A leave-in conditioner is a hair care product that you use after washing your hair and before you style it. More often than not, you apply it to towel-dried hair. Unlike traditional conditioners, which are washed out during the shower, a leave-in conditioner remains in your hair post-shower. By leaving the conditioner in, not only does it add moisture to the hair, but it also protects it from damage and helps detangle strands. 

Almost every hair type, be it curly, straight, color-treated, or natural, can benefit from a leave-in conditioner. You may find this leave-in conditioner especially useful if you deal with dry, damaged, or frizzy hair. A leave-in conditioner can also be helpful if you use heat-styling tools, such as straightening or curling irons. 

How To Use A Leave-In Conditioner

After you finish shampooing your hair in the shower, towel dry your hair before applying the leave-in conditioner. It will replace the conditioner that you’d normally use in the shower. That said, you can use both a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner if your hair is particularly damaged or dry. Ideally, use it while your hair is still damp, and follow the steps below for best results:

• After shampooing your hair in the shower, rinse thoroughly. At that point, you can use your regular conditioner if you want and then rinse out. 
• When you are done showering, gently pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess water. Apply a small amount of the leave-in conditioner through your hair. You can start at the ends and work your way up to your scalp. 
• Brush your hair with a comb or brush (one that you are ok getting a little oily) and gently detangle your hair. Ideally, use a wide-toothed comb to help evenly distribute the conditioner throughout the hair strands. Allow the hair to dry, or you can style as needed. 

Why Should You Use This Leave-In Conditioner?

Unlike a lot of other leave-in conditioners, this DIY version is oil-based. The oils in it are very hair-friendly, some might say the most hair-friendly. The oils make it easier to brush or comb the hair, but it can cause the hair to look slightly oily. If you have an issue with this appearance, use it while you are at home. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

• Argan Oil: Some people refer to this oil as “liquid gold,” primarily because it has been used for centuries in health and beauty applications. It can help moisturize the skin and hair, as it is rich in fatty acids, primarily oleic acid and linoleic acid. These healthy fats work to lubricate the hair shaft and help hair retain moisture. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, argan oil also encourages a healthier scalp. 
• Jojoba Oil: This is the closest oil to sebum, which the body naturally produces. Because of that, jojoba oil doesn’t tend to make the skin or hair feel greasy after application. That makes jojoba oil a great choice for people with oily hair. It is quickly absorbed by the hair and skin, making it a popular addition to various skin and hair care products. 

Those two oils are the base of this leave-in conditioner recipe. If you desire, you can add a little rosehip seed oil or pomegranate seed oil during the winter or early spring, while the weather is still dry. Additionally, you can swap out the essential oils, but both rosemary and lavender essential oil benefit the hair and scalp. 

DIY Leave-in Conditioner

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon organic argan oil
• 1 tablespoon organic jojoba oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the argan and jojoba oils into a one-ounce glass dropper bottle. Add the essential oils and then screw on the cap. 
• Shake well to combine the ingredients and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use. 
• When ready to use, place a couple drops on your fingertips and run them midway through to the ends of your hair. Don’t add oils directly to the scalp, but you can massage the scalp after running fingers through your hair.

SHARE:

The post DIY Leave-In Conditioner With Oils appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, or bumpy. When a flare up occurs, it is highly uncomfortable and can be extremely difficult to avoid itching the affected area(s). Symptoms start to flare up if you encounter an irritant or allergen, and you have to use one or more remedies to stop the itching. 

More often than not, itchiness is the most common symptom, although itchy patches of skin can begin to ooze or crack from excessive scratching. Itchiness is the result of an overactive immune response, causing irritation or inflammation in the skin. The urge to scratch that itch can interfere with social life, general concentration, and your ability to sleep. To help stop scratching when you have eczema, give the following strategies a try. Some (or all) may not work for you, so keep experimenting until you find what works.

