Enfusia Blog

Creating Margin

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Many in the business world understand this. Higher margins mean more profit. What about margin in our personal lives? How do you create margin? Are you burning the candle at both ends? Many of us work hard either at home or at the office, we are scheduled to the max with our children, then on top of that we are engaged in extracurricular activities such as church, charities, dance recitals, baseball tournaments and the list goes on and on.

At Enfusia we talk a lot about renewing, restoring, and rejuvenating but what does that really mean? It means giving yourself permission to relax in the tub. It means being ok with doing nothing. It means showing our daughters that taking time for ourselves is important. This is beyond the time we take to exercise or go to book club. This is real nurturing. When we nurture ourselves we have more love to give and ultimately life to live.

Today I want you all to make a pledge to yourself…..take a bubble bath! Relax with the bubbles, restore your vitality with aromatherapy and rejuvenate your spirit. Create your own margin and be proud!

Save 20% on all products in our Bath Catalog with the code "margin" at checkout, now through Wednesday, April 18th.

The truth about Bubble Bath.

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:42:00 GMT

Recently I was shopping at a local grocery store and I came across the cutest frog shaped bottle filled with bubble bath. As a manufacturer of personal care products I’m always looking to see what’s new and cool out there. I picked up the frog (adorned with a crown) and I was shocked at the list of ingredients on the bottle. Actually I was mostly shocked at the "Warning". This product may cause urinary tract infections, eye irritation, skin irritation, not suitable for children under age 5……and the list went on. As a consumer I was surprised by this but that surprise became anger because as a bubble bath maker I can tell you companies can very simply decide if they are going to use harmful ingredients or not.

Did you know the most common cause of urinary tract and yeast infections in girls and women is the ingredients in bubble bath? It’s true! Most bubble baths contain very harsh detergents and sulfates known to cause irritation. Enfusia uses very mild surfactants in our bubble bath and our Cocoon Baby line is made from a sugar-based surfactant that is very mild. It’s safe for all skin types including eczema and sensitive skin.

Even if you don’t use Enfusia or Cocoon Baby, I’d like you to have some knowledge about what to avoid. You can make safer choices for you and your family. The first 5 are my “non-negotiable”. memorize this list. The others on the list are once you gain a working knowledge you can add 1 ingredient at a time.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – synthetic surfactant (bubbling agent)

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) – synthetic surfactant (bubbling agent)

Propylene Glycol (PG) – alcohol that assists with humectant qualities, also a solvent

PEG,(Polyethylene Glycol) – 1,4 Dioxane

Diethanolamine (DEA) – assists with pH and oil/water emulsions

Triethanolamine (TEA) – assists with pH and oil/water emulsions

Artificial colors (F,D & C) – synthetic colorants

Formaldehyde – synthetic preservative

Mineral Oil – hydrocarbons produced from the distillation of petroleum, makes product glide or slip

Petrolatum – this is a petrochemical that acts as barrier and coats the skin

Triclosan – used as an antibacterial

Phthlates – fixative in fragrance and makes plastic softer

For more information about these harmful chemicals, please check out the Environmental Working Group website. If you're interested and have the time, please don't take my word for it! Do your own research!! What you put on your body is as important as what you put in it.

Making Easter special with Enfusia gifts!

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:26:00 GMT

We all have Easter traditions... When I was a little girl, it was all about a new dress for church and a new bunny (both chocolate & stuffed were required) every year. Nowadays, I look forward to EGGS. Not just Milky Way Eggs (which I LOVE) but also Eggbomb Fizz & Foam Bath Eggs! Here at Enfusia it has been utter craziness with a thousand eggs being made nearly every day for two whole weeks! We LOVE how much YOU love our eggs!!

All of this to say, if you're looking for a special, fabulous, and zero-calorie gift for those in your life this Easter, might I suggest some Enfusia Easter products?

Our Eggbomb Fizz & Foam Bath Eggs are a great, all in one gift. 6 eggs come in a clear, round carton that's bursting with lemongrass-scented

goodness. New this year is our Fizzy Carrot, which combines the wonderful scents of Lavender, Lemongrass, and Chamomile (famously from our Cocoon Baby line) for an amazingly relaxing and rejuvenating bath experience.

We're also offering special package deals. Our Easter Basket gift set (pictured above) offers you a full range of our fabulous Easter gifts and saves you $5. Our Love Somebunny gift set featuring our Eggbomb carton & Fizzy Carrot, and the Happy Bath gift set featuring bubble bath, bath eggs, and a Fizzy Carrot, both save you $3.

We're also offering our Fizz & Foam Bath Eggs loose for only $1.89 apiece! That means you can buy 1, 2, or 2 dozen! Discounts are available when you order 12 eggs or more.

