Dry skin? Here are 5 Best Carrier Oils for Fall Skin Care

As the seasons change, our skin may become dry, sensitive, and in need of nourishment. One of the best ways to address this is by incorporating carrier oils into our daily skincare routine. Carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils or fixed oils, are derived from nuts and seeds and contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help keep our skin hydrated and resilient. 

There are three effective ways to use these carrier oils for skincare. You can create a body oil by simply applying the oil all over your body, adding essential oils like sage, pine, and lemongrass for skin tightening. A face oil can even out your skin tone, balance combination skin, and promote skin regeneration. You can try the Sacred Seven blend, which includes rosehip seed oil, frankincense, sacred frankincense, geranium, sandalwood, myrrh, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and elemi for revitalizing and rejuvenating the skin. Lastly, a scalp oil using lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, or peppermint can balance the scalp and promote healthy hair.

Take care of your skin this fall with these nourishing carrier oils and essential oils from Young Living for a healthy and vibrant complexion.
Read more...

Two seasonal recipes plus the final 2 days of 30 Days to Toxic Free Living!

Hi Friends!

Spring/Summer season is upon us where we spend more time outdoors. I have been spending plenty of time outside which means I need my Allergy Trio and Natural Weed Killer. I figure since they are in my routine, I thought I'd share, so here goes!

NATURAL WEED KILLER RECIPE

This homemade weed killer recipe is so powerful that you won’t want to spray it anywhere near your garden. Yes, it will kill weeds, but it will also eliminate any other plant it touches! It is useful because the ingredients work together to break surface tension so that the active ingredient can get the job done.

  • 1 ¾ Cups White Vinegar
  • ¼ Cup Liquid Castile Soap
  • 3 Drops Wintergreen Essential Oil
  • 3 Drops Clove Essential Oil
  • 3 Drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
  • 3 Drops Orange Essential Oil
Combine all essential oils and the soap in a spray bottle and mix. Pour in the vinegar, replace lid, and shake to combine. Spray on any pesky weeds or unwanted plants, but avoid plants you want to keep living. This natural weed killer recipe may be best for sidewalks and driveways.

allergy trio

This was the blend that got me off Claritin. My allergy to the Cottonwood tree was incredible! Cottonwoods are beautiful, and when the cotton flies it looks like it is snowing in our neighborhood, but that also meant that I couldn't go outside or have the windows open unless I took Claritin. I used to take a lot throughout the day, which caused me to need Costco sized bottles. So expensive! Did you know you are not supposed to drink alcohol when taking Claritin or like medications? There are also side effects like dry mouth, mild stomach upset, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nervousness, and it can raise your blood pressure. Let me tell you, when I tried the Allergy Trio for the first time, I was skeptical, but it works phenomenally!

In a 00 Veggie Capsule, add two drops of Lemon essential oil, Lavender essential oil and Peppermint essential oil. You can add a little V6 carrier oil to each capsule. I actually make these ahead of time and have them in my freezer ready to go when I need them. Many men I know like to make a roller bottle with the ingredients and apply to their mustache. Just be careful with this method, as Lemon essential oil is photosensitive, which means if you go in the sun after applying to your skin, you could get a sun burn on the application area. I hope you try at least one of those recipes. If you do, please let us know what you think. 

We are down to the final two ways we are sharing with you about how to remove toxicity from your life. This list would not be complete without touching on relationships. So here we go!

29- Toxic Relationships

This is one that we don’t always think of when we think of the toxicity in our life. But our emotional health is so closely tied to our physical one. There is a difference between not getting along in the moment with someone (relationships have ebbs and flows) and having someone that is TOXIC. Studies show that you become most like the five people that you spend the most time with. Think about who you want to be and then consider the attributes and qualities of those top five people. Should there be some re-arranging? Here are 10 examples when considering if someone is toxic for you

  1. You feel emotionally exhausted after an encounter with them
  2. There is a lack of trust
  3. There is a hostile communication style
  4. Controlling behaviors
  5. Frequent lying
  6. All take and no give
  7. You find yourself making excuses for their behavior
  8. They are easily jealous and punish you for your feelings
  9. They give backhanded compliments
  10. They are self-absorbed and don't consider your feelings

Make sure your life is surrounded by people who love and support you!

