The Gut-Skin Connection: What is it and How Do You Keep it Thriving?

Our skin is a great reflection of what’s happening inside our bodies. Often, when we think about achieving glowing, healthy skin, we focus on skincare products, hydration, or sun protection. While those are essential, one vital aspect of skin health is often overlooked—the gut.

The connection between your gut and skin health is a fascinating topic rooted in science. It’s not just about what you put on your skin; what you eat and how your digestive system functions play an equally crucial role. 

Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between your skin and your gut health.

The Scientific Connection Between the Gut and Skin

First of all, let's look at the word “gut.” It doesn't sound very official. But it’s a short term for the organs within the gastrointestinal system. That includes things like your esophagus, stomach, and intestines just to name a few. Aside from processing food, it also plays a big part in your immune and endocrine systems and communicates with other body systems, such as your skin. 

The Gut-Skin Axis refers to the relationship between the microbiome and skin conditions. To be healthy, they both need to be functioning at optimal levels. If one is off track, the other one will notice and react to it. What affects one, affects the other. 

The gut and skin have a lot more in common than you might think. For example, skin is a frontline barrier for external things, and the gut is a first line barrier for what is happening on the inside of your body. Both of them are in the business of protecting outside invaders and preventing anything that could be harmful to maintaining the homeostasis of your body systems. 

When looking at the gut-skin connection, you can see how the gut’s health can influence the health of other organs like the skin. For example, if you’re eating foods or have health conditions that cause inflammation, that’s going to show up in the skin. That’s when you see rashes, eczema or other skin conditions that appear as a result of an unhealthy gut.

If your skin is acting up in appearance, instead of applying more topical treatments, you might want to take a look at what else is happening inside your body, most specifically, what is happening in your gastrointestinal system. 

Gut Healthy Foods That Benefit Skin 

What makes for a happy gastrointestinal system? Well, the gut likes things like whole foods, without a lot of extra ingredients that don’t need to be there. Foods that are salty, sugary and highly processed can trigger inflammation within the gut microbiome. It’s basically your body telling you that it doesn’t know what to do with this stuff. It’s irritating to the cells and tissues to be saturated with foods that have no benefit. 

So what foods DO you eat to make your gut happy? It’s really pretty simple. Your body needs whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods and watch your sugar intake. Eat more foods with Omega-3’s (Salmon and Sardines), use healthy oils like Virgin Olive Oil, and drink enough water to stay hydrated. 

You can find a list of anti-inflammatory foods here. 

And speaking of hydration, water is essential to a functioning body and healthy complexion. The average human body is made up of about 60% water. 

Water is important for basically every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body, and is largely responsible for regulating temperature, cellular function and waste removal. Without it, all of our body functions would falter after just a few days.

One other topic that often comes up is the need for probiotics and vitamins to help support the gut. Both can be beneficial to gut health, and in turn, can affect skin health. Probiotics can introduce good bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbiome. Vitamins, like A, D, C, and E can be helpful if you don’t get enough of them in your diet. If you’re eating a balanced diet, that might be enough. 

If extra nutrients are needed, talk to your doctor to be sure you’re getting the right ones in the right amount. 

Signs Your Gut-Skin Connection is Out of Sync

What signs should you look for that could point to a disruption in the gut-skin connection? Things like persistent acne or rosacea, dull, dry or flaky skin can be a few signs that something is amiss.  Redness, skin sensitivity or dark under-eye circles can also be clues to an upset in your system. 

On the gut side of things, bloating, constipation, or other digestive problems can signal that something is not right and needs to be addressed. 

When your body gives you signs like these, look at both the skin and the gut for answers to what might be out of sync in either of these systems. Remember, what happens to one is a clue as to what is happening with the other. 

How Stress Impacts the Gut-Skin Connection 

Sometimes, a simple thing like stress can also throw things out of balance and impact the gut-skin connection. Everyone has stress at some level and we don’t always realize that it’s more than just being uncomfortable or irritating.

Stress hormones can make your skin more oily and can break down collagen and elastin. It can initiate hives and rashes and on the gut side of things, you probably already know that stress can cause stomach problems and suppress your appetite. You may even forget to drink water when you’re stressed. 

Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help bring you into a calmer state of mind.

Our bodies are interdependent. That’s why the gut-skin connection is so important. It can be complicated but learning to recognize the relationship between your gut and skin can be an important factor in promoting a balanced and healthy gut-skin connection.

The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients in Skincare Products

The benefits of using natural ingredients in skincare products makes sense to most people. Chemical based ingredients often come with warnings, and may be harsh for your skin type. But what does “natural” really mean? And how do you know if the products you’re using have the best, most natural ingredients for your skin?