Stress Management

Stress is a common trigger for eczema and can worsen the severity of a flare up. Chronic stress, which stems from financial insecurity or major life events, can have a major impact on eczema. For this reason, dermatologists encourage eczema patients to develop stress management methods, such as: 

• Meditation: There is more than one way to meditate, people! You can experiment with solo meditation, guided meditation, or even walking meditation. Yoga and Tai Chi are also excellent forms of moderate exercise that promote stress reduction. 
• Limit social media time: According to mental health experts, spending too much time on social media can cause stress. Additionally, consuming too much news can cause high stress, so put away your socials and news sources to help curb stress. 
• Sleep: The average adult requires about seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Failure to get enough sleep can ignite symptoms. Make sure to go to bed at the same time every day and keep the bedroom at a cool temperature. 

Moisturizers

If your skin is dry, then you will likely feel itchy in problem areas. With eczema, dryness occurs because of issues with the skin barrier, which is the outer layer that retains moisture. To combat dryness, apply moisturizers to help preserve the barrier and its function. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer at least twice daily, especially after bathing. There are oil-rich eczema creams and ointments, which are thicker than lotions and slightly more effective. Moisturizing daily can help reduce the number of eczema flare ups, according to research. 

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a possible treatment for atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. This therapy involves the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which researchers believe act on nerve endings that cause itchiness. One study found that 93% of people using UVB as eczema treatment reported relief after a couple weeks. 

EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychological therapy commonly used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some early research suggests that EMDR may relieve the itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis. It may also help reduce daytime scratching and increase self-control, which ultimately improves overall quality of life. During an EMDR session, you will visualize the discomfort and itch while a therapist stimulates your eyes to move. Alternatively, the therapist may expose one or both ears to certain sounds that help you adapt to the discomfort of an eczema-related itch.

Cold Compress

By applying a cold compress to the affected area, you may help relieve itchiness and inflammation. This is a remedy that can be applied whether you have eczema or not. To make a cold compress, soak a towel or washcloth in cold water. Make sure to wring it out before applying to the itchy areas. Once you do this, make sure to apply a moisturizer for ultimate relief. Avoid applying an ice pack directly to the skin, as this can increase burning or itching. 

Habit Reversal Techniques

This is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves changing your behavior and relationship to your eczema itch. This is something that you practice with a therapist or counselor. During your sessions, you’ll focus on disrupting the “itch-scratch” cycle and learn techniques to distract yourself from that itch, all while promoting mindfulness.

SHARE:

The post Effective Tips To Stop An Eczema Itch Without Scratching appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a clean face. You scrub away all the grime of the day and feel renewed, or you wash away the sleepies and prepare for the day ahead. If you are like most people, you probably use a cleanser, potentially a toner, moisturizer, and an under-eye cream. Now, that is a perfectly fine skin care routine, but sometimes you need to clean out your pores and moisturize simultaneously. That’s why we love the brown sugar oatmeal face scrub in this article. 

Although brown sugar face scrubs are generally safe, you should always do a small patch test before using it all over your face. Use a small amount on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to see if you experience any itchiness, redness, or swelling. If you experience any of those symptoms, you have an allergy to one or more ingredients in the product. If that is the case, do not use it. Should you not experience any of those symptoms, feel free to use the product.

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Scrub

First of all, you don’t have to worry about the addition of unnecessary chemicals that could potentially harm your skin. Natural ingredients help clear up your skin and contribute to a natural glow. In case you didn’t know, this is not a scrub that you use daily. Using this face scrub daily may irritate the skin, due to the mildly abrasive nature of brown sugar. Ideally, you use this scrub once a week and follow it up with a moisturizer once you finish. You’ll love it because it:

• Is very easy to make
• Hydrates the skin
• Removes grease, dirt, and makeup
• Helps unclog pores
• Removes dead skin cells
• Only requires four ingredients
• Helps improve skin tone
• Improves circulation to the skin 