Easter is a time for drawing closer to God, loving on your friends & family, and eating lots of chocolate. Maybe now's the time to add Enfusia's Egg Bombs to the list of Easter traditions? We know you and your family will feel great, smell great, and have a lot of fun in the process!

Practicing what I preach!

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:52:00 GMT

Believe it or not, it's not all glitz and glamour here at the bath bomb factory! This time of year is really busy and, frankly, exhausting! We are blessed to have such awesome customers who love our products, but that also means crazy house getting everything done.

As I left the office last night, I grabbed a Love Potion #9 bath bomb and some bubble bath. I'm going to practice what I preach to everyone--take time for yourself. In this case, myself! After dinner and various household activities, I told the family I was off for a nice long bath, and unless someone was dying, there were to be no interruptions.

Can I just say...WOW! The scent is so delicious. I melted into this wonderful aromatic bouquet of sweet delight. The bubbles ended up way too high, but I had fun making a bubble castle and acting like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I'm so proud of Enfusia and our wonderful products. Now I'm relaxed, revived, and renewed!

Have an AMAZING day, and tonight, take a bath!

Merry Christmas!

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:49:00 GMT

The Holiday Season can leave us tired, crabby and feeling bah humbug! As I was driving to work the other day in the rain, I was thinking that while bling and bath bombs are awesome, don't lose site of what's important. Our faith, our families and our friends are the ultimate gifts. I wanted all of you to know that we value your business, your belief in our products and our company. And, we love your feedback and love notes! God Bless you all this Holiday Season.

I personally wish you a Merry Christmas!

Lots of hugs,

Debra : )

Why should I try a bath bomb? 4 simple reasons.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:33:00 GMT

Enfusia's #1 most popular product is our bath bomb. This fizz & foam wonder may still be a mystery to you. If you'll stay with me a moment, I'll give you 4 reasons to draw a hot bath, pop in a bath bomb, and enjoy your own little fragrant piece of heaven.

When I started working at Enfusia over a year ago, I had never tried a bath bomb. In fact, I was thoroughly unconvinced I even wanted to try one. At the end of my first day, I was offered a "homely" lavender bath bomb and sent home to try it for "product research." I wasn't sure what to expect and worried it might irritate my picky, sensitive skin. I decided finally that I would go ahead and try it.

It was love at first bath! Fast forward to today, and I rarely take a bath WITHOUT a bath bomb. I love the way it makes my skin feel and smell. And it's so easy and mess-free. So here we go, 4 reasons I think you should try our bath bombs.

Fizzy = FUN

Whether you're 2 or 82, bath bombs are just plain FUN. They fizz and foam, dissolving in a flurry of color and bubbles within 2-4 minutes, depending on the size of the bomb. Some bath bombs also change your water different colors, and children LOVE them.

Soft Skin

When you take a bath with a bath bomb, you may notice how much softer your skin will feel. The main ingredient in bath bombs is Baking Soda, which softens the water. Soft water is more gentle on your skin, and bathing in water softened by baking soda will make your skin silky-smooth after every bath. One customer once enthused, "It makes my skin feel like satin!" I have to agree.

Moisture

Bathing in hot water can leech moisture from your skin and leave your dry and scaly. Bath bombs have additional moisture added in the form of massage oils to help keep your skin nourished. Enfusia bath bombs are full of sweet almond oil, which is one of the best oils for skin nourishment. Bath bomb baths are so much more moisturizing than regular baths that you might not even have to put lotion on afterward, at least in the summer. However, I wholeheartedly recommend following with lotion to keep moisture in, especially in winter.

Smell good...REALLY good.

If you smell the bath bomb directly, you'll notice it's FULL of fragrance! When you take a bath, the chemical reaction between the Baking Soda, Citric Acid, and water pushes the fragrance through your tub and into the air around you, bathing you in delicious scents. Enfusia bath bombs only use essential oils or natural fragrance oils, which are better for people with sensitive skin. The scent will stay with you long after your bath. You can also intensify the scent by following with a matching or complimenting lotion. I always love to take a lavender bath bomb bath, and follow with lavender body lotion.

So what do you think? Are you convinced it's worth a try? I recommend Enfusia bath bombs above all others, because we use carefully selected natural & vegan ingredients, and hand make each and every one in The Woodlands, TX. We use no FD&C colorants, no artificial fragrances, no parabens, no pthalates, no mineral oil...no yucky stuff!

Please try one out, and let me know about your bath bomb experience! I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to the NEW Enfusia.com!