At Sage Stone Botanicals we use the most natural ingredients, sustainably produced, and never tested on our animal friends. But let’s go a little deeper about what natural skincare products are and how natural ingredients can benefit your skin.

Better for Sensitive Skin 

If you have sensitive skin, you are probably aware of which products cause your skin to become inflamed and irritated, and using skincare ingredients that come from natural sources may already be your best course of action. 

Natural, plant-based ingredients used in skincare products are typically more gentle, due to fewer additives, preservatives, and harsh chemicals. Many natural ingredients absorb more easily into your skin, and can help sensitive skin get more of the hydrating benefits of natural oils and lotions. Take jojoba oil for instance, it’s similar to the sebum oils your skin makes naturally. This makes it possible for it to easily reach into the layers of skin for deep hydration.

Many natural products have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities too and can help protect your skin from things like sun damage, without the irritation of added chemicals. Natural ingredients are cleaner and work in better harmony with our bodies.

Another example is Vitamin A, which is a natural form of Retinol. By using natural anti-aging ingredients like Vitamin A, you can reap the benefits of it and give your skin a break from chemical based lotions. Think of your skin as a living organ, which it is, and give it what it needs to thrive and be healthy. Remember that if the product is soaking into your skin, your body is processing it. 

Effective Without the Junk 

Natural ingredients can help hydrate and protect your skin for longer. Some chemical-based products may have similar results, but often contain alcohol which can ultimately lead to drying out skin. Plus, what about all of those other ingredients on the label with names you can hardly pronounce, let alone know what they are? Do they really need to be added to the product at all?

We don’t add things that don’t need to be there. We don’t use any unnecessary fillers or harsh chemicals. Our products are 100% sulfate-free and we use only paraben-free preservatives in our products. And for those ingredients that are edible, we use only food grade ingredients. This ensures we always have the best level of quality in all of our products. The best part? They still work and are highly effective at nourishing skin. 

Environmental Impact 

Using natural and organic products often come from sustainable sources, reducing environmental impact. People that grow and sell natural plant-based ingredients to be used in skincare products want to be known as having a quality product. They want to grow plants organically and sustainably, so they can sell more to us next time! That makes sense because their business practices not only affect their customers, they affect the land they live and work on. 

When you choose to support a beauty business that uses a supplier that boasts natural, organic, and sustainable practices to grow and harvest their ingredients, you’re making the decision to positively impact the environment. If we all make choices like this, they will compound and protect the world we live in. 

How to Spot Natural Ingredients 

Reading labels is important because just using the word “Natural” can be misleading. 

“Natural” can be a term that can mean a lot of things. For example, Poison Oak is technically “Natural”, but you surely don’t want to rub it all over your face! In fact, even if it’s “Organic” Poison Oak, you still don’t want to get it on your skin. 

When you see the word “Natural”, you usually think of things that might come from plant-based sources, and in most cases, you’d be right. Many of the quality, natural, organic ingredients we use really do come from plants. Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemongrass are easily recognized as natural ingredients in our products. But it is important to consider if anything in its natural form is really what you want. How an ingredient is processed and made ready to use in skincare products is important. You can trust our products to contain only the best quality, natural, organic ingredients, prepared and processed in a way that’s beneficial and safe for your skin. 

Another important thing to look for on a label is the difference between cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. Not all skincare products that claim to be cruelty-free actually are. This is because the term “cruelty-free” is not regulated by any agency in the sense that it can be left up to individual interpretation as to what that means. 

Leaping Bunny Certified, however, is a different story. To be certified as “Leaping Bunny”, brands have to meet a rigorous criteria concerning animal testing. If a skincare product claims to be “cruelty-free”, it may mean that just this particular product was not tested on animals, but it makes no claim to the list of ingredients that make up the product. 

With Leaping Bunny Certification, every ingredient in our skincare products are verifiably not tested on animals and that’s why we proudly display this information on our website and product labels. We do not test our skincare products on animals, nor did the ingredients like essential oils and other plant-based natural ingredients get tested on animals before we used them to create products for beautiful, healthy skin.

Using natural and organic skincare products isn’t just good for your skin. It’s good for the planet. We use ethically sourced, eco-friendly ingredients to ensure this balance. And for sensitive skin, we also have “unscented” products. Remember, reading labels is important here too because “unscented” and “fragrance-free” are not necessarily the same thing. 

Unscented means there’s no scent in the product. Fragrance-free can mean that extra chemicals were added to hide the scent of other ingredients. Reading labels and understanding all of the ins and outs of what’s in them and how they were made can be tricky. 

But once you know what to look for, you can see for yourself the benefits of using natural Ingredients in skincare products.

