glass of room temperature water. It will kick-start your organs and flush out any toxins that have built up while you were sleeping. Use a fresh squeezed lemon to alkalize the water and stimulate the liver. Ready to really get fired up? Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to speed your circulation and increase your metabolism. Remember to always use organic/non-irradiated cayenne since irradiation negates all the positive health benefits of herbs and spices.

#2 - EXERCISE

Exercising is important for building muscle and staying active, but it also helps to increase circulation and blood flow. When we get to moving and stretching, we are stimulating parts of our bodies that would otherwise stay dormant. Movement releases tension, toxins, and other buildup that can cause us to feel sluggish and weighed down. Your skin will love it too! Since skin is responsible for 10-15% of the body’s toxin elimination, help it do its job by getting in a good sweat.

#3 - EAT ORGANIC, WHOLE FOODS

Eating organic is an important way to reduce the amount of toxins (chemical pesticides, herbicides, etc.) your body has to process. If it’s not in your budget to eat all organic, make sure to study up on the best and worst conventional foods you can buy. 

It’s also really important to eat whole foods. This means filling your cart with fresh fruits, veggies, etc. Shopping tip: stick to the outer isles in the grocery store where fresh produce, dairy, and bakery products are kept. For the most part, the inner isles are loaded with packaged and processed foods that are best to avoid.

#4 - DEEP BREATHING

Breathing is something we do all day, every day, usually with very little thought. If you’re looking to detox, a few minutes a day of deep, conscious breathing can help your body tremendously. Getting more oxygen into your blood stream helps push carbon dioxide, the waste, right out. Oxygenated blood is able to absorb more vitamins and minerals, and keeps the lymphatic system at a healthy flow. Proper breathing comes from the diaphragm – so take a deep breath and watch where your body moves. The stomach should fill up first, with your chest rising slightly only after your abdomen is full. With your conscious breath, visualize any emotional build-up also leaving the body.

Share with us your favorite way to detox in the comments below ~

<3, Sara

Heart-opening Gem Jewelry

Whether you’re in a relationship, single or looking, Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to work a little bit on your heart, energetically speaking. There are a lot of crystals that vibrate to the heart chakra, and each can help to heal and open your heart space in different ways. Three of our gemstone bracelets are specifically heart-centered and can help carve a sweet and sensual path of love with their unique properties.

Rose quartz isn’t just a stone for romantic love, but it also is great for opening up to family, platonic and universal love. It carries a soft and feminine energy, but don’t let that fool you. Rose quartz is a powerful stone that can dissolve emotional wounds and fears surrounding the heart. This gives you the ability and confidence to openly give and receive love from others. Rose quartz can inspire an appreciation for beauty and encourages us to attract love into lives. It also helps to create more genuine connections and bonds, whether within our intimate circle of friends, communities, or beyond into the ethers.

Garnet is another stone in the pink/red family that vibrates to the heart chakra. This crystal also stimulates the root chakra, giving it some intriguing abilities to heighten sensual energy and even boost your sex drive! Garnet is a fiery stone and can ignite strong and intense feelings. Its dark red color is reminiscent of blood and definitely helps to increase your chi energy flow, which starts at the bottom of your spine. Having good chi energy ramps up your circulation and also the flow of light energy to all parts of your body. It can feel like a healthy energized stream, racing through your system. Keeping love is just as important as finding it and Garnet can inspire true devotion, and has been called the stone of commitment.

The heart chakra is actually said to be green (with pink the secondary color beneath). Jade is a beautiful stone to use for attracting romance, especially new love and finding love later in life. Its soothing green color brings in calm and supportive energy, inspiring healing and self-love. Jade encourages us to get rid of old, limiting beliefs and instead focus on our growing confidence and being self-assured. This is a great first step in attracting love! It can even help to restore dignity, especially if its been damaged in the past by other relationships. Jade re-balances the heart, and gives insight to your needs and wants, emotionally. Using this crystal also helps us to understand and accept changes in our relationships with more grace.

May your Valentine's Day be surrounded by love that carries with you throughout the year ~

<3, Sara