Benefits Of This DIY Face Scrub

This face scrub consists of four ingredients, all of which benefit the skin in different ways. We’ve detailed a few benefits of the four ingredients below:

• Brown sugar: This is the exfoliator of the scrub! Brown sugar works to remove dead skin cells, which helps improve the complexion. Due to the glycolic acid, brown sugar also helps to lock in moisture, stimulate collagen production, and cleanse your pores. 
• Oats: Working to reduce oil production and free radicals on the skin, oats help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. If you have dry or irritated skin, use face scrubs that contain oats to help enhance the health of facial skin.
• Honey: Believe it or not, honey has mild exfoliation properties as well, but we love it because it acts as a natural humectant. That means that it helps to draw moisture into the skin, contributing to a higher moisture content. 
• Olive oil: Similar to coconut oil, olive oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-fungal properties, all of which are beneficial to the skin. Using olive oil on the skin can help improve skin elasticity, reduce infections, and make the skin appear smoother. 

DIY Brown Sugar Oatmeal Face Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup oats, finely ground
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, oats, olive oil, and honey to a clean bowl and mix well to combine. That’s it!
• When ready to use, apply a small amount of the scrub on your fingertips and massage it into your face in circular motions for one to two minutes. Leave the scrub on for a couple minutes so that the nutrients can penetrate your skin. 
• Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use this scrub once per week.

SHARE:

The post DIY Brown Sugar Oatmeal Face Scrub appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are like any other American adult, then you are no stranger to a little sleep trouble. In fact, one in three American adults does not get a sufficient amount of sleep every night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A lot of people turn to a number of vices in order to get quality shut-eye. 

Magnesium spray, which is a trendy relaxing spray that was popularized on social media platforms, is said to promote sounder sleep. Can a few spritzes on your skin be the all-natural sleep aid you’ve been looking for? Is misting yourself with magnesium spray just another overhyped social media trend? We’re going to cover all that and more in this article. 

What Is Magnesium? 

Magnesium is a vital mineral in the body that is involved with numerous functions, including those relating to nerves and muscles. Magnesium also aids with mood regulation and energy production. Although the body produces magnesium, health experts recommend obtaining it via magnesium-rich foods or supplements. Alternatively, you can apply magnesium oil topically on the skin, which absorbs the mineral. In order to make magnesium oil, you add magnesium chloride flakes to water to create an oily liquid. 

What Is The Connection Between Magnesium And Sleep?

As previously mentioned, magnesium supports nerve function and muscle relaxation. It also aids with the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps control the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Magnesium is also essential for DNA and protein synthesis, in addition to reproduction and cellular health. 

When magnesium levels dip too much, you may find yourself tossing and turning, or waking up too early. It’s also possible to feel more stressed or restless at night when magnesium levels are low. According to research, people with higher magnesium levels experience better sleep, longer rest, and improved energy during the day. A February 2022 systematic review found a link between magnesium levels and sleep quality. That said, researchers that examined clinical trials noted magnesium supplementation for sleep disorders were mixed. 

As of now, scientists believe that magnesium influences brain chemicals, including GABA, NMDA, cortisol, renin, and melatonin. All of these can affect relaxation and sleep quality. So how much magnesium do you actually need? The general recommendation is 310-420 milligrams per day for adults, depending on age, sex, and pregnancy status. 

Does Magnesium Spray Actually Work?

According to studies, taking magnesium orally may improve sleep quality, reduce daytime drowsiness, and regulate circadian rhythm. That said, clinical evidence for skin absorption is lacking at the moment. That said, many magnesium spray users report that it helps them sleep better, due to the spray’s muscle-relaxing properties. Just keep in mind that more studies are needed to confirm if magnesium spray is a viable sleep aid. 