Why We Use Rosehip Seed Oil as a Key Ingredient in Our Skincare Products

Using natural ingredients is something we’re committed to. We care deeply about the planet we live on and realize that our own health depends on how we treat the earth. We make sure our products are safe, organic, cruelty-free, and naturally sourced. And we use ingredients without chemicals, sulfates, and that are paraben-free. 

Using natural ingredients is important to us, and we’re pretty sure it’s important to you too! For example, take the Rosehip Seed Oil that we incorporate into some of our products. The reasons we use it are because of the great properties it has for our skin, such as being a natural retinol, and how it’s something that can be naturally derived from its plant source. 

Have you ever wondered what exactly a Rosehip is though? And how do we get Rosehip Seed Oil? Let’s take a closer look and see just why it’s so good for your skin.

What is Rosehip Seed Oil? 

It’s important first to note that there are two main parts of the rose plant that can be made into oils. These are the fruit and the seed. The fruit is what’s used to create Rosehip Oil and the seed, well, you guessed it; that’s what’s used to make Rosehip Seed Oil. 

The rosehips are the brightly colored balls that you see on the rose bush after it’s done flowering, and they contain the seeds that are pressed to make Rosehip Seed Oil. 

There are 30,000 cultivated varieties of rose bushes, and with few exceptions, they all make rosehips, but only a few are grown and used for medicinal and cosmetic products. Most Rosehip oil products come from the Rosa Canina rose bush, which are mostly grown in Chile. 

And why are they called “hips”? There are several versions of how this came to be called a hip, and the actual definition can be a bit illusive. As Shakespeare wrote in “Romeo and Juliet”, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” So a hip is a hip, and is still a hip regardless of if it’s referred to as a hep or a haw, (some of the other titles they hold). 

Now with all this talk about roses, rose hips, and rosehip seeds, it’s time to talk about how we get the oil from the rosehips or rosehip seeds. The oil is extracted by one of several different methods - either by solvent, cold pressed or supercritically extracted. Depending on the grower and the methods used determines the quality of the product. Cold-pressed is often considered the best for purity and quality.

Rosehip Seed Oil has been made and used in herbal remedies for hundreds, if not thousands, of years because of its many benefits, including that it contains Vitamin A which acts as a natural retinol. Even though the oil extraction process may have evolved, this very simple and beneficial ingredient has a lot to offer once produced. 

Rosehip Seed Oil Benefits 

Rosehips have been used to reduce the signs of aging, manage arthritis pain, and improve heart health. So it holds true that Rosehip Seed Oil boasts the same benefits. Because it’s packed with vitamins, like Vitamin A that works as a natural retinol, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, this oil can really do quite a bit for our overall health and wellbeing. 

The elements within this oil are known to correct dark spots and keep dry and itchy skin hydrated. It also has been known to reduce scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Side effects are few, and very rare. You can always do a patch test before using any products to check for allergic reactions, but Rosehip Seed Oil is normally used without any problems. 

Another of its many benefits is that it is a dry oil which makes it easily absorbed, allowing antioxidants to penetrate into the layers of the skin. The Vitamin A in rosehip oil acts like a natural retinol, leaving your skin looking bright and smooth. The Vitamin E in Rosehip Oil helps reduce inflammation and irritation, so it can be helpful for conditions like sun damage or eczema. 

It’s a great carrier oil. But also can be applied directly to your skin alone. One thing to note is that if the product you choose is unrefined, meaning it’s less processed, the color may be noticeable on your skin. Organic, cold-pressed oil might be your best option. 

The benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil are so expansive, which is why it’s one of the ingredients we chose for products like our OiLixers and Hand & Heel Cremes. Plus, since it’s considered a dry oil, which makes it a different texture than traditional oils, it absorbs fully and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

Best Ways to Use it

Using products with Rosehip Seed Oil couldn’t be easier when you opt for the OiLixers and cremes we have available. We already did the work of combining the best oils and ingredients for safe and effective body care products so you don’t have to. 

Rosehip Seed Oil, either on its own, or blended into a product, can be used twice a day. On its own, just a few drops is all you need. After cleansing, exfoliating or toning, smooth Rosehip Seed Oil onto your skin, day or night. Using a moisturizer on top will help seal in the hydrating qualities of the oil. We have a lovely array of body lotions available to help you round out your skincare routine. 

If you’re using Rosehip Seed Oil in its pure form, it may be best to store it in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge, avoiding UV rays. Be sure to use it within 6 months after opening, for retaining the best quality. 

If it’s already in the product you’re using, like one of our OiLixers or cremes, storing it wherever you’d usually keep your skincare products is a-okay! 