30- Personal Care Products

Menstrual CupI know, I know....This is a super controversial subject, but I ask that if you are a person who has a period, please think about this option of swapping tampons for a menstrual cup. I think it is the best solution to your monthly visitor. It is non-toxic and budget-friendly (imagine NEVER buying tampons again). It also decreases your flow and can help with bloating and cramps. The biggest thing I want to highlight is the TOXIC CHEMICALS in tampons and pads! Tampons contain bleached rayon–YES, BLEACH! Also, tiny bits of cotton can cause small cuts in your vaginal walls–a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. 

Nail Polish: I don't want to start a rant about the toxic chemicals that enter our bloodstreams through the skin and nails. Needless to say, today is the day to try a nontoxic nail polish! You will be surprised at the wearability and colors available! Check out all the beautiful colors! Please note, there are many non toxic nail polishes on the market. Take some time and do a little research. Your body will thank you!
 

If you read the complete series of emails, 30 days to Toxic Free Living, Congratulations! You are better educated than before with a little extra knowledge on what to avoid! To thank you for following along, I would like to offer you a chance to win this beautifully packaged kit of Lavender, Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oils, all in 10ml bottles!  And you will only need a bottle of Lemon Essential Oil to make the Allergy Trio! YAY!



Just reply to this email or text stating, "you did it!" and you will be entered to win! It's that simple! Good Luck!

As always, we thank you for allowing us to be on this healthier journey with you! If there is ever anything you'd like to see in these emails, drop us a line and tell us what that is! We love suggestions from our community! 

Remember, your health is your wealth! 

That's all for now and thank you so much for your support!

Your Friends in the Oiler Room!


Things I Learned in Africa and 30 Days to Toxin Free Living! Days 22-28

Hi Friends!

It's been a minute since this email should have hit your inbox, and for that I am sorry. Many of you know I was on vacation in Africa and while I was there, I really believed I would send you the next email in the series while on vacation. I did bring my laptop, but guess what?!?! Yep, you guessed it...I never opened it. 

That being said, I find this a perfect time to share with you about the Maasai Tribe that lives in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and how they still, to this day, use plants and herbs for healing. Super cool, right?!?


This is me, my husband and Dr. Moinget Ole Coney. He is one of the 8 Maasai Chiefs of the more than 1 million Maasai people living in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. He is also one of only three Maasai to have ever earned a medical degree. He is incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us, the many plants that are found locally and used to TREAT and HEAL various medical issues like Malaria, stomach-upset, fever, and more



The various species of acacia trees (Pictured above with a zebra! So cool) that are of common association with the vast plains of East Africa are used by the Maasai to treat a number of ailments. Acacia Nilotica, sometimes called the Gum Arabic Tree, or the Egyptian Thorn tree, is sometimes used to aid stomach upset, diarrhea, and help to increase appetite, but way of distillation via boiling. The bark of the Acacia Mellifera, referred to sometimes as Blackthorn, is used to reduce nausea and aid indigestion, also via a distillation. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation so children learn distillation early. As cool as this is to me, I am grateful that all we need to do is open a bottle of Digize and have the same effect! Naturally easy!



There is also a toothbrush tree, or Salvadora Persica. It is a low growing evergreen shrub or sometimes a small tree that grows in dry bushland and wooded grasslands. The leaves can be eaten as a salad or also used as traditional medicine for coughs, asthma, rheumatism and other diseases. Flowers are used as a mild laxative and the fruit, although small, can be eaten fresh or dry. A decoction of the roots is taken as an antidote for gonorrhea, spleen pain and stomach aches while latex from the bark is used to treat skin sores. 

Our guide told us that the juice you get after boiling the roots is also a good remedy for ‘cleaning your body’. He advised us if we ever take it we should sleep with only a blanket on because ‘everything comes out’!




The stem is what makes this tree famous, yielding the chewing sticks that contain an antibiotic that keeps your mouth clean and also prevents toothaches. It was also found to contain active compounds which reduce decay, gum disease and plaque. Our guide said it also keeps your teeth white as the snow on Kilimanjaro.