Absorption Is The Problem With Sprays

Research confirms that topical application of magnesium oil can help relieve nerve pain and muscle cramps. One of the issues, however, with magnesium spray is that it is not as easily absorbed by the body compared to oral intake. For people who have gastrointestinal issues, or issues taking supplements, magnesium oil can be a viable option. The spray, however, may not be as easily absorbed by the skin. No published data indicates a better or worse comparison of transdermal absorption compared to magnesium supplementation. Some data, however, indicates that the skin can absorb the spray when used in close proximity to a high density of hair follicles. Basically, spritz the magnesium spray where you have a lot of hair follicles to increase absorption. Don’t just mist it in the air and think that you will sleep like an angel. 

How To Choose The Right Magnesium Spray

Just like most items under the health and wellness umbrella, not all magnesium sprays are created equal. Health experts encourage you to look for the following in your magnesium spray:

• Magnesium source: Magnesium chloride is the most recommended because it is more easily absorbed by the skin. 
• Third-party testing: Choose a brand that is independently tested for safety and quality. You can tell this by a seal on the spray bottle or information on the company website. Common third-party testers include NSF and USP. 
• Purity: Make sure to select products that are free of artificial additives and unnecessary chemicals. Magnesium sprays should only contain a couple ingredients!

SHARE:

The post Does Magnesium Spray Improve Sleep? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are many things that you can do to improve self-care. Many people find that great forms of self-care include meditation, exercise, bubble baths, playing video games, reading, and more. However you engage in self-care is your prerogative, and we are all for it! It is an essential component to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Creating your own cuticle salve with natural ingredients is a great way to enhance your self-care routine. The process of creating your own beauty or skin care products can be a relaxing experience in and of itself. Not only will this cuticle salve improve your overall nail health, but it may also leave your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated. Whip it up by completing a few simple steps and it’ll be ready in under an hour! It is great to use during dry weather. 

How Shea Butter Helps Your Nails

Shea butter is full of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E. All of these nutrients help provide hydration to dry and brittle cuticles, which can help prevent cracking and bleeding. Because shea butter has emollient properties, it helps to increase moisture levels in the skin. This ensures that your cuticles remain supple and soft. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe any irritation or redness around the cuticle. That makes shea butter especially beneficial for anyone with discomfort that stems from dryness. 

Almond Oil For Your Nails

Similar to shea butter, almond oil also contains vitamin E, which works to promote the growth of healthy cuticles. At the same time, it may help prevent breakage of both your nails and cuticles. Some preliminary research suggests that almond oil may improve blood circulation to the nail area, which encourages faster regeneration and healing. Additionally, almond oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve redness or irritation. The nourishing properties in almond oil make cuticles easier to manage by softening them. Regular use of almond oil may contribute to stronger, healthier nails and reduce the likelihood of hangnails or other common cuticle problems. 

Vitamin E Oil Supports The Cuticles

In addition to the vitamin E present in both shea butter and almond oil, we decided to add more to the cuticle salve with vitamin E oil. Just like your skin, your nails require moisture to remain healthy and strong. Vitamin E oil is incredibly hydrating and helps restore dry cuticles by enhancing moisture in the nail bed. In order to produce healthy nails, keratin dead cells have to receive a continued blood supply that is rich in vital nutrients. Vitamin E oil helps supply the blood with the right amount of nutrients necessary for healthy growth. 

Beeswax Benefits Cuticles

Beeswax is a common ingredient in various beauty products, especially cuticle care products, lip balms, and other products that promise hydration. It can keep the nails and cuticles healthy by forming a protective barrier that prevents damage. Not only does this protective layer maintain hydration, but it also protects against the elements. Beeswax also works to keep the cuticles supple and healthy by providing hydration via the emollient properties. 

Homemade Cuticle Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Combine the shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe container and microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds (or until everything is melted). Just make sure to monitor it closely so it doesn’t overheat. 
• Once the mixture is melted, remove the container from the microwave and stir with a wooden utensil. Add the vitamin E oil and optional essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a storage jar and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is a crucial step, as it solidifies into the salve, which you can apply easily. 
• Store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months, but if it changes in scent or texture, go ahead and discard it.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Cuticle Salve For Healthy Nails appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Every now and again, a hairstyling product comes along that garners a lot of attention. Sea salt spray is that product, and it rose to popularity with the loose and flowing hair style trend. Shirts got boxier and pants got baggier with more natural, relaxed fits replacing skinny or slim-fit items. The same looseness applies to hair as well, because the natural look is where it’s at. 