Rosehip Seed Oil has been around since ancient times and has always been known for its gentle, hydrating, and anti-aging qualities. It's generally safe for all skin types and helps keep skin looking healthy and fresh. That’s why we love it. 

Shop our selection of products and find a love for it yourself. 

From a Sunkissed Summer to Feeling Fall Fresh - How to Transition Your Skincare as the Seasons Change

If there’s one thing we can always count on in life, it’s change. Everything changes, and just when you think the dust has settled, things change again. Food trends and diets, fashion, hair styles…it all has its season and is prone to change. Just like our food, fashion, and hair flair are changing, our skincare routines are changing as well. 

When you think of seasonal skincare, you might already know that the lotions, moisturizers, and other skincare products you use now are not going to be the same ones you use moving into a new season. As fall approaches and the weather begins to change, your skin will have different needs to adapt to the new environment. 

What can you expect as you transition from summer to fall? Here are some fall skincare tips that can get you thinking about it. 

The Autumn Environment

Temperatures may be feeling colder, but they’re also drier. Fluctuations in outdoor temps and conditions are common in the fall. For example, in the changing season, you may see sun, clouds, rain, and wind all in the same day! That’s a lot for your skin to adjust to at one time. 

Along with changing outdoor temperatures and conditions, we also tend to start moving indoors more where our skin encounters things like indoor heating. With that, our skin has to make even more adjustments as it acclimates to what can sometimes be a drier indoor environment. Sometimes, having a humidifier on hand in your home office or bedroom can help make the transition smoother. 

As colder temperatures surround us, we might be tempted to indulge in a long, hot shower or two. Maybe even a hot bath. While it can feel luxurious and cozy in the moment, too much heat from hot water can be yet ANOTHER assault on sensitive skin. 

All of these changes can wreak havoc on all skin types and call for some big changes to our skincare routines.

What Happens to Your Skin as the Seasons Change

Skin is the body’s largest organ and it’s the first defense in protecting your body from outside intruders such as pollution and allergens. When outside conditions change, your skin will react in an attempt to adjust to the new circumstances.

Skin responds to changing conditions in various ways. For instance, it can become inflamed, dry, flaky or cracked. When this happens, pores can clog more easily from excess dry skin or sebum production. This irritation can often stem from colder winds that can dry out our skin’s protective barrier.

What Your Skin Needs in the Fall

So what can you do when weather conditions change before your skin starts to suffer? First off, you can pay attention to what your skin is telling you. Changes in your environment equals changes to your skincare routine.

One important step you may need to alter in your skincare routine will be hydration. This isn’t just limited to the hydrating products you place on your skin, but the general amount of hydration that your body gets. Drink more water, use a humidifier, and then also add in super hydrating serums and moisturizers to your fall skincare routine. Heavier lotions and creams, as opposed to the lighter moisturizers from your summer routine, will help protect your skin from the drying influence of fall weather. 

Resist the urge to use hot water for your skincare routine, as well as hot showers. We know, it’s a hard temptation to steer clear of. But hot water will further irritate your skin and make any existing irritation worse. Lukewarm water and gentle cleansers are a better choice. This doesn’t mean you have to ditch the hot tubs and bubble baths entirely, just go sparingly with them. 

One thing that isn’t going out of style this season though is exfoliating. It’s still important and can help your skin to absorb moisturizer more deeply. Just remember to be gentle with inflamed skin that’s been overexposed to the elements of fall. Choosing products that use natural ingredients in their formulas can help your skin stay healthy when it comes time to stick to a new skincare routine. 

Why You Still Need Sunscreen

Just because summer sun is soon to be hiding behind the clouds, doesn’t mean you can stop using sunscreen. Using sunscreen year round is essential. Many experts agree that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays from the sun is something you need to do all of the time. 

Use it on a train, in the sun, on a plane, or in the rain! In your office, in a car, wherever you are!

Yes, whether you’re indoors or out, and regardless of the time of year, the sun is always out there sending warmth, Vitamin D, and happy bright light. But at the same time, too much of a good thing in the form of UV rays can cause damage to all skin types. 

Using a good broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF year round is a necessity for healthy skin. 

How to Shift Your Scent

Moving into fall brings a shift in the types of scents all around us. Things like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, amber, vanilla, and woodsy, earthy smells delight our senses. They all smell so good! But it goes even deeper than that. 

We process smells through the olfactory bulb, which is a structure in front of our brains that sends info to the central command area for further processing. Scents and odors go to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, both of which are related to emotion and memory.

In fact, smell is the only fully developed sense a fetus has in the womb. You might say our sense of smell has a long history of emotional and memorable attachments.  