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:45:00 GMT

If you've been visiting our site for a few years, you know that it's been a while since we updated the look and feel of our site. After a long process that began with a dream for a better site early in the year, we've finally unveiled the all new Enfusia.com! Many things are new and exciting, but the most important things remain the same: We are dedicated to making the BEST natural bath and body products.

Our beloved old site, as it was for many years.

So...what's new? You're reading it! The Enfusia blog will keep you up to date on everything going on with our company, as well as provide you with a valuable resource for information about ingredients, health, and your skin.

Within our Community section you'll also find two other very cool sections. The first is the Events section. Find out when and where Enfusia will be having an event near you! Some upcoming events include a holiday market at Express Hot Yoga in The Woodlands, and tea and cookies at Whole Foods Market Park Lane with Enfusia founder Debra Myers. The second is our Featured section, where you can see when and where Enfusia is in the news (old and new media included.)

Our revamped Contact section has an improved form (we love to hear from you!), our new all-purpose contact email (info@enfusia.com), and an amazing Find a Store app! Find stores near you that carry Enfusia products. We provide you with their address and phone number.You can also search based on whether or not stores carry our premium bulk bath salts. Selection will vary by store.

Our Products section has tons of new products added along with our site redesign! Take advantage of newly-lowered prices on our Cocoon Baby Gentle Moisturizing Lotion, or check out our brand new Gifts section. We'll also put any special deals in our Sales & Specials section.

We look forward to hearing all your feedback, and making enfusia.com the best website possible!

Is your cosmetic product truly Vegan?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:57:00 GMT

Do you know where all of the ingredients in your cosmetic product come from? Are they plant-based or synthetic? Or worse, derived from animals or insects? Well, here is a tip for you: some cosmetic companies may be trying to sneak particular animal based products past your nose without you even realizing it! How are they doing this you might ask? By listing the ingredient right on the packaging, just under a non-obvious name.

Carmine is a very popular dye that is used on a daily basis in just about everything from cosmetics (lipsticks, eye shadow) to food products (yogurt, juice and candy) to produce varying pink and red shades. But did you know that carmine actually comes from a bug? Yes, a bug!

Carmine is produced from the cochineal insect that is harvested for its signature red hue. The bug is brutally killed by either being placed in boiling water, exposure to sunlight, steam or heat of an oven. Each of these processes creates a different shade depending on the chemicals later used. The bodies are then dried and pulverized to a powder and treated with either ammonia or a sodium carbonate solution to create the carmine lake. It takes around 70,000 insects (all pregnant females) to make just one pound of cochineal dye. That’s a lot of insects for a small amount of product!

While some people may claim carmine is “natural”, that doesn’t mean it is necessarily safe. Carmine can be known to cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock, though in rare cases. Also, carmine is not considered a vegan product. Companies who claim they are vegan, yet list on their ingredients “may contain carmine”, are not doing a very good job of upholding their vegan claim. There are other natural ingredients that can be used as a dye, such as beets, grapes, black carrots, and paprika. Their color might not be exactly the same, but hey, it beats using the dried carcasses of bugs!

One January 5th, 2011 a new regulation the FDA passed became effective, requiring companies to list carmine and cochineal on their label. Other names for carmine are Crimson Lake, Natural Red #4, C.I. 75470 or E120. So the next time you see any of these names listed on your cosmetic product, beware of the bugs! After all, isn’t it your right as a consumer to know exactly what is in there?

For more information, please see:

Food Navigator-USA - Black carrot extract alternative to carmine coloring

Natural News - Ground up beetles found in yogurt

Wikipedia - Cochineal

Wikipedia - Carmine

About Sensitive Skin

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:01:00 GMT

Enfusia started with simply blending of sweet almond oil and a few drops of lavender and rose essential oils. This mixture soothed my dry skin but didn't leave me scratching at my skin because it did not have any harsh chemicals or fragrances. From this base, I started mixing all kinds of essential oils to make lotions, soaps and salts.

How do you know if you have sensitive skin? One type of sensitive skin is susceptible to break outs, and the other type is easily irritated. Overusing products or using products that are too harsh, especially cleansers can irritate skin. If your skin is reacting to some skin products and showing signs of irritation or redness, you probably have sensitive skin. Everyone has somewhat sensitive skin, but blondes or redheads are more prone to having hypersensitive skin, reacting to irritants by turning blotchy or developing spots and rashes. This type of skin seldom tans but rather burns or freckles.

How to take care of sensitive skin: Cleanse with gentle cleansers and tepid water. Avoid hot water and washcloths. To protect sensitive skin, use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid using products that contain a lot of stabilizers, which are chemicals that add to the shelf life of a product, that cause irritation to hypersensitive skin.