What Is Sea Salt Spray?

The idea behind sea salt spray is that you do not have to hang 10 on a longboard in Malibu, California to achieve ocean-sprayed hair. The spray does not require the offshore winds that contain salt from the Pacific Ocean; rather, it gives your hair a similar look and texture to when you come out of the ocean. Think of sea salt spray as a bottle of concentrated ocean water that adds texture and flow to your locks. The benefit is that you do not have to deal with crowded beaches, sunburns, and sharks to achieve this look!

What Does Sea Salt Spray Do? 

First and foremost, sea salt spray adds both volume and texture to your hair. When too much oil and product accumulate on the scalp and hair, hair shafts become weighed down. Plus, the oilier the hair gets, the more hair shafts clump together and lose their life. Sea salt spray works to remove excess buildup, which lightens hair strands so that they can flow independently. The salt in the spray also has a little grit, which helps texturize the hair. 

Enhances Natural Curl Pattern Of Hair

Let us quickly break down hair types, which are characterized by density, texture, and curl pattern:

• Type 1: straight hair
• Type 2: wavy hair
• Type 3: curly hair
• Type 4: coily hair (the most fragile because hair strands are finer with fewer cuticle layers)

Everyone has a different curl pattern based on their hair type. Type 1 has no curl, type 2 has a natural “S” shape, type 3 has round, tight curls, and type 4 has curls with more of a “Z” shape. In order to enhance the natural curl pattern of your hair, apply sea salt spray to when hair and scrunch it with your free hand. The hair shafts will settle deeper into their curl pattern as your hair dries. If you have straight hair, or type 1 hair, you will not a lot of curl from a sea salt spray. The reason for this is because type 1 hair is usually resistant to curling without chemical assistance. 

The great thing about this DIY sea salt spray is that it does not make your hair look greasy or hard. Instead, it works to hydrate your hair and control frizz. Plus, it has essential oils that not only add a lovely scent to the spray, but also stimulate hair growth. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, the essential oils will assist in protecting hair from sun damage, while simultaneously encouraging new hair growth. Just know that this is not a hair growth product; rather, it contains ingredients with properties that may help encourage healthier hair or stimulate the scalp. 

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon organic sugar
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops clary sage essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water (hot but not boiling)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except for the hot water) to a spray bottle, preferably an amber glass spray bottle. The dark nature of the glass will help preserve the health properties of the essential oils. 
• Pour the hot water in until the bottle is full, leaving a little room for the sprayer to go in the bottle. 
• Screw on the top and shake until all of the ingredients are dissolved. 
• When ready, spritz the sea salt spray into dry hair and scrunch until the spray dries. You can also blow dry your hair on low as you scrunch to accelerate the natural curling process.

SHARE:

The post DIY Texturizing Sea Salt Spray appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as omega-3s, are healthy fats that have powerful antioxidant effects in the body. According to research studies, omega-3s work to benefit everything from brain health and immunity to heart function. Even though these foods are essential for overall health, close to 90% of Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of omega-3s. That is even true for people who eat fish on a weekly basis!

What Are Omega-3s?

First off, there are two main types of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fat breaks down into polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are terms you commonly see on nutrition facts labels. These chain-like molecules are made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Carbon atoms form the foundation of the chain and oxygen and hydrogen atoms latch onto available slots.

A monounsaturated fat has one open slot, while a polyunsaturated fat has more than one open slot. Contrarily, saturated fat has no open slots and is typically referred to as “bad” or “unhealthy.” The reason saturated fats are labeled as such is because they increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Unsaturated fats, such as omega-3s, are healthy because they support the heart and brain and may reduce inflammation within the body. 