So it’s no wonder that scents affect us in more ways than just smelling good. For example, pumpkin spice can feel soothing and comforting, and Sandalwood is known for its qualities of balance and relaxation. Amber Vanilla can feel warm and luxurious. The scents that we associate with fall tend to reflect the seasonal features of the season, so it makes sense that the smells of autumn are related to grounding and slowing down. After a busy summer of activity, the natural cycle of the next season is one of reaping the harvest and taking a well deserved rest. 

By finding a fall themed scent that smells good to you, you can help your body adjust to the changing season. Balancing your mindset with your environment can help create feelings of being centered and relaxed.

Transitioning to autumn in both skincare and new scents of the season is a natural part of your seasonal skincare routine for healthy skin. By using extra moisturizers, regular sunscreen, and following some extra tips for dry skin in colder weather, you can continue to protect your skin, just like it protects you!

All About Exfoliation & Why It’s Essential for Healthy, Happy Skin

Does your skin care routine include exfoliation? 

Maybe you’re unsure of proper exfoliation techniques, or haven’t heard of the many benefits of exfoliation yet. Maybe you’re not even sure what exfoliation is! If this is a new concept to you, then read on to learn the basics of skin exfoliation and what it can do for you.

What Is Exfoliation? 

According to an article on Healthline, the definition of exfoliation is, “the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliating tool.”  

Your skin makes new cells about every 30 days. Those old cells have to shed and go away! But sometimes your skin may need a little help to get there. If they’re not shedding naturally on their own, you might see flaky patches or develop clogged pores. 

By using exfoliating products as part of a regular skin care routine, you can help your skin shed the old cells, leaving you with softer, brighter looking skin, and make it easier for skin to absorb other skin care products.

Types of Exfoliation  

There are many different types of products for skin exfoliation, but it basically comes down to two different methods: chemical or physical. 

Chemical methods include products with things like AHA’s ( Alpha Hydroxy Acids), and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids). AHA’s are water soluble and might be best for dry skin. AHA’s like glycolic acid can break through the surface layers to enable moisturizers to get to your new skin cells and hydrate them. AHA’s can also help with age spots, scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tones. 

BHA’s are oil soluble and can go deep into hair follicles where they can dry excess oils. One common BHA is salicylic acid and is often used for treating acne, redness, and inflammation. BHA’s tend to soothe irritated skin, like with sun damage. But if your skin is inflamed from things like Eczema and Rosacea it’s best to check with your dermatologist for specific treatments that are designed just for you.

Physical methods of exfoliation include things like cleansing scrubs, exfoliating mitts, brushes and loofahs. These types of exfoliants are easy to use at home and facial scrubs can be homemade as well. 

Tools

Handheld brushes with cleanser are one of the easiest tools for starting out. They are easy to purchase and can be used with a cleanser you already have. Making circular motions with gentle pressure is one simple technique to shed dead skin cells. Then wash your face with warm water and remember to always clean your brush or exfoliating mitt when you’re done! 

Motorized cleansing brushes are the next step up. Some have multiple vibration modes and most have soft silicone bristles. You should take it easy with this type of tool and be careful not to scrub too aggressively though. The motorized brush is already doing the scrubbing for you. 

Textures 

Using different types of cleansers for your face and your body is a good rule of thumb. Your face is much more sensitive so don’t use a scrub that’s meant for your body on your face.

Let your skin be your guide when choosing types of exfoliation. Even on your face, you might have both dry and oily places on your skin, so pay attention to what you need. If your skin changes, don’t be afraid to change your products along with it. 

When choosing a type of exfoliation product, consider the right one for your skin type. Some are softer and some are more gritty. Some may come as a mask or as a peel and some are used more as a face wash and require less time to sit on the skin. 

Over exfoliating can be damaging to your skin. You need to know your skin type to be able to make the best choice for all of your skin care routine products. If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, you can take a quiz here to help you find out. 

Benefits of Regular Exfoliation

If you’re still wondering if skin exfoliation is for you, consider the benefits of including proper exfoliation techniques as part of a regular skin care routine. 

Here’s just a few examples of the benefits of skin exfoliation:

• Removes dead skin cells to help reveal fresher, younger-looking skin

• Improves skin texture which results in smoother, more even skin tones

• Allows skin care products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively

• Reduces the occurrence of acne and blackheads by unclogging pores

• Supports firmer, more resilient skin by stimulating collagen production

• Brightens the complexion, reducing dullness and promoting a radiant glow

How to Exfoliate Properly 

Once you’ve determined your skin type and considered the options for skin exfoliation, it’s time to put it to work. Adding a proper exfoliation technique is important and knowing when and how to do it will provide the best results. 