How good it is to see other people and countries, using what Mother Nature intended. When I got home, I started looking up medical studies and found this one from Pub Med, The National Library of Medicine and found many, but thought this one was interesting and there are many others at the bottom of the page, if you want to search around for yourself. Pubmed is one of my favorite go to sites for research.

I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of information. Our trip to Africa was life changing. I am sure you will hear more about it in the future. If you ever have the opportunity to go, I highly advise it. It's incredible!

OK so let's get back to our 30 day change over to a more healthier lifestyle with the best natural products on the market that are EASY to use and you don't have to grow the plants yourself! 

Here we go.......

22- Baby Products

Wipes, Diaper Rash creams, Baby wash and baby lotion are all commercially marketed and packaged to be “gentle,” “nourishing,” “natural,” and “organic.”  Sadly, so many of the products contain artificial fragrance, parabens, and other toxic chemicals. Thankfully, many companies have removed their parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes from their lotions and soaps. Most announce this right on the front of their bottle. The biggest problem now in baby products is the synthetic fragrance. Synthetic fragrance – this can be over 3000 different chemicals and companies are not required by law to label what their fragrance is made up of. It’s their “trade secret.” Nor does the FDA require any testing of these chemicals or monitoring of their health effects. The only label on the product will say fragrance, perfume, or parfum. Synthetic fragrance is linked to allergies, skin irritation, eczema and can be toxic to various organs in the body.
 
Remember you can always scan the product on the Think Dirty App and it will tell you if it’s a synthetic fragrance.
 
Young Living’s plant-based Seedlings line is formulated specially for our little ones. There are diaper rash ointments, lotions, wipes, shampoo, and baby oil that are gentle on both the baby’s skin and their developing systems. All products in the seedlings line are 100% naturally derived ingredients and 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils. 


23- Hair Products

The truth is that a plethora of commercial brands use ingredients that make your hair glow, but which also damage it in the long-term, stripping it of vital proteins and moisture. Let’s take a look at some of the worst harmful chemicals you need to avoid. 
  • Coal Tar. Yes, seriously. Coal. Tar. Coal tar is found in numerous anti-dandruff shampoos, as well as dry skin treatments. Naturally, companies don’t list it on their packaging as “COAL TAR”, but instead they list it as a color + number. 
  • Lead is another known carcinogen that can cause cancer, and yet some hair care companies continue to use it in their products. You can find it in hair dye, as well as lipstick.  
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate comes under various names, including laureth sulfate and ammonium laurel sulfate. For this simple reason, it isn’t always easy to detect. It’s as though the hair care companies are deliberately trying to disguise it! You will find SLS in cleansing agents and industrial detergents, such as garage floor cleaners, but for one reason or another you may also find it in some of the world’s leading shampoos!!! 
  • Isopropyl alcohol is found in numerous hair gels and hairsprays because it is able to hold together a hairstyle’s look. But it also risks snapping your tresses right off. So each time you apply a hair gel, you’re giving this nasty chemical the opportunity to snap away like a pair of barber’s scissors
Who wants an all natural DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe?? Did you know that excess use of dry shampoos that contain alcohol can lead to long-term hair and scalp damage. When dry shampoo is used too often, it can cause dandruff, dryness and blocked pores. No good. We have this great alternative for you!
 
Do you find your hair feels dry and lacks lustre after blow-drying? Are your curls not lasting as long as they used to? One of the main reasons why this would happen is simple: your hair is most likely damaged. To prevent this from happening, it’s so important to use heat protectant spray on your hair before applying heat. And the essential oils will support your hair!! 

What you'll need:

Chose essential oils that are beneficial for hair growth. I like Lavender and Clary Sage. These oils are great for hair growth and estrogen balance in the membrane tissue around the hair follicle. They also serve to balance testosterone levels and to prevent the thickening of the tissue around the follicle that results in hair loss.

  1. Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle. 
  2. Secure the spray nozzle and shake well to combine all ingredients. 
  3. Shake before each use
  4. Spray on damp hair before blow-drying. You can also mist hair lightly a second time before heat styling

    24- perfume 

Fragrances are highly toxic. Fragrances commonly contain Phthalates, which are chemicals that help the scents last longer. Health risks for Phthalates are startling and include Cancer, Human Reproductive and developmental Toxicity, Endocrine Disruption, Birth Defects & Respiratory problems.  Here is our answer to toxic fragrances...Make your own perfume! Here are a few examples to get you started! 

