Hotspots

Inspect your feet after a long walk or run. Do you see [...]]]> Many regions of the  United States have seen record rains, leaving many a runner or walker with soggy shoes. Wet shoes have a tendency to stretch and slip, leading to blisters on our feet. Here are a few tips to help the healing process.

Hotspots

Inspect your feet after a long walk or run. Do you see any red or hotspots forming? Use a nutrient rich moisturizer after your shower to support the skin’s healing. For regular use, try our Re-CycleMint Shea Butter Whip.  The peppermint will refresh and rejuvenate and the tea tree oil will help keep nasty feet fungi at bay.

Blisters

If you are beyond hot spots and the beginning of blisters are forming, thoroughly wash and dry the affected area. Apply a dab of the Celtic Naturals Chamois Cream, the blend of herbs used in this formula helps reduce swelling, blistering, infections and promotes healing of the skin. Leave socks and shoes off as long as possible. When shoes are required, protect the area from further friction. Tip: If you don’t have a stash of Moleskin(r) immediately handy, try the sticky portion of a Band-Aid(r) applied directly to an unpopped, but small blister. Try to maintain the health of the blister as long as possible. Resist the urge to pop or drain it.

Prevention during Healing

Consider keeping an extra pair of socks in your purse or car. Blisters are deeps wounds in epidermis. Even after the blister has healed externally, it can take months for the area to toughen again. Caring for the blistered area will help it heal more quickly.

If possible, avoid multiple blisters in an area.

• Wear alternate shoes to avoid excessive friction
• Consider wearing different types of socks
• Let the skin toughen slowly. Like building muscles, the skin needs time to heal. Increase distance slowly to give the skin time to toughen without getting damaged.

Questions about blisters? Feel free to mail angela [at] celticnaturals.com with questions!

What’s involved?

To start, I use far more than the normal ratio [...]]]> The traditional caprese salad consists solely of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil, with a dressing of salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.  However, if  ”count color” or have an abundance of basil your herb garden, it may be tasty and beneficial to upgrade your salad.

To start, I use far more than the normal ratio of 1 basil leaf to 1 tomato slice.  Instead, I cut/tear 20-40 basil leaves recently harvested from the herb garden outside our door and add them to a bowl with 1 medium chopped tomato.  Add to this one cup of torn fresh spinach and 1/4 cup chopped onion.  Toss these elements before adding the sauce.  I then cut 1 cup fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch cubes and add this to the mix.

For dressing, I use a combination of Braggs Amino Acids and Flax Seed Oil.  Between 1 -2T of each. This dressing is significantly different from that of the vinegar and olive oil found in traditional caprese salad.  The natural salty flavor, yet low sodium content, of the Braggs eliminates any need for further spices.

Why make these changes to an already tasty salad? Flax seed oil is one of the highest in Omega 3 and fatty acids.  The fatty acids are critical to whole body health as well as skin health.  Keep your largest organ functioning and glowing by supporting it with the nutrition it needs. Bragg’s Amino Acids boosts the “protein” content of the salad and eliminates the need for further sodium.

Enjoy and eat for healthy skin!

I know that the weather turns cold and [...]]]> Do you have a hygrometer in your home to measure humidity?  You can get an easy digital one that reports temperature and humidity.  More expensive versions report the pressure and predict weather patterns.  More importantly, why do you want one and how does it relate to skin care?

I know that the weather turns cold and dry in various parts of the world because my phone starts ringing and my inbox becomes flooded.  People confide to me that each winter, their skin dries out.  No amount of lotion seems to do the trick.  What can they do?

Here are some fantastic, all natural tips to help you deal with the current weather situation facing most people in the United States right now.

1. Problem: Low humidity in the home.  Our home recently registered 20% humidity.  Although the hygrometer runs regularly, I didn’t pay attention until my cuticles started taking a beating.  Solution: Install a humidifier, at minimum use a room humidifier for the nights.  Recommended humidity in the home should be around 40-60%.  This level of humidity allows the skin to hydrate and does not dry out those precious mucous membranes that protect you from viruses.  It also also not so high that it promotes fungal or bacterial growth.  If you only experience periodic dips in humidity in your home, consider trying these cost-effective options:

• Strategically place  water near your heater vents (assuming you don’t have a dog: I never had luck with this method when my golden retriever was alive.)
• Keep a battery of house plants.
• Leave an inch of water in the bathtub.

2. Problem: Dry skin after showering.  Solution: Examine your soap as well as your shampoo.   Always use an all-natural soap that has not been purged of glycerin, as most commercial products have been.  Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s a great step for your skin!  It is extremely difficult to find an all-natural shampoo that works for all hair types and lengths.  If you have not yet delved into the “No ‘poo” world (nor ever intend to do so), at minimum re-examine your shampoo.  Make certain it is not the drying agent in your skin care.  For extreme skin sensitivities, wash your hair in the sink and avoid skin contact with the shampoo.

3. Problem: Biting dry wind. Outdoors activities, including commutes expose our skin to dessicating winds. Solution: Cover up, not only with clothing but with all natural protective lotions.  The absolute cheapest option is to “oil up” with olive oil, but olive oil is best when used on the body and not the face.  Choose a heavier-than-normal lotion for exposed areas, such as face and hands, and keep the lip balms handy.  We recommend Re-Cycle Mint Lip Balm for such occasions. Check back soon for the commercial introduction of our lotions.  In the meantime, some few lucky individuals are testing them here in Central Ohio.  At 20% humidity, I hope they feel protected!

4. Problem: Dry skin, dry lips. Solution: Drink more hydrating liquids.  Primarily, this means water.  Sorry coffee lovers, but until your skin becomes balanced and hydrated, now is the time to avoid all diuretics. Skip the coffee, skip the soda.  It’s time to drink herbal tea and water.

Cold and dry? Make sure you wear light, breathable outer layers. Protect your skin from chapping by using lotions, lip balms and coverings. Since high body temperatures trigger our thirst mechanisms, it is easy to forget proper hydration techniques when out [...]]]> The weather determines your needs when undergoing long periods of physical activity.

Cold and dry? Make sure you wear light, breathable outer layers. Protect your skin from chapping by using lotions, lip balms and coverings. Since high body temperatures trigger our thirst mechanisms, it is easy to forget proper hydration techniques when out in the cold. Sip water frequently to stay hydrated.

Cold and wet? Chafing tends to be more of an issue. Extreme chafing results in bloody sores or blisters. Protect your feet with wicking or double lined socks. For underarm areas, bra lines, nipples and thigh regions, use any of the commercially available lotions or glide agents.