If you’re using a physical exfoliant, aiming for about 30 seconds of scrubbing should be adequate before rinsing. Be mindful to avoid sensitive areas like the skin around the eyes. For a chemical exfoliant, read the instructions and follow the directions to ensure the best results. Remember to use your sunscreen after exfoliating during the day too! Your new skin cells will be more sensitive to sun damage. 

If your skin is oily, you may be able to gently exfoliate daily, but for most skin types, limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. Within your routine, a freshly cleansed face is the perfect time for exfoliation. It doesn’t matter if it’s a part of your morning or evening routine. For example, if your face tends to be dull when you wake up, then use an exfoliant to brighten your skin. If you prefer to use one after removing make-up and environmental debris from the day, then use it at night. Either way, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer and any serums your skin needs.  

DIY Facial Exfoliants 

Making your own facial exfoliants at home is pretty easy. Use a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil for a base, then add other ingredients like brown sugar or coffee grounds to give it some “grit” to help shed the dead skin cells. Common kitchen items like yogurt, finely ground oats, and raw honey are a few more examples used in homemade facial exfoliants. You can find directions on how to make them here on Healthline. 

Your skin is vulnerable to all kinds of things. Age, hormones, other skin products, and the sun are just a few that come to mind. And all the while, your skin is working on replenishing and regenerating healthy cells all by itself. Most of the time it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. But honestly, in today's world, it could use a little help.

Including proper exfoliation techniques as part of a regular skin care routine can leave your skin feeling healthier, smoother, and glowing! 

Soak Up the Sun, Not the Damage: Your Complete Summer Sunscreen Guide

As we settle into summer, it’s easy to get caught up in soaking up the sun’s rays and enjoying the hot weather we’ve been waiting for! The feel of the warmth on our skin and the beautiful glowing tan can seem like an exotic trip without even having to leave home. But in the midst of this folly comes a bit of reality. That voice inside your head may be saying something like, “Be mindful of the amount of sun rays you’re soaking up!”

It’s true, some amount of UV rays can be beneficial. We get Vitamin D from the sun’s rays, and that can affect our moods in a positive way. But the amount of time you can spend in the sun safely can vary from person to person, depending on the intensity of the sun and how sensitive you are to it. Learning a few sun safety tips can help.

Sun protection, in the form of sunscreen, is something that everyone needs on some level, whether indoors or out, and whether it’s cloudy or sunny. Protecting your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging, and wrinkles is your best defense for appearance and good health. So it might be helpful to learn a bit more about how and why to use sunscreen.

The History of Sun Protection

As it turns out, people have been trying to protect their skin for quite a long time! Throughout history, sunscreen has played a part in shielding harmful UV rays. We don’t know exactly how much people knew about sun safety tips in ancient times, but we do know they used homemade concoctions to prevent sunburn and skin damage. 

A thick layer of rice bran paste was popular as a natural sunscreen because it absorbs UV rays so well. It’s still used in some mineral sunscreens today for sun protection but sunscreen has evolved over the years, thank goodness, so we don’t have to walk around slathered in rice bran paste anymore!

Covering skin with clothing, utilizing silk umbrellas, and finding shade were all good ideas that were used in the past too…and they’re still good ideas today. For more sun safety tips and sun protection today, let's take a look at what the modern world has to say about it. 

Why Sunscreen is Important 

Ancient civilizations might have known that the sun could cause burning, aging, and overall discomfort but today, we know why. When too much sun causes damage to the DNA in skin cells, they are unable to function as they’re supposed to. This can lead to things like skin cancer and premature aging. Burning skin is an obvious sign of skin damage, and everyone knows it just plain hurts to have a sunburn, but even tanning is a sign of skin damage and should be avoided. If you really want that tanned look, you might consider using fake tanning products. 

Even then, read the labels and use natural products as much as possible. 

Using sunscreen with SPF is one of the best sun safety tips to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays. But what does SPF even mean?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) plays a role in how much sun protection you need to apply. The SPF number indicates how much protection you get. For example, an SPF 30 protects skin thirty times longer than if you were not wearing any sunscreen at all. In turn, SPF 50 protects skin fifty times longer. Another way to look at it is how much UV light is filtered. SPF 30 blocks 96.7% of UV rays. SPF 50 blocks up to 98%.

Ingredients to Avoid 

One of the best ways to choose a good summer sunscreen is by reading the labels and educating yourself about safe sunscreen ingredients. Not all ingredients are good for you, or the environment. 

Some chemical sunscreen ingredients have been on the naughty list for quite some time and are worth avoiding. These include:

• Avobenzone

• Oxybenzone

• Octinoxate

When you see these chemicals in the ingredients lists, it might be best to look for a more natural sunscreen product. 