How to take care of dry skin: Protection in the summertime is imperative for dry skin. When the temperatures rise in the summertime and the humidity is high, moisture in the skin is lost. Central heating in the winter months can also have the same effect, so continue to use a good moisturizer. In lower the humidity climates, the heavier the moisturizer should be.

Tips for healthy skin:

Eat well. Nutrition plays an important role in your skin’s health. Vegetables and fruit Foods with higher water content, such as vegetables and fruits, contain many vitamins that help maintain healthy skin.

Avoid eating spicy foods, and caffeinated or alcoholic drinks that may be too stimulating.

Use moisturizers to counteract time spent indoors with forced air heating or air conditioning.

Avoid over-zealous cleansing, which can take away the lipid barrier intended to protect your skin from bacteria and environmental assaults. It may be necessary to limit the use of exfoliating treatments.

Before applying a moisturizer, dampen your skin very lightly with water. This will be effective in minimizing dryness that can cause sensitivity.

Be aware of perfumes and fragrances. Studies have found that perfumes can often be the cause of allergic reactions.

Pay attention to detergents used to launder your sheets, pillowcases, towel, and lingerie. Fragrance-free detergents can help prevent sensitivity. If possible double rinse all clothing. Use broad-spectrum sun block (SPF 15) everyday to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays.

Shower or rinse soon after perspiring. Many people are sensitive to their own perspiration.

Relax! Stress is a leading cause of sensitive, dry, imbalanced skin. An aromatic bath delights the senses while it calms, comforts, and beautifies the body and soothes the mind. Try our dead sea salt bath crystals (link to bath crystals page) enriched with ocean kelp to help you unwind after a busy day. It will be soothing for your body and mind!

About Eczema

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body. For older children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, eczema appears to "bubble up". In others, their skin may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Constant scratching will cause the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens.

Adult Eczema

How do I know if I have eczema?

It is not always easy to distinguish one type of eczema from another or from similar skin conditions. Dermatologists have the medical training and experience needed to determine if eczema is present - and which type, if present. To diagnose eczema, dermatologists examine the skin and ask about:

• Time frame for when the skin condition first appeared signs and symptoms, such as long-term itching or recurring inflammation of the skin

• Recent circumstances that may aggravate the condition, such as excessively dry air or emotional stress

• Family medical history, including questions about close blood relatives who have asthma, hay fever, or eczema

• Personal medical history

In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes.

Allergies are more common in individuals with atopic dermatitis, and your physician may consider allergy testing.

Dermatologists may use a “patch test” to determine if the patient has allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that develops when the person has an allergic reaction to a substance that contacts the skin. The reaction generally occurs a few hours after the substance contacts the skin and settles down within a few days if the substance does not contact the skin again. A patch test exposes the patient’s skin to minute amounts of substances that may have caused the reaction. When the test is positive, the dermatologist must determine if the chemical caused the dermatitis and if so, if it is the primary cause or an aggravating factor. Further testing may be necessary.

How can I treat eczema?

• Make lifestyle modifications to prevent flare-ups

• Use non-detergent body washes & soaps

• Keep skin moisturized

• See a dermatologist for treatment if needed • Dermatologists recommend that treatment be sought at the onset of signs and symptoms. When therapy begins early, it often reduces severity and duration.

• Your treatment plan will be made based on:

• Type and severity of the eczema present

• Age, health, and medical history (including presence of other conditions)

• History of previous treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort by controlling the signs and symptoms. Since eczema is usually dry and itchy, most treatment plans involve applying lotions, creams, or ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible. The treatment plan also may require lifestyle modifications and using medication as directed.

Medication that can be applied to the skin may be prescribed to help relieve itching and inflammation.

Certain types of severe eczema that have been unresponsive to other treatments may be treated with various medications such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

Since so many factors affect why a person develops eczema, a treatment plan that works for one person may not effectively control eczema in another person.

Sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to find an effective treatment plan.

Lifestyle modifications are the first line of defense in controlling eczema, regardless of whether the eczema is mild, moderate, or severe. Recommended by dermatologists, the following guidelines can help reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups, which also may decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medicine. Continuing to follow these guidelines once the signs and symptoms clear can help prevent further outbreaks.

My child has eczema. Will he develop asthma?

While atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema is associated with asthma, it does not directly cause asthma, and people with atopic dermatitis do not always develop other atopic conditions, such as asthma. However, a link does exist between eczema and asthma- one study found that 46% of boys and girls with asthma also had eczema.

Will my child "outgrow" his eczema?