Because the body cannot produce a sufficient amount of omega-3s necessary for its own survival, you have to obtain them from the foods you eat. The specific types of omega-3s include DHA and EPA, which you can find in seafood, and ALA, which exists in plants. Great foods to increase your omega-3 consumption include mackerel, salmon, and other fatty fish, or flaxseed, chia seeds, avocados, walnuts, and other plant-based foods. Failure to eat these foods may yield a few signs that indicate low omega-3 levels. Continue reading to learn more.

Low Mood

Your mood is closely tied to the health of your brain, which oversees serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones. Researchers are not exactly clear how omega-3s like EPA and DHA influence how the body uses and responds to those hormones. What the research does say, however, is that low levels of omega-3s can compromise a person’s mental health. Taking an omega-3 supplement, such as the Dherbs Omega 3 Formula, may assist in elevating your mood and outlook.

Dry And Tired Eyes

Staring at screens all day is a great way to fatigue your eyes. If your eyes are particularly parched, though, you may be low in omega-3s. Both EPA and DHA help ensure that the cells in the retina function optimally. According to research, omega-3s help the eyes combat oxidative stress, so don’t believe that carrots are the only vegetable beneficial for eye health.

Dry Or Irritated Skin

There are numerous causes for dry, scaly, red, or irritated skin. If you use cleansers, lotions, serums, and body butters to improve the skin quality and nothing calms irritated skin, you may need to increase your omega-3 intake. According to researchers, omega-3s support the skin barrier, helping to seal in moisture and keep environmental pollutants out. Additional research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3s, especially through supplements, can help improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of skin. 

Brain Fog

Both EPA and DHA contribute to the structure of cell membranes in the brain, in addition to aiding the communication between cells. One study involving 176 adults with low omega-3 intake found that supplementing with 1.16 grams of DHA daily for six months was able to improve episodic and working memory when compared to the placebo group. Feeling a little sluggish and unclear mentally? Improve concentration and find a clearing in the fog by increasing your omega-3 intake.

SHARE:

The post How Do You Know If You Are Low In Omega-3 Fats? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are looking to support the health of your skin, joints, and hair, you will need collagen. Many people purchase collagen powders or supplements and add them to their teas, coffees, smoothies, and more. Although collagen products are incredibly popular, most people are unaware of what collagen does and how they can preserve it. 

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals. A structural protein makes up the structure or framework of both cells and tissues. There are 28 types of collagen, but type 1 collagen accounts for nearly 90% of all collagen in the human body. Collagen is mostly composed of the amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form strands that make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen.

The body naturally produces collagen, but collagen production starts to decline some time during your twenties at a rate of about 1% per year. UV exposure, inflammatory diets, lack of sleep, harsh products, and stress can exacerbate this decline. For this reason, many dermatologists encourage a skin care routine that helps preserve collagen. Use vitamin C serum, experiment with retinol if the skin can tolerate it, and wear sunscreen if you go outside. 

Although there are things you can do to help protect collagen, one of the best ways to care for it is through a healthy diet. The food you eat can influence collagen production. Certain foods, especially those with antioxidants, can help protect the skin from free radicals and support the skin barrier. Continue reading to learn about five antioxidants that help keep the skin firm.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid phytonutrient and powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated an ability to protect skin cells. Other studies confirm that astaxanthin can help preserve the collagen layer because it has impressive photo protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers note that astaxanthin’s free radical fighting powers are five times more powerful than beta-carotene. It’s about 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C! Although vitamin C, which we will get to next, is a powerful antioxidant, it should not be the only one you rely on to encourage collagen production.

Vitamin C

You cannot talk about the skin without having vitamin C in the conversation. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the collagen production process. The skin’s fibroblasts rely on vitamin C to synthesize collagen. According to many studies, fibroblasts cannot effectively make collagen when vitamin C levels are low. Vitamin C works to stabilize the collagen molecule and preserve existing collagen by neutralizing free radicals. For this reason, researchers believe that ingesting vitamin C is the best way to support overall skin health. 