Ingredients like these can be harmful to the environment, as well as irritating to your skin. Using water safe sunscreens can help protect your skin when you swim and keep marine life safe too! 

Also, be mindful of the local laws if you’re traveling to new places where certain sunscreen ingredients may be banned completely. 

Safe Sunscreen Options 

Using natural sunscreen options like hats, UV blocking sunglasses, and clothing can be helpful in addition to sunscreen lotions. UPF 50 clothing can block 98% of the sun's rays. Just keep in mind that as clothing gets older and washed frequently, they might not be as effective as they were when you first got them, so don’t count on UPF clothing alone.

Mineral sunscreens that include Zinc Oxide, or Titanium Dioxide are considered physical  barriers, as opposed to chemical types. They may be safer options when choosing a sunscreen without dangerous ingredients.   

When to Apply 

Remember to use sunscreen year round in most environments, even indoors when near windows. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends, “A water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.”

After-Sun Care 

Finally, after-care for sun exposure completes your skincare routine and helps to keep yourself safe and healthy. Aloe, or skincare products with aloe, are both great options to soothe sun kissed skin. 

First, wash off any sunscreen with a cool shower. Avoid hot water that can strip away skin's natural oils. Use a gentle soap and don’t “scrub” your skin. Pat dry, and then MOISTURIZE!

Rehydrate and renourish with a natural moisturizing lotion, like the ones here at Sage Stone Botanicals. Using natural lotions with oils that absorb easily into your skin can help ease the stress your skin has experienced from sun exposure. 

Also, drink plenty of water. Your skin receives moisture from the inside too!

Enjoying your time in the sun is both exhilarating and relaxing, and who doesn’t love that feeling of outdoors in the summertime? By putting to good use a few sun safety tips, using sunscreen, and practicing after-sun care, you can have fun in the sun and be safe at the same time.

A Deep Dive On Our Newest Product: OiLixer

It’s summertime and thoughts go naturally toward all things new and exciting! Here at Sage Stone Botanicals, we are definitely excited to share something new with you - our newest product, OiLixer! If you’ve been thinking about all natural skin care, shiny healthy hair, and beautiful nails, then you’ve come to the right place

Our new OiLixer has just landed on our website and now is your chance to check it out! But what is an OiLixer you might ask? Well, for starters, the word “Elixir” comes from the Arabic word “al-iksir”, which roughly translates as, “the substance that can transform.” Combine that with some special oils and you have an OiLixer.

So how did we create this deliciously hydrating product? Well, it all started with a trip to the founder’s favorite local salon. 

Origin Story 

Alyson, the founder of Sage Stone Botanicals, got the ball rolling on this product after visiting with a friend, Gina, at her local Eugene Salon, Glo Salon. They got talking about how popular oils had become in the skincare space and how Gina had a great oil recipe that just needed a manufacturer. Together, they co-created the OiLixer you see today in our store.

After getting the recipe from Gina, Alyson started preparing it for consumers. She used all of the original scents that Sage Stone Botanicals offers along with the addition of Amber Vanilla, which is a popular scent she often used when making products for her mom in the early days of Sage Stone Botanicals.

Once the labels were on the bottles and all of the scented oils were ready to go, they hosted a soft launch at Glo Salon to showcase the product. It went well and they sold several bottles! Now it’s ready for the masses in our online store. 

Spotlight Ingredients 

The ingredients for this OiLixer are the real heroes in this story. The combination results in a lightweight oil for skin, nails, and hair. Rosehip Seed oil keeps this nourishing formula “dry”, while jojoba and Vitamin E oil deeply penetrate the skin and hair follicles. Jojoba has a close composition to the sebum or normal oil secreted by human skin. This quality enhances absorption into the skin and leaves it feeling more hydrated. Vitamin E oil is well known for being an antioxidant and helps to prevent premature aging. It absorbs fully without leaving the skin with a greasy feel. It’s a match made in heaven! 

Taking a deeper dive into these ingredients brings us to take a closer look at Rosehip Seed Oil specifically. Rosehips are the part of the rose flower that contains the rose plant seeds, and those contain nutritional compounds, including Vitamin A, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. 

Vitamin A acts as a natural retinol and has been known for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation amongst other visible signs of aging. Rosehip seed oil can help with tissue and cell regeneration. Just what you need when your skin is exposed to the hot summer sun!

What This Oil Is For 

So, what do you do with this OiLixir? For starters, this multipurpose oil can be used on hair and the scalp, nails, hands, and cuticles. Whether you’re looking for something to help with dry patches, nail and cuticle care, or even an ultra hydrating facial oil, it can meet the needs of a variety of skincare treatments.