Currently, there is no way to determine whether or not your child will outgrow his eczema for certain. In 90% of people, eczema develops before age 5. In 40% to 60% of these individuals, eczema persists beyond puberty and into adulthood. The good news is that many infants with eczema improve by age 2, and about 40% of patients outgrow the condition by the time they are young adults. Since there is no way to predict whether or not your child will outgrow eczema, it is important to seek medical treatment and not wait for your child to outgrow it. Controlling eczema early can prevent it from getting worse. It also is important to know that eczema can be triggered by environmental factors later in life. Research shows that 80% of occupational skin disorders occur in individuals who had atopic dermatitis as a child.

What is done to relieve symptoms in children?

Children are unique patients. It may be difficult for them to resist scratching, and scratching tends to make the condition worse. Fortunately, for mild to moderate cases, applying moisturizer regularly can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages. Until signs and symptoms disappear, parents should follow these measures:

• Help the child avoid as many eczema triggers as possible.

• Keep the child’s skin moist. After bathing, be sure to apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp to retain the moisture in the skin.

• Help the child avoid sudden temperature changes.

• Keep the child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites (a common trigger).

• Use mild cleansers such as Cocoon on the child’s skin.

• Dress the child in breathable clothing, preferably 100% cotton.

• If these methods fail to help your child, please consult a dermatologist. After consultation, it may be recommended that your child use a topical corticosteroid or perhaps a prescription cream, ointment, antihistamine or antibiotic. Regardless, most children will see improvement as time goes by.

Reminders:

• Be patient- this is a chronic disease that usually improves and then flares-up again, but one, which is usually easily managed with the above therapies.

• Call your pediatrician if: your child is not improving in 1-2 weeks with his current treatments, the itching is keeping your child awake at night, the rash is infected with pus or honey colored scabs or if the rash becomes raw and bleeding.

• You sometimes have to experiment to find what works best for your child's eczema.

• Consider seeing a specialist, such as a pediatric dermatologist, if you and your pediatrician are not able to get your child's eczema under good control.

About Your Skin

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Your skin is an organ that contains many specialized cells and structures. It functions as a protective barrier that interfaces with an often-hostile environment and is also involved in maintaining the proper temperature for the body to function well. It gathers sensory information from the environment, and plays an active role in the immune system protecting us from disease. Understanding how the skin can function in these many ways starts with understanding the structure of the 3 layers of skin - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. The thickness of the epidermis varies in different types of skin. It is the thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. The epidermis contains 5 layers. From bottom to top the layers are named stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum licidum, and stratum corneum. The bottom layer, the stratum basale, has cells that are shaped like columns. In this layer the cells divide and push already formed cells into higher layers. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratumcorneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.

There are three types of specialized cells in the epidermis. The melanocyte produces pigment (melanin), the Langerhans' cell is the frontline defense of the immune system in the skin, and the Merkel's cell's function is not clearly known.

Dermis

The dermis also varies in thickness depending on the location of the skin. It is .3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back. The dermis is composed of three types of tissue that are present throughout - not in layers. The types of tissue are collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. The two layers of the dermis are the papillary and reticular layers. The upper, papillary layer, contains a thin arrangement of collagen fibers. The lower, reticular layer, is thicker and made of thick collagen fibers that are arranged parallel to the surface of the skin. The dermis contains many specialized cells and structures. The hair follicles are situated here with the erector pili muscle that attaches to each follicle. Sebaceous (oil) glands and apocrine (scent) glands are associated with the follicle. This layer also contains eccrine (sweat) glands, but they are not associated with hair follicles. Blood vessels and nerves course through this layer. The nerves transmit sensations of pain, itch, and temperature. There are also specialized nerve cells called Meissner's and Vater-Pacini corpuscles that transmit the sensations of touch and pressure.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer is important in the regulation of temperature of the skin itself and the body. The size of this layer varies throughout the body and from person to person.

The skin is a complicated structure with many functions. If any of the structures in the skin are not working properly, a rash or abnormal sensation may result.

Skincare 101

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:04:00 GMT

When planning your skincare regimen, you must first determine your skin type. Answer the following questions:

When in the sun, does your skin burn, peel and then tan?

After cleansing your skin, does it feel tight and tingly? Itchy?

Is your face oily an hour after you’ve washed it? Or does your makeup disappear by midmorning? As an adult, are you breaking out like a teenager?

Does your skin feel tight after washing in hot water? Does it reflect light or appear dull and patchy? Are flakes or red spots visible where there used to be clear skin?

If you answered yes to question 1, your skin is dry or sensitive.

If you said yes to question 2, you have combination skin, normal in some places, oily in others.

If you said yes to question 3, you have oily skin with overactive sebaceous glands.

If you said yes to question 4, your skin is aging.