Blood Orange Extract

Blood orange is not in season all year, but it’s very popular during the winter months. What is even more popular, especially in the world of skin care, is blood orange extract. It contains numerous antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavanones, vitamin C, and hydroxycinnamic acids, which are non-flavonoid phenols. That means that you get all of the benefits of those compounds in one extract. Due to the antioxidant power of blood orange extract, it helps reduce oxidative stress, which causes collagen breakdown. A 100-milligram dose of blood orange extract is effective at reducing proinflammatory levels of cytokine TNF-a in the body. Additionally, one study found that it was able to improve skin elasticity by 5.9% in just 14 days, and 13.9% in 56 days. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant that helps support vitamin C inside the body. Vitamins C and E have a synergistic relationship, with one study confirming that vitamin E increased vitamin C’s efficacy eightfold. On top of that, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after vitamin E scavenges for free radicals in the body. Finally, vitamin E can help protect against collagen cross-linking, a process during which collagen becomes hard and stiff. That process can cause the skin to appear hard and stiff, and it contributes to accelerated aging. 

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant compounds that are types of antioxidants commonly found in fruits and vegetables. According to research, polyphenols can help boost digestion, improve brain function, and protect against several chronic diseases. Additionally, polyphenols have proven effective at helping the skin manage UV exposure. That is particularly important because UV damage is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. Although sunscreen is the most effective way to protect the skin, eating more foods rich in polyphenols will help that process.

SHARE:

The post These Antioxidants May Preserve Your Collagen appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There is something magical about seeing a stuffed stocking on Christmas morning. No matter if you are young or old, waking up to a lumpy stocking full of surprises offers a special joy. Once you start taking gifts out of the stocking, though, your excitement may start to fade. That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a solid list of healthy and useful stocking stuffers that everyone will love. 

Nobody needs more socks, underwear, tissues, or lip balm in their stocking. Be creative and nab some fun things that your friends or family will actually use. You don’t have to put a brand new iPhone in the stocking; rather, keep it low-maintenance, low-cost, and incredibly unique. The stuffers don’t have to be boring, either. You don’t have to choose between candy bars and carrot sticks! 

Which stocking stuffers do you usually gravitate towards? Are you some who enjoys gifting classic holiday indulgences? Do you like finding unique toys or fun miscellaneous items? Leave your old habits behind this year and consider some of the following healthy and useful stocking stuffers. 

Bath Bombs

Taking a relaxing bath is a great form of self-care. Bath bombs only enhance the experience, and often contain ingredients that help encourage healthier skin. It’s up to you if you want to avoid intense colors because those colors can stain tubs. Don’t make more work for your friend or family member! Consider making a quality homemade bath bomb by clicking here. 

Hand Creams

Consider one excellent hand cream, or a variety of hand creams, because everyone could use a little extra moisture during the winter months. Hands tend to dry out and crack this time of year, especially if you are regularly washing them to help keep germs at bay. Both the cold weather and hot water, which your cold hands desperately crave when you want to wash them, will cause dryness, so help your friends or family members replenish moisture with hand cream in their stockings.

Essential Oils

You probably cannot fit an entire diffuser in a stocking, but you can definitely fit some essential oils in there. Distilled from plants, flowers, and seeds, essential oils offer myriad health properties. Typically used for aromatherapy purposes, essential oils can promote a sense of calm, which is a very useful thing during the holiday season and New Year. Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon essential oils are great starter oils! Just make sure to get pure essential oils, being careful to examine ingredient lists for potential preservatives.

Herbal Teas

Everyone has someone in their life who loves to drink tea. Maybe they have become a master of matcha or a person who loves herbal varieties. Consider gifting them a unique tea set with various flavors. Typically, there are numerous tea sets available during the holiday season. Maybe you can accompany the different herbal teas with a nice mug, or better yet, an insulated mug that will keep hot beverages warm for hours during the winter. 

