Bakuchiol vs. Retinoids: Which one is best for your skin? July 20, 2023 09:53

Bakuchiol is the new kid on the block in the world of skincare, but this plant-based ingredient has actually been around for centuries. Derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant, which is native to India, bakuchiol has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

If you're wondering what in the world Ayurveda is, don't worry, you're not alone. Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago, and it focuses on achieving balance and harmony in the body through a combination of diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.

Anyway, back to bakuchiol. The babchi plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. The seeds and leaves of the plant contain a compound called bakuchiol, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Now, let's fast-forward to the present day. Skincare companies have caught wind of bakuchiol's potential benefits, and you can now find it in a variety of products, including serums, moisturizers, and masks. But what exactly are the benefits of bakuchiol, and why should you consider adding it to your skincare routine? Let's break it down:

Benefits of Bakuchiol:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Bakuchiol has been shown to increase collagen production in the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. And unlike some other anti-aging ingredients (cough, retinoids, cough), bakuchiol is generally considered to be gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity.
• Improves skin texture and tone: Bakuchiol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Some studies have suggested that bakuchiol may be particularly effective at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improving skin texture and tone.
• Helps to treat acne-prone skin: Bakuchiol has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which means it may be able to help kill off the bacteria that cause acne. This makes it a promising ingredient for those with acne-prone skin.
• Is gentle on sensitive skin: As we've already mentioned, bakuchiol is generally considered to be gentler on the skin than some other anti-aging ingredients, such as retinoids. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin who want to reap the benefits of an anti-aging ingredient without the irritation and sensitivity that can sometimes come with retinoids.
• Is vegan and cruelty-free: If you're someone who values ethical and sustainable skincare options, you'll be pleased to know that bakuchiol is a vegan and cruelty-free ingredient. It's derived from plants, not animals, and it hasn't been tested on animals.

So there you have it, folks - bakuchiol is a pretty impressive ingredient. But how exactly does it work, and why is it so effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Well, it turns out that bakuchiol works in a similar way to retinoids, but without some of the potential downsides.

RETINOIDS

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that are often used in skincare products to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by increasing cell turnover in the skin, which helps to reveal fresh, new skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, retinoids can also be quite harsh on the skin, and they can cause redness, peeling, and sensitivity, especially if you're just starting out with them. Also, long term use of retinols can possibly cause thinning of the skin, the jury is still out on this but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is believed to work by increasing collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its structure and elasticity, but as we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By increasing collagen production, bakuchiol can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Another great way to naturally increase collagen production is by getting enough vitamin C. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/

But here's the kicker - bakuchiol is generally considered to be gentler on the skin than retinoids. This means that you can get the anti-aging benefits of an ingredient like retinol without the potential downsides, such as irritation and sensitivity.

Of course, as with any skincare ingredient, it's important to patch-test bakuchiol on a small area of skin before applying it all over your face. But overall, bakuchiol is considered to be a safe and effective ingredient for most skin types.

So, if you're looking for a plant-based, gentle alternative to retinoids, bakuchiol might just be the ingredient for you. Not only does it have anti-aging benefits, but it can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, making it a great all-around skincare ingredient.

In conclusion, bakuchiol may be a new ingredient in the skincare world, but its use dates back centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Derived from the babchi plant, bakuchiol has a range of potential benefits, from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin texture and tone. And best of all, it's generally considered to be gentler on the skin than some other anti-aging ingredients, such as retinoids. So if you're looking for a plant-based, effective ingredient to add to your skincare routine, bakuchiol is definitely worth considering.

Witch Hazel: The Skin Savior You Need! July 20, 2023 09:42

Hey there, skincare enthusiasts! Today, we're delving into the marvelous world of witch hazel. So grab your skincare stash and get ready to discover the fantastic benefits of witch hazel. This ancient skin soothing wonder will wow you with all its benefits!

Soothe and Calm Your Skin

Imagine this: Your skin is red and irritated, feeling as sensitive as a balloon at a cactus convention. But fear not, because witch hazel is here to save the day. With its soothing properties, it gently calms your skin, reducing redness and inflammation. It's like a soothing balm that says, "There, there, skin, it'll be alright." Embrace the tranquility and say hello to a calm and happy complexion.

Minimize Those Pores

Pores, those little pesky openings on your skin, can feel like craters on the moon. But fret not, my friend, because witch hazel is here to work its magic! It has the incredible power to tighten and minimize your pores, leaving your skin looking smooth and refined. You'll feel like you've just had a luxurious spa treatment. Say goodbye to visible pores and hello to a flawless canvas.

Banish Excess Oil

If your skin feels like an oil slick, it's time to call upon the powers of witch hazel. It acts as an oil controller, helping to regulate your skin's sebum production. No more shiny face that could blind an astronaut! Witch hazel swoops in like a hero to restore balance and leave your skin looking fresh and matte. Say farewell to the grease and hello to a shine-free complexion.