Sensitive Skin

Symptoms include:

Thin and delicate skin, fine pores, flushes easily, prone to broken capillaries, frequent allergic reactions, prone to rash breakouts.

Treatment: Use gentle cleansers and rinse with luke warm or cool water. Avoid using hot water and washcloths. Using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers is essential to protect sensitive skin. Avoid products that contain a lot of stabilizers, chemicals that add to the shelf life of a product, because it wreaks havoc to hypersensitive skin.

Dry Skin

Symptoms include: Feels tight after cleansing, fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches appear. Treatment: Due to the high temperatures and low humidity levels, more moisture is lost during the summer. Thus, dry skin should always be well protected during the warm months of the year. A good moisturizer is necessary in the winter because central heating can also cause moisture loss. To ensure your skin has enough moisture to lessen the appearance of wrinkles during the winter months, always use a heavier moisturizer with lower humidity levels. Remember to moisturize your entire body.

Combination/Normal Skin

Symptoms include: Medium pores, skin has a smooth and even texture, good circulation and a healthy color, dryness may occur on cheeks, but oily in the T-Zone. Treatment: Normal/Combination skin will benefit from a good skincare regimen and usually reacts well when left alone. This skin type can handle just about any environmental factor that is encountered.

Oily Skin

Symptoms include: Shiny skin, experience tightness, enlarged pores, prone to blackheads and blemishes. Treatment: Oily skin may not necessarily lead to acne, but it is essential to determine how to control it. It is normal to have oil on the surface of the skin, which can easily be removed with careful cleansing. Oil can also be trapped within the sebaceous duct, but with regular exfoliation, it will improve the amount on your skin. If you can control excessive oiliness, your skin will reward you, as oily skin is less prone to wrinkles later in life. Remember that a slightly oily complexion is the essence of a youthful glow.

The importance of cleansing your skin

Skin experts recommend avoiding soap because of its high pH. A high pH (alkaline) soap will dry the skin and diminish its life expectancy. Technically speaking, the skin's surface is mildly acidic, having a pH of around 5. Most soaps are well over 7, and some as high as 10. Soaps with a high pH will not only dry the skin but also eliminate the acid coating found on the skin’s surface. All Enfusia and Cocoon cleansers are pH balanced.

Daily cleansing gets rid of surface dirt, make up, dead skin flakes and excess oils. It is recommended to cleanse every morning and evening. Unlike soap, cleansers remove makeup and dirt, but leave the skin feeling silky and supple. Cleansers basically consist of oil, water and surfactants. The oil dissolves the oil on the face; the surfactants dissolve everything else; water washes it all away. Some cleansers contain lots of oil; others have none. If you use a cleanser that’s too rich for your skin, it can clog your pores; if it’s too dry, it can irritate your skin. Here is where knowing your skin type comes into play. Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type and condition.

Moisturizing is essential

Good moisturizers are made with a complex blend of botanical ingredients that combine the positive effects of emollients, humectants and lubricants. These combinations help to counteract the effects of dehydration and help keep the skin soft, smooth and radiant.

Water is the secret ingredient for dewy-fresh skin. Well-moisturized skin is soft and supple, reflects a healthy glow and ages less quickly. Moisturizing also prevents the skin from drying and chapping, which in turn slows the aging process.

Moisturizing tips:

To work more effectively, dampen the skin first, as the top, dead layer of skin will absorb a small amount of water.

Outdoor Skin Treatment

Sunshine, in moderation and with the right type of sun protection, can enhance your sense of wellbeing. While in the sun, your skin manufactures vitamin D, which is needed for good mental and physical health. But fifteen minutes of limited exposure early in the morning or after 3 p.m. will supply all the vitamin D you need. Undisciplined sun exposure can lead to sun damage: photo aging - loss of elasticity, sunspots, lines and wrinkles – and possibly skin cancer.

Ideally, you should use a total sunblock or a super-efficient sunscreen (SPF15 or more) on the face and neck. Start applications of your high-protection sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out, begin at the collarbone and work upwards - and reapply frequently. Don't forget the easy-to-forget spots: your ears (including the tops), your hairline and scalp, the tops of your feet, and your lips (use a lip balm with SPF 15). Be extra vigilant about protecting your nose: 70 percent of all facial skin cancers show up there.

What is Natural? Simple Steps to Find Truly Natural Bath Products for Your Skin

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:04:00 GMT

You only have one skin to last your entire life. But the quest for truly natural and beneficial bath and body products can be daunting and the very definition of ‘natural’ varies widely. If you ask anyone, including a chemist, the definition of ‘natural’ the range of answers is endless. Don’t despair. There are a few simple steps to find what is truly natural and good for your skin.