Squeezable Nut Butter Packs

Before you go out and purchase nut butter packs, make sure that the person you are buying them for does not have a nut allergy. After you cross that off the list, make sure you purchase high-quality nut butter packs. They can provide necessary protein, healthy fats, and fiber, all of which are great for keeping you full and energized between meals. Plus, they make traveling so much better! They take up very little space and are much healthier options than chips, sugary trail mixes, or salty nut mixes. 

Magnesium Lotion

Are you wondering what magnesium lotion is? First off, magnesium is a vital mineral that is linked to many health benefits, including better sleep, healthy heart, and relaxed muscles. Magnesium lotion can help calm discomfort by soothing the skin and reduce irritation and itchiness. It may also improve skin barrier function and support collagen regeneration. You may have even seen ads for magnesium lotion for babies because it helps them sleep more soundly.

Propolis Throat Spray

Show the immune system a little love with some propolis throat spray. Bees create propolis by combining various plant and tree resins with their own enzymes. It exhibits powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-supporting compounds. Should the person you’re gifting this to be prone to sore throats or common colds, it will be of great benefit to them. The flavonoids help to protect and soothe the throat, especially when it is feeling scratchy.

Movie Tickets

This doesn’t necessarily count as a healthy gift, but it is useful to many people. Movie tickets are very expensive these days, so treat someone to a night out at the movies! It’s a great stocking stuffer idea that takes up little to no room. Feel free to include some healthy snacks along with the tickets so that the person can sneak them in the theater! Just don’t tell anyone we told you to do that last part.

SHARE:

The post 8 Useful And Healthy Stocking Stuffer Ideas appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If we know one thing about winter, it is that the weather is colder and skin can dry out easily. The constant changing of environments does not do the skin any favors. Being bundled up outside in the cold and then going inside to the warm, dry heat is a recipe for dry skin. Fortunately, you can pamper your skin and bring it back to life with the homemade body butter in this article. It is filled with natural ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, radiant, and supple. 

What’s The Difference Between Body Butter And Lotion?

Both body lotions and body butters work to moisturize the skin below the neck. Each of these skin care products can help soften skin and minimize dryness, but they work differently. The primary difference between lotion and body butter is the texture. While lotion has a higher water content and more liquid consistency, body butter is thicker and creamier. Body butter also tends to have a higher concentration of heavy moisturizers, such as shea butter. Body lotion tends to be formulated with glycerin, or other lightweight hydrators. 

Generally speaking, body butter is ideal for dry or rough skin. The ingredients work to replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect them from stressors that increase irritation or dryness. Below, we’ll detail two ingredients that make this body butter highly nourishing for the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, most shea butter still comes from this region. Shea butter helps promote hydration because it contains several types of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These work to improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for nourishing inflamed or upset skin. Additionally, shea butter is thought to offer mild protection from the sun, although it is not a replacement for standard sunscreen. 

Coconut Oil

Promoted for its ability to moisturize dry skin, coconut oil offers many compounds that help improve overall skin health. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically. Studies have shown that it may help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which can cause itchy rash. The anti-inflammatory properties work to improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss. And while coconut oil may not be able to remove stretch marks, it is possible that topical application may help reduce their appearance. More research is necessary on that topic, though. 

Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw shea butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp  gingerbread spice
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the two ingredients in the microwave for one minute. 
• Remove and stir well. If the shea butter and coconut oil are not fully melted, heat in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir well again to combine.
• Transfer the melted mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the refrigerator and use the stand mixer to whip the mixture on high for five minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides every minute and continue blending until you have a light, fluffy cream. 
• Add the gingerbread spice and essential oils and mix on low to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into a jar, cover, and store in the fridge. Use as needed.

SHARE:

The post Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.