Fight Off Those Unwanted Blemishes

Ah, pesky blemishes, the uninvited guests on our skin's party. But worry not, because witch hazel is the ultimate fighter against those unwelcome visitors. With its natural astringent properties, it helps to eliminate blemishes and reduce their appearance. It's like a superhero that zaps away the villains on your skin. Bid farewell to breakouts and embrace a clear and confident complexion.

Soothe and Refresh Your Skin

Sometimes our skin just needs a little TLC, and witch hazel is here to provide it. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation and refresh your skin. It's like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, instantly revitalizing and rejuvenating your complexion. Say goodbye to skin tantrums and hello to a peaceful and revitalized visage.

Now you know!

There you have it, skincare enthusiasts! Witch hazel, the skin savior you've been searching for, is here to rescue your troubled skin. It soothes, minimizes pores, controls oil, and fights blemishes like a champ. With its gentle yet effective powers, you'll have a complexion that's calm, smooth, and blemish-free. Embrace the magic of witch hazel and unlock the secret to your best skin. Get ready to say goodbye to skin woes and hello to a radiant and confident you!

Here at Heavenly Botanicals we make our own witch hazel, with wild harvested dried bark, purified water, Organic Alcohol for a preservative and lots of love! Feel free to check out our best selling Witch Hazel based toners below

Vitamin C: The Superstar of Skincare! July 20, 2023 09:39

Hey, beauty enthusiasts! Today, we're going to shed some light on a skincare ingredient that's like a ray of sunshine for your skin - vitamin C! This powerful little nutrient has been stealing the spotlight in the beauty world, and for good reason. So grab your sunglasses and get ready to discover the incredible benefits of vitamin C for your skin. Trust me, you'll be glowing in no time!

Radiant Skin, Coming Right Up!

Picture this: Your skin is feeling dull and lackluster, like a wilted flower in desperate need of a pick-me-up. Well, fear not! Vitamin C is here to save the day. With its brightening properties, it's like a shot of espresso for your skin, giving it a vibrant and radiant boost. Say goodbye to the blahs and hello to a complexion that shines brighter than a disco ball!

Age-Defying Magic

We all want to age like fine wine, but sometimes our skin needs a little extra help. That's where vitamin C swoops in like a superhero! Its powerful antioxidants work tirelessly to combat those pesky free radicals, the villains responsible for premature aging. It's like a time machine in a bottle, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leaving your skin looking plump and youthful. Embrace the magic and say hello to a more youthful and vibrant you!

Bye-Bye, Sun Damage

We love soaking up the sun, but it can leave its mark on our skin. Enter vitamin C, the ultimate sun damage warrior! It works wonders in fading those pesky dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure. It's like a magic eraser, gently lightening those spots and giving your skin an even-toned appearance. Wave goodbye to sun damage and embrace a more uniform and flawless complexion.

Collagen Booster Extraordinaire

Collagen, the holy grail of youthful skin, tends to diminish as we age. But fear not, because vitamin C is here to save the day yet again! It plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, keeping your skin plump and firm. It's like a personal trainer for your skin cells, giving them the nutrients they need to stay strong and resilient. Say hello to bouncy, baby-soft skin that defies gravity!

Skin's Shield Against Pollution

In this modern age, our skin faces a constant battle against environmental pollutants. But worry not, because vitamin C acts as a shield, protecting your skin from the harmful effects of pollution. It's like a force field that neutralizes those nasty free radicals and prevents them from wreaking havoc on your skin. Step out into the world with confidence, knowing that your skin is protected and ready to take on anything!

NOW YOU KNOW!

There you have it, folks! Vitamin C, the superstar of skincare, is here to transform your skin from drab to fab. It brightens, fights signs of aging, fades sun damage, boosts collagen, and protects against pollution. It's like a one-stop shop for all your skincare needs! So grab those vitamin C-infused products and let the magic unfold. Get ready to say hello to a radiant, youthful, and resilient complexion. Your skin will thank you for this superstar treatment!

Here's a simple recipe for a homemade Vitamin C serum:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Vitamin C powder (L-ascorbic acid, I like this one https://amzn.to/3NTkIAT
• 1 tablespoon distilled water
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, I like this one https://amzn.to/43cr9Ds
• 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil, I like this one https://amzn.to/3rgq8gf
• 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional for fragrance) If you're going for anti-aging effects then reach for either yarrow, frankincense, or Rose. This is one of my favorite brands https://amzn.to/44cqK5h

Instructions:

1. In a small glass bowl, combine the Vitamin C powder and distilled water. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved.
2. Add the vegetable glycerin and Vitamin E oil to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
3. If desired, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent. Stir well to incorporate the essential oil.
4. Transfer the mixture into a dark glass dropper bottle. Dark glass helps protect the serum from light and extends its shelf life.
5. Your homemade Vitamin C serum is ready to use!

How to use:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Apply a few drops of the serum onto your fingertips.
3. Gently massage the serum into your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
4. Allow the serum to absorb into your skin for a few minutes.
5. Follow up with your regular moisturizer or sunscreen.