One other use for this OiLixir, in keeping with those transformative properties,is to try using it for a home massage. It’s hard to beat a fragrant natural oil with a soothing massage to make you feel like a brand new YOU!

How To Use It 

For the hair, you can apply it to dry ends or massage it into the scalp. You can massage it into cuticles or dry patches on the body. And when using it for massage, heat it up in your hands before applying it for a smooth application. 

Oils are good for hydrating and repairing damaged skin and hair. Many oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. They are known to calm inflammation, minimize fine lines, moisturize skin, and improve problematic acne flare-ups. 

We are so excited about our new OiLixir, and can’t wait to hear back from you about what you like best about it! Transform your beautiful self with the latest product from Sage Stone Botanicals and seize the summer!

Skincare Myths: Fact vs. Fiction

When it comes to caring for your skin, you can’t believe everything you hear. Incorrect info is easy to find, and unreliable fads can leave your skin worse off. 

Whenever you hear or read something unfamiliar to you, it’s always a good idea to fact check it. Ask reliable sources and be sure you are getting the full truth before you believe all the buzz. 

We live in a world of information. Some of it’s correct, and some isn’t. For example, here are a few myths you might have run across at some point in your life. So which is it for these skincare myths? Fact or fiction?

Myth #1: You Can Shrink Your Pores

False.  

You may have heard people recommend certain treatments to shrink your pores. Such as using steam to open your pores and clean them out, followed by an ice roller to close them, thus making them appear smaller. But pores don’t actually “open and close” the way we think they do, and hot steam can make skin conditions like eczema or rosacea act up. 

Some products like face masks can remove dirt and oil that make pores less noticeable, but they can’t change the size of the pores themselves. Things like genetics, skin type, and age can affect the appearance of pores. A regular skincare routine can minimize the possibility of pores retaining debris that can draw your eye to them, but you can’t really make them smaller. 

Myth #2: Skin Gets Used to Products

False.  

Another common skincare myth is that your skin will build up a tolerance to a certain product and then won’t respond favorably to it anymore. Some people believe you have to keep finding new products to “trick” your skin into behaving. But the truth is that skin replenishes itself about every 27 days. So it doesn’t really have time to “get used” to anything.

Checking your skin for allergic reactions or intolerances is a smart thing to do, and switch it if you think you need a different product. But if you find something that works well for you, like our body washes and lotions, by all means, keep using them! 

Myth #3:  Wearing Sunglasses Protects Against Crows Feet

True.  

Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is one skincare myth you should pay attention to! Even on cloudy days, as much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still get through, and your skin can definitely suffer. Tender areas around your eyes can develop tiny wrinkles known as “crows feet” from continual squinting, even when the sun doesn’t seem to be that bright. Wearing sunglasses is one helpful tip that can protect you from the effects of UV rays. 

In fact, protecting your skin with sunscreen year round, indoors and out is a good idea. Some people may not realize that you can still be affected by UV rays even if you’re indoors most of the time. 

And don’t forget about your lips! Using a lip balm that contains SPF protection is a good idea, because lips can get sunburned too!

Myth #4: Toothpaste Can Heal Zits

Might work, but may cause damage. 

Have you ever had someone tell you to put toothpaste on a zit and it will go away more quickly? Well, it may be true that toothpaste has some similar ingredients to some acne products, but toothpaste also has other ingredients you might not want to be putting on your skin. 

This common skincare myth might cause more dryness than you had hoped for, as well as redness and inflammation. Especially if you have sensitive skin. In this case, leave the toothpaste for your teeth, and find a more suitable treatment for troublesome outbreaks on your skin. 

Myth #5: Cucumbers Reduce Puffiness Under Eyes

True-ish.   

While this may be a relatively true skincare myth, you may not be getting the whole picture. Cold cucumber slices are a common skincare treatment that’s often added along with a soothing face mask while enjoying a home spa day. It feels good and does help reduce some degree of puffiness under your eyes.

But the truth is, it’s not the cucumbers themselves. It’s the cool moisture, and pretty much any cool compress will do the same thing. So, shhhhhh, don’t tell the cucumber lovers. It’s okay to let them enjoy their familiar spa day routine. And cool cucumbers covering your eyes isn’t likely to cause any harm, so keep calm and cucumber on! 

Debunking skincare myths can be overwhelming, but just remember to look for reliable sources for skincare information. We go to great lengths to fact check everything we post. 

Whether you have average, oily, sensitive or dry skin, there’s a skincare routine that will work for you. When you invest in the best treatment for your skin, based on true and fact based information, you can be an expert on what’s best for you and your skin.