First, get ready to read. In today’s environment the word natural is used on everything from baby wipes to shampoos. Indeed, botanicals and natural ingredients are more commonly used in all types of bath and body products, but what does it all mean? The FDA does not regulate natural bath products nor do they give guidelines on what ingredients may or may not be used to produce such products-- something I found quite frustrating while searching for natural bath products to help with my eczema several years ago.

Like many consumers, I figured if a product said it was natural then it must be true. But as I began to research ingredient names on products that are labeled ‘natural’ or ‘made for sensitive skin’ I found long lists of chemical detergents, colorants, fragrances and preservatives. This experience led me to start my company Enfusia, which is dedicated to using gentle, non-irritating ingredients that come from nature first, science second.

There is actually a small list of key ingredients to avoid that are money-savers with no true benefit to your skin. Companies are often driven by profit margins to cut (stretch the ingredient by adding something to it) expensive ingredients like essential oils with cheaper alternatives like fragrance oil to lessen the overall ingredient cost down. Some manufacturers may only use a trace of a natural ingredient like Jojoba Oil but will place a natural claim on their label when in fact the formula may contain less than 1% of this ingredient.

In general, avoid products that have any of the following ingredients:

• Mineral Oil

• Propylene Glycol (PG)

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• Synthetic Fragrance

By adding mineral oil companies can give you a product with an ‘emollient’ feel but without the benefits of using natural oils. In reality, mineral oil is a by-product of distillation of gasoline from crude oil and does nothing to nourish the skin. In fact it’s a moisture inhibitor and actually sits on the surface of the skin. A better alternative is Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil which are botanical ingredients that nourish the skin with vitamins that help fight free radicals and keep skin supple.

Propylene Glycol (PG) is used as a surfactant to help reduce surface tension and allow liquid to spread easily across your skin. Also used in anti-freeze and brake fluid, PG helps protect products from extreme heat or cold so they don’t melt or freeze. There are natural surfactants such as Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate (made from sugar) or Decyl polyglucose (made from corn, coconut and palm oil extracts), that don’t strip the skin of moisture, are non-irritating and most important, non toxic.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is a chemical cleansing agent, humectant and emulsifier. This product is found in many bath and body products as well as oven cleaners and other industrial strength cleaners. A few natural alternatives are vegetable glycerin or cetyl alcohol (derived from palm oil). Both are excellent moisturizers and humectants.

Sodium Laryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical detergent found in most laundry soaps as well as bath products. This chemical surfactant strips the skin of vital moisture and has been known to irritate eyes and cause urinary tract infections. Pay particular attention to this ingredient if you have small children-- the FDA says it’s safe in small quantities but again there are gentler alternatives.

Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Fragrances can be quite irritating to the skin, eyes and nose and often are the culprit for urinary tract and yeast infections in women. As we sit in our bubble bath soaking away the world’s stresses, we allow a perfect opportunity for those chemical compounds to work their way into places they don’t belong. Fragrances can be made naturally and both Enfusia and Cocoon products only use 100% pure essential oils for fragrance. Be careful of statements like “natural fragrance.” This is basically a synthetic copy of the natural flower or essential oil. It’s much cheaper to use synthetic fragrance oil than an essential oil. If a manufacturer is using an essential oil to fragrance it will be on their label.

Choose Nature over Science: Nature gives us an amazing array of botanical ingredients and essential oils that naturally protect and nourish our skin. Essential oils are made from the distillation of flowers and provide tremendous benefits to our skin. For example, Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is not only one of the safest essential oils in the world but its benefits are many. It’s an antiseptic, has antifungal properties, helps reduce inflammation and is quite therapeutic. I started blending lavender essential oil and sweet almond oil together to help with the eczema irritation I experienced in my early twenties to help the itching and it worked extremely well.

Use your knowledge to find what is natural. If you go to the store and see a natural baby wash product, turn the bottle over and see if it has any of the harsh detergents mentioned earlier in this article. There is no magic percentage of ingredients listed on the bottle that make it natural. If it has PEG and essential oil, it is not natural. Good brands are proud of their ingredients and will disclose all of them. Both Enfusia and Cocoon ingredients are listed on their bottles including the preservatives. Although preservatives have gotten a bad rep over the years not all preservatives are bad and using no preservatives at all in bath products isn’t good either. Preservatives are necessary to keep bacteria and molds from growing in your bath and body products. Enfusia and Cocoon use food grade preservatives only when necessary. The percentage is so low (1/4 of 1%) that we are not required to list them, but we do. We have nothing to hide and want our customers to know what they are putting on their skin.