Cottage garden: geranium, lavender
Flawless: geranium, patchouli, frankincense
Peachy: orange, valor, cedarwood 
Angelic: white angelica, frankincense

25- Flame Retardants 

I met a woman at a play date and we started talking. She had recently written an article about toxic things in our home. I asked her what the the number one thing was and she said flame retardants in your mattress or mattress pad (remember when they made flame-retardant pajamas) Flame retardants use polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEsfor short. Two forms of PBDEs were phased out of use in manufacturing in the United States in 2004 because of related health threats, but the products containing them linger on. Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems and other health issues. Good idea to check your mattress label! And check before you purchase a mattress cover. I found a non-toxic mattress protector when Orae switched to his big-boy bed

26- Artificially Sweetened Drinks

We seem to have an over-abundance of sugary and artificially sweetened drink options available. We all know that water is really the best option for our bodies.. but let’s face it, sometimes you want something more. Especially something caffeinated to help get through the afternoons or wake you up in the morning. I probably don’t need to go into the countless reasons why artificially sweetened drinks (and their overly sugary counterparts) aren’t good for you. We all know it! I think many continue to drink them because they don’t have a good substitute. 
 
Water is ALWAYS best!!! I do like to drink a probiotic drink when I want to reach for a sweet drink or something “fun”! Or a Ningxia below…
 
Young Living Option to Support Immune System and have something sweet- Ningxia Red and Ningxia ZYNG. Yes, Ningxia samples come in your Young Living Starter Kit! That is usually NOT the reason why most people buy the starter kit. But maybe it should be! Did you know how Ningxia was created? Gary Young found a small city in China where the people were living full and healthy lives WELL INTO THEIR hundreds! He knew that there must be some secret, so he traveled there and discovered that a big staple of their diets was the Wolfberry, which grew there, plentifully. He took some wolfberries back and studied them and discovered that they are crazy high in anti-oxidants and brain-nourishing nutrients, (among other things). Ningxia Red has become a staple in our home. I love to mix 2 ounces with ice and a sparkling water in the afternoon for a pick me up! Orae loves it too!

27- Hand Soap

Think about how often you and your loved ones wash your hands in a day. I have counted for our family, and I figure that it is at least 25 uses! Hand soap is something to SERIOUSLY consider when focusing on a nontoxic lifestyle. 
DIY Hand Soap
  • 15-20 drops total Favorite Combo of Oils (Rosemary and Lemon, Lavender, Theives and Orange.. endless options)
  • 2-3 tbs Castile Soap
  • 1-2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
  • Distilled Water to the top. 
Young Living- Thieves Foaming Hand Soap (Item Number 3674). We love to buy this as the big REFILL (Item Number 3594) and use our cute foaming jar dispensers. 

28- Makeup Remover or wipe

It is SO important to remove your makeup DAILY. Makeup Wipes are convenient and cut down on laundry (who doesn’t love that), but I have found that the majority are toxic and full of fragrance (not to mention wasteful). I opt to buy dark colored washcloths and jojoba oil to remove your makeup. Jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores and is really effective in removing mascara! 

DIY Makeup Remover Wipes
Ingredients
  • 1/2 tsp. Witch Hazel
  • 1 tsp. Jojoba Oil
  • 1/4 tsp. Vitamin E oil
  • Cotton rounds
  • Distilled water
  • Mason Jar with lid
  • 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oils
  • 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Geranium Essential Oil
  • 1 Tbs. Castile Soap Unscented
Add Witch hazel, jojoba oil, vitamin E, Castile soap, and essential oils into the mason jar. Then add distilled water until the jar is 3/4 of the way full. Screw on mason jar lid and shake till combined…not too aggressive or too much, you don’t want the mixture too sudsy. Add cotton rounds by a small handful at a time. You want to do this gradually to avoid overflow and allow the cotton to absorb the liquid. Really pack those cotton rounds in there.