Tips:

• It's important to store the serum in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light and air.
• You can adjust the concentration of the serum by adding more or less Vitamin C powder. Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it if your skin tolerates it well.
• If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test before applying the serum to your entire face.
• It's best to use the serum within 1-2 weeks to ensure maximum potency. After that, the Vitamin C may start to lose its effectiveness.

Remember, homemade Vitamin C serums may not have the same stability and potency as commercial formulations. Vitamin C oxidizes very quickly so this serum will only last a couple days, so make as much as you can use in that time. Enjoy the benefits of your homemade Vitamin C serum and let your skin glow!

If you're not into making your own serum, we offer a Niacinamide serum with Vitamin C that helps fight the signs of aging

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner: A gentle daily Chemical peel! April 2, 2015 10:56

Most people view vinegar as something only used for cooking and maybe a few for cleaning, but I'm going to tell you why Raw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar is a perfect match for your skin!

First, let me ask you a few questions:

Do you have red, blotchy, rash prone skin?

Does your skin itch or feel irritated on a daily basis?

Do you break out easily and frequently?

A couple of  years ago I could've answered yes to all of these questions and if that's you, then listen up!
Your acid mantle has probably been compromised.

What is your acid mantle?

The acid mantle is your skin's protection barrier. It protects you from sun and environmental damage (chemicals, pollution, etc.). The more alkaline your skin becomes the more acne, blemishes, allergies, rashes etc. you will have. This is why balancing the acid mantle is super important and why you shouldn't use face washes or anything on your face that is not pH balanced! For example most soaps have an alkaline pH which breaks down the acid mantle making your skin more vulnerable to damage.

So go now and look at your face wash, does it say pH balanced? If not, throw it out, it's wreaking havoc on your face!

Why apple cider vinegar (ACV)? Short answer: it's like a gentle daily CHEMICAL PEEL!
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ACV contains acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and malic acid as well as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all essential building blocks for healthy skin. You know those really expensive chemical peels you need to go to an esthetician to get? Well using ACV on your face is like getting that chemical peel but it's much more gentle, there are no chemicals, and you won't peel! You will see a glowing difference in your skin from using this on a daily basis!
ACV also lightens dark spots and acne scars!

Now that you have this information find yourself a gentle, pH balanced face wash and an apple cider vinegar toner. You can make it yourself, if you're a DIY-er, it's quite easy!

Recipe:
1 Tbsp ACV ( I recommend Bragg's Unpasteurized Organic ACV)
3-4 TBSP Water

Mix the ACV and water and apply it to your face with a cotton ball or paper towel, or whatever you prefer to use, just make sure it's clean!

NOTE: You will not get the same results with a pasteurized ACV because many of the healing components have been compromised/altered in the pasteurization process.

If you'd rather just buy an ACV toner I make and sell them here 
https://www.heavenly-botanicals.com/collections/organic-face-wash/products/purify-toner-witch-hazel-toner-calendula-yellow-dock-plantain-yarrow-acne-toner-cystic-acne-toner-cystic-acne-skin-care

All of my Organic Raw Unpasteurized ACV toners are infused with herbs organically sourced, wild harvested or grown on my farm (gardening is my other passion!).

Other benefits of ACV, when take internally (note my toners are for external use only!):
Helps control weight

Helps control the yeast balance in your body

Helps maintain healthy skin

Promotes digestion, especially in those with low stomach acid

Helps detox your body (if you're prone to yeast infections try drinking it daily, 1 tbsp in 8 oz of water a couple times a day).

Other ways to use ACV:
Prevent or treat Yeast infections- if you're prone to yeast infections try drinking it daily, 1 tbsp in 8 oz of water a couple times a day
Also try putting in a bath for yeast infections (1 cup per bath)

Bake with it! Yes if you're a gluten free baker and you often have dense baked goods results then try this awesome fix, substitute your baking powder or rising agent for 1 TBSP ACV and 1 tsp Baking soda. You may need to play around with the measurements depending on how big a batch you're making but I usually use this proportion for a cake recipe that uses 2 cups of flour. I will be posting some recipes in the future so check back!)

It can also be used as a hair rinse for silky soft hair. It will cleanse your hair of build up from hair products and close the hair shaft, reducing frizz and increasing shine!
Recipe:
1-2 TBSP ACV
1/2- 1 cup of water

What other Natural Ingredients can be used for an at home skin peel?

Several fruits contain natural enzymes and acids that can help to exfoliate the skin and provide similar benefits to a chemical peel. Here are a few examples:

1. Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help to break down and dissolve dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
2. Papaya: Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that can help to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture. It also contains vitamin C, which can help to brighten the skin.
3. Lemon: Lemon contains citric acid, which is a natural exfoliant. It can help to remove dead skin cells and lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
4. Strawberry: Strawberries contain salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. They also contain vitamin C, which can help to brighten the skin.
5. Kiwi: Kiwi contains vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture.

To use these fruits on your skin, you can mash them up and apply the pulp directly to your skin as a mask or mix with yogurt or honey to dilute. However, it’s important to patch test first and avoid using these ingredients if you have sensitive skin or allergies to any of them.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.