Enfusia's Clean Enfusion: A Solution to Side Effects of Cancer Treatments like Chemotherapy and Radiation

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:04:00 GMT

Two of your most powerful resources in coping with a challenging and difficult experience like cancer – when you’re truly fighting for your health - are your sense of hope and a strong circle of loving support from your family and friends. And beyond that, the people and companies who support your cause and give you the tools to make your daily life easier become integral to your ability to proudly fight and overcome the challenge you’re faced with.

Enfusia has formulated a Clean Enfusion designed for use by people receiving cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation amplify the daily struggle of fighting cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one of the most common side effects of such treatments is irritation and sometimes even damage to skin. If you’re receiving chemotherapy, you might notice changes in skin tone or pigmentation, in addition to drier skin, rashes, redness, peeling, or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Similarly, common reactions to radiation therapy include redness, peeling, thin or fragile skin or an increase in sensitivity to sunlight. Skin reactions you experience depend on the type and dose of therapy. It’s critical that serious skin irritations and changes be looked at by an oncologist. Some of the changes may be due to specific medications and may indicate a requirement to modify the type or dose of treatment.

To help prevent and alleviate mild irritations and changes to skin such as redness, itching, peeling, dryness, and acne, the American Cancer Society recommends a regular routine to gently cleanse skin (making sure to thoroughly pat dry) and to apply lotions and creams while the skin is still moist to help hydrate and moisturize the skin throughout the day. It’s important to avoid products that contain ingredients which can dry or further irritate skin. Specific ingredients to avoid are perfumes, abrasives, and alcohol. It’s always best to opt for organic natural products that will hydrate and protect your skin.

As an avid supporter of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, Enfusia hopes to make your daily struggle just a bit easier by giving you a soothing and luxurious Enfusia Clean Enfusion Moisturizing Body Lotion to help prevent and alleviate mild skin irritations caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. This lotion has a Clean Emulsion formulation that's specifically designed for those receiving cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. The Enfusia Clean Enfusion formula is a blend of natural ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and nurture your skin – it’s fragrance and irritant free.

The Enfusia Clean Enfusion Moisturizing Body Lotion is formulated with natural emollients that soothe and hydrate skin while a harmonious combination of tea polyphenols, Omega-3 fatty acids, and botanical extracts help nurture and repair skin. It is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, formulated with 100% vegan ingredients. This moisturizing body emulsion is also wax, phthalate, paraben, and fragrance free.

Plastic Bottles – Are they safe? Phthalate & Paraben Free Skin Care Products in BPA-Free Bottles Enfusia and Cocoon BPA-Free Bottles are Better for Your Health and Your Child’s Health

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:05:00 GMT

New breakthrough research studies are now shedding light on how the plastics we use on a daily basis affect our health. Results of these studies show that the plastic bottles of some of the most popular skin and hair care products out there can be very harmful to our health and our babies’ health. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), some of those plastic bottles contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been proven to be harmful to our health.

Enfusia and Cocoon bottles are BPA-Free.

BPA is a chemical that leaches out from certain types of plastics known as polycarbonate plastics into products you might be applying to your skin or your baby’s skin. This means your skin or your baby’s skin is absorbing a chemical that has been shown to have serious harmful effects. BPA works similar to a human hormone, and has been linked to certain cancers, such as prostate and breast cancer, as well as to ovarian dysfunction and increased chances of miscarriage. And perhaps what’s most shocking is that early-life exposure to BPA can cause genetic damage. These and related adverse effects are particularly significant in fetuses and young children, whose immune systems are still immature and developing.

Beyond this, we also experience larger-scale indirect adverse effects of using harmful plastics. Not all plastics are recyclable, and the manufacturing and incineration processes related to those plastic containers result in air and water pollution, which can have long-term cumulative effects on our health and our children’s health.

What’s in the plastics you’re using? When you’re purchasing any product that comes in a plastic bottle, it’s very important that you determine the type of plastic it is by looking at the label.

Choose products from companies that care about your health and your children’s health. Enfusia and Cocoon skin care product bottles come in pretty recyclable bottles that are BPA free.

Read the labels on the plastics you use or plan to purchase and make the better, informed choice. BPA is found most often in polycarbonate plastics, which are labeled as “7”. According to the IATP, it’s best to avoid all plastics labeled as 3,6, or 7 – not just for your skin and hair care products, but also for plastics you use for food storage and heating. The one exception to this is new bio-based plastics. These may be labeled as 7 but are both environmentally safe and healthy. Pay particular attention to bottles your baby comes in contact with – from drinking bottles and “sippy” cups to skin care products. Safer alternatives to polycarbonate plastics include ones made of glass, polyethylene, or polypropylene.