And just like that you made your own facial cleansing wipes! I use this cleanser at night as a makeup remover before bed. It’s up to you if you want to rinse it off, I don’t. I simply pat dry with a clean soft towel

Alright! There you have it! 7 more days and 7 more ways to remove toxins from your home. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this email, as I enjoyed writing it and sharing what I learned from the Maasai Tribe. 
The one thing that stuck with me, and I have said it before, but hearing natural remedies from the tribe has made a larger impact on me. Every time I look at this picture I am reminded of what they live by, and that is, "Your health is your wealth."

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about Young Living, Africa, or if you just want to chat. I am only an email or text away!

In good health,
Jess and Your Friends In the Oiler Room



30 Days to Toxin Free Living! Make a Difference in YOUR Life! Days 15-21

Hello Again! 

Can you believe another week has passed? Have you made a change with one or more personal care products or cleaners? If you have, "Excellent!! Good for you!" Taking a step, even a small step, into a healthier lifestyle is a step in the right direction! If you have not, is there any way that I can help you? Maybe a starting point (think your most used product) or maybe you need help with figuring out pricing (I recommend getting on the Loyalty Rewards Program in order to get the deepest discounts and earn points back for product you can buy for FREE!) or maybe you just feel overwhelmed and have analysis paralysis (I was there once myself). Whatever you need, we are here to help and would love to chat with you! Just hit reply and drop us a line!

Before we move ahead, I forgot to give you the easy button on the Bug Repellent! Not everyone loves a good DIY, so it's great to have Young Livings Insect Repellent available! Our Insect Repellent is a natural alternative that has clinically proven to prevent mosquito, flea and tick bites. Click here to learn more.

Alright, are you ready to make a difference in our lives? Days 15-21....Let's do this! 


15- Lotion

What is the climate like where you live? Colorado is very dry and we need to apply lotion on the daily! When we visit family in California, it's fairly humid and we don’t find ourselves needing lotion everyday. When deciding on which lotion or body butter to use, watch for fragrance, parabens and any petroleum-based products. These can upset your endocrine system and mess with your hormones. 
 
DIY Whipped Butter Recipe
“This body butter melts on the skin, a little goes a long way!”
  • 1/2 cup Shea butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (hard at room temp)
  • 1/4 Carrier oil of choice (fractionated coconut oil, Young Living's V6, almond oil, jojoba)
  • 45 drops of essential oil (I like a combination of 3 oils at 15 drops each)
  • Micha powder for pigment if you'd like color (I leave it out)
In a double boiler melt together Shea butter, coconut oil and Young Living V6, stirring constantly. Put immediately in the fridge to set up. Once opaque and cooled, use a hand mixer to whip it up. This part takes about ten minutes. Halfway through whipping, add the oils and optional Micah powder for pigment.

Not a DIYer? Try Young Living's Lavender hand and body lotion (item # 5201), the Coconut-Lime Body Butter (Item #20225) or my favorite Sensation Hand & Body Lotion. I buy 3 at a time because I am always worried it will sell out. Not familiar with the Sensation oil blend? Read the suggested uses HERE to figure out why I love it so much! 


16- Supplements

This one may seem counter-intuitive, but some of the supplements available are full of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and chemicals. I love to drink a post-workout drink, and I have fallen in love with AminoWise (item #20083)  from young Living. It is a smooth taste and plant-based! It helps to rebuild the cellular breakdown that occurs during workouts and can shorten recovery time. BOOM!


Another supplement that I would recommend adding to your routine is MultiGreens (item #3248). Packed with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, bee pollen and more, this supplement helps glandular, nervous system and Circulatory function.


17- Medicine Cabinet

Today is the day to take a look into those bins and cabinets where you keep your medicine. Not only do medications lose their efficacy as they pass their expiration date, unused prescriptions create other risks for kids and teenagers. Being responsible about your medicine cabinet is a simple way to reduce toxins in your home. 

  1. Check for any expired medications
  2. Get rid of any prescription that is not currently being used

18- Makeup

Put your best face forward when putting on your makeup!  This was something that I was slower to swap out. I was worried about the wear ability of natural makeup . Some things that you should watch out for in make up that could be toxic to your system are parabens, fragrance, talc, bismuth, phthalates, petrochemicals, or synthetic colorants.
 
TIP- try changing out your mascara wand with a wand you loved before switching to toxic-free
 
My go to make up right now is still Young Living Liquid Foundation. Savvy Minerals is the NEW Standard in Clean Beauty. which means no sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients, synthetic fragrances, or synthetic dyes. Our make up brushes are also amazing, last forever and worth every penny! I've had mine for 4 years and I have yet to lose a bristle! See brushes & tools here.


19- Household Cleaner

This one seems obvious. I do use vinegar and water in our home, but I'm not a fan of the smell. Making sure your household cleaner is non-toxic can be hard. Especially with Green Washing. Thieves Household Cleaner concentrate is our preferred cleaner! We use it on everything from our counters, to tubs, to floors! I LOVE the aroma and it's safe to use around your pets and kiddos!
 
I even use a cap of Thieves as my spot cleaner! Or I will mix one cap of Thieves Concentrate with 16 oz of water and spray it directly on a stain. It has worked every time to get a stain out! Remember, our household cleaner is not diluted. You do this at home, so you can make roughly 30 bottles of cleaner with one bottle of Thieves Cleaner! This frugal momma loves that! Here's a link to 25 DIY cleaners you can make with your bottle of Thieves Cleaner! 


20- Laundry Soap

Laundry is actually a REALLY good place to start when examining the toxins in your life. Clothing, sheets, and towels that you wash at home come in direct and constant contact with your skin which is the largest organ in your body. The chemicals from the detergent you use pass right through your skin and into your bloodstream without any filter. Laundry Detergents contain hormone-disrupting fragrance and fragrance binders (to make that scent last and last) that wreck havoc on your cellular makeup and confuse your endocrine system. Some important things to avoid: If your laundry comes out smelling like ANYTHING, there is a fragrance binder in the detergent. All scent can be added in the dryer. We love Thieves Laundry Soap!



21- Fabric Softener

Softeners work by coating your clothes with a thin layer of potentially toxic chemicals, such as quantenary ammonium salts. These can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and headaches. Did you know that most dryer sheets sold today contain Chloroform? It is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list as a Neurotoxic and carcinogenic. As an alternative and honestly more cost effective, I use New Zealand wool dryer balls from Amazon and drop one or two drops of Purification oil on the ball. My laundry smells fresh, has no static and no toxins.

A friend told me that you can use white vinegar in the Laundry room as a natural fabric softener. … A half-cup of white vinegar when added to the final rinse, on the other hand, will soften fabrics and leave no residue at all. I have been adding vinegar to my towels when I wash them and it works great! 

Fun Fact: If you are trying to keep mice away, dryer sheets placed around the home or RV keeps them away!


Ok there you have it. Another week of cleaning out toxicity in your home! I appreciate you coming along and learning why it is important to read the labels of the products in your home! Please reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help you on your path to wellness.

Wishing you health and laughter!

Your friends in the Oiler Room


30 Days to a Toxin Free Life! Make a Difference Days 8-14

Hi Friend! 

How was your week? Mine went by super fast! Did you have a chance to look at your personal care products to see what ingredients may be hiding in them? Did you venture to the store and notice all of the Green Washing? Maybe you were only able to get the laundry done, or maybe you got caught up on sleep. However your week went, I wish for you all the goodness this new week brings!

Last week we went over 7 ways to make your life healthier by swapping out products. Today we will go over 7 more. Ready? Let's go!



8- Face Cleanser 

You’ve likely heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And the same theory holds true for your skin: What you apply to your skin is absorbed directly into your body. Considering that the skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s crucial to know what you’re putting into your system.

But if you’ve ever turned over the packaging of your favorite facial cleanser, you noticed a long list of ingredients you didn’t recognize?

Top 5 ingredients I suggest you avoid:
1. Sodium lauryl sulfate
2. Fragrance
3. Propylene Glycol- sometimes just called “oils” but not what you want. Instead it would say- pure essential oils 
4. Parabens
5. Alcohols
 
Young Living Option- This one is simple. If you want a super easy swap out, grab the Young Living Charcoal Bar Soap! Many Young Living leaders us it not only on their bodies, but their faces! Keep it by your sink in a soap dish and just use a washcloth to get some suds going and wash your face. It is simple and effective. This routine paired with the glow moisturizer has truly transformed the skin of many people! Cruelty Free, Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly, you just can't beat it! Read more about the Charcoal Bar Soap here. Glow Serum Recipe below.

9- Face Moisturizer 

Parabens. You've heard the word, but do you REALLY know what they are? They are one of the most common cosmetic ingredients mainly used as preservatives in makeup products that stop bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing. This ingredient has another side to it; it can mimic estrogen (female sex hormone) very well. Due to this, it is believed to be the cause of breast cancer in many women. Parabens easily get absorbed in the body and are detected in many breast cancer tissues. Click Here to read more evidence about Parabens from the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Website. Did that just make your stomach sick? It did for me. PLEASE! Stop using toxic products!

Parabens are found in makeup products, body washes, deodorants, shampoos, facial cleansers and more!
Instead ditch those toxic ingredients and make your own so you know exactly what is in it!!!! Here's an EASY recipe for the DIYers!

Glow Moisturizer- this is the ONLY moisturizer I use. You can mix up the combos based on what your skin specifically needs. I love frankincense to help with fine lines and wrinkles, geranium for brightenintg, copaiba to soothe any inflammation and healing. Here is the basic recipe:
  • 4 tbs Jojoba Oil (I use jojoba because it closely matches the oil naturally produced by the skin and won’t clog pores)
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 5 drops Geranium
  • 5 Drops Copaiba
(I also love adding patchouli, purification, rose or blue tansy as well).
Mix in a 2 ounce dropper bottle and apply by putting it in the palm of your hand and rubbing on like lotion. Don’t forget your neck and chest!

Now listen, I don't always have time for a DIY, and you may not either. That is OK! With Young Living, you can use the EASY button and order the skin care you want! We have 3 different skin care lines, depending on the type of skin you have. That being said, I personally use the Bloom Line. It is made for aging skin, to brighten with a more youthful glow!

10- Shower Curtain

Phthalates are sometimes used to soften the plastic that goes in shower curtains. Phthalates has been associated with causing harmful effects in children. Opt for a shower curtain that is phthalate-free. I use a CLOTH fabric liner and curtain! So easy, non-toxic and I wash it every two weeks. I got mine from Target.

11- Body Wash

The debate continues between body wash and bar soap! No matter which way you lean, it is important that you choose a clean option for getting clean! Additives like fragrance, parabens, and other chemicals should be avoided.
 
Cosmetic companies have been using fragrances in their products for a very long time. According to research conducted by Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrances are moderately high in terms of overall hazards and have a high chance of causing allergies and immunotoxicity. They are associated with respiratory distress and potential unwanted effects on the reproductive system. 
 
Young Living Option- We love the Bath and Shower Gel base (item# 3751) from Young Living to mix in our own oils. We also really love using the Morning Start bar soap (item #3676) and the Lemon Sandalwood (Item# 3675).

12- Air Freshener

Like cleaning products, air fresheners help keep our homes nice, but a study by the University of California at Berkeley found that when used excessively or in unventilated area they release toxic levels of pollutants. Go through your home and ditch those toxic air fresheners. Or Febreeze.
 
We actually make our own! Click this link DIY Room Spray to get 7 scentsational recipes! This room spray can also be used for your fabrics to replace things like fabreeze. Freshen up the air, linens, and upholstery with one DIY!

And if you need one for the bathroom, send a reply to this message and I will share with you the EASIEST DIY PooPouri spray! 
 

13- Sunscreen

I would avoid these ingredients after searching online- oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxateI. Similar toxins in fragrances. My two favorite go to sunscreens are Young Living Mineral Sunscreen (Item #24137) and Supergoop Sunscreen.

14- Insect Repellent 

Bug killers should be avoided inside (and ideally outside) of your house, as researchers have linked the insecticides to neurological damage in children. Scary!! For outdoors I try to just use citronella in a diffuser, non-toxic and free of D.E.E.T or petroleum. I also make my own bug-off spray! Here's the recipe:

BUG OFF SPRAY
2 ml spray bottle
1 oz of witch hazel
3-5 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and lavender (Young Living of Course)
Fill the rest up with distilled water
And there you have it! 7 more ways to remove toxic ingredients from your life! 

If you have any questions about any information in the email, Young Living products, or even if you just want to say, "Hi"... reply to this email! We'd love to hear from you!

Always remember, it is easier to stay well, than to get well!

Your Friends in the Oiler Room

 
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