Informed Beauty Top Toxic Ingredient to Avoid: FD&C Color Pigments

Countless FD&C color pigments initiate skin sensitivity and irritation. The harmful aspects of utilizing artificial colors are extensive. As far as humans are concerned, these chemicals are suspected carcinogens. FOUND IN: Shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, cleansers, baby products, wipes, hand washes, deodorants, lotions, creams, etc.

WHAT IS IT? Grab just about any bottle of shampoo, your tube of toothpaste or package of baby wipes and you’ll notice a common trend. FD&C color pigments are commonly found on shelves everywhere.  These synthetic colors are made from coal tar, which should be reason enough to avoid them.

HEALTH RISK: Don’t be fooled by the seemingly harmless acronym for “Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act,” which mandated the certification of select color additives. Almost all FD&C pigments are carcinogenic. The coal tar deposits the toxins from heavy metal salts directly onto skin, causing irritation and sensitivity. And that is the least extreme of reactions: Certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

HOW TO AVOID IT: Keep an eye out for FD&C in all cosmetics and personal care products.  Also, avoid them in food and beverage products.

Why Woman Suffer From Hairloss After Pregnancy

Approximately 40 to 50% of all women are affected by an excessive amount of hair loss anywhere between a month and five months after their pregnancy. This is called telogen effluvium and while it is not uncommon it does not typically cause any long term problems. Just as other hormonal changes that occur during and just after pregnancies usually iron themselves out, so does this one in most cases. However, there are some women that seem to have a worse time with hair loss after pregnancy. Why Do Women Sometimes Lose Hair After Pregnancy?

There is a scientific explanation for the hair loss that occurs in women after they have had their babies but we will attempt to simplify the explanation. About 90% of your hair grows continuously while the other 10% sits at a resting stage. Once about every 60 to 90 days the hair that has been resting falls out in order to make room for new hair to grow in. During pregnancy hormonal changes occur that prohibit the resting hair from falling out. Once the pregnancy is over and the hormone levels begin to even out, all of the hair that was delayed from falling out during pregnancy comes out all at once. Sometimes this change is subtle and goes unnoticed but in other cases it is extreme and can be quite frightening.

Do Women Lose an Abnormal Amount of Hair During Pregnancy?

Usually any hair loss that is associated with pregnancy occurs sometime after the baby has been born. While the pregnancy is active more hairs will go into the resting stage. This is typical and quite normal during pregnancy. This hair is what comes out after pregnancy. In most cases this hair loss is not significant enough to cause patches or bald spots and most of the time it does grow back in within about three months. However, a vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss and it is very easy to develop a vitamin deficiency while you are pregnant if you are not getting the proper amount of nutrients.

Are There Other Times That Hormones Could Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss in women could occur at any time estrogen levels are low. This could happen for many reasons. Anytime a woman stops taking birth control pills that she has been taking for a significant amount of time, her estrogen levels could decline quite a bit. Other situations that may lead to lowered estrogen levels are miscarriages, still births, abortions and hormonal imbalances. A hormonal imbalance could occur due to menopause or even specific illnesses of the female reproductive system.

Are There Any Positive Effects on Hair Because of Pregnancy?

Have you ever noticed how full and beautiful most pregnant women’s hair looks? This is because the heightened levels of estrogen in their bodies cause their hair to stay in the growing phase throughout the pregnancy. This is one of the many perks of pregnancy. In addition, some women even report developing curls that they never had before they became pregnant. Estrogen has a major effect on the way a woman’s hair grows as well as how it appears.

Is There Anything That Can Be Done to Help Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy?

Overall nutrition plays a major role in the condition your hair will be in after pregnancy. Be sure to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants and flavanoids to help promote hair growth and protect the hair follicles. Take proper care of your hair and avoid anything that may do damage. For example, wearing your hair in hairstyles that cause tension to your hair is a bad idea. Having your hair pulled back in a tight ponytail is an example of a hairstyle to avoid. You will also want to be careful about things like excessive heat styling. Use hair care products that contain silica and biotin. When you hair is wet remember that it can easily break and become damaged. Never brush your hair while it is wet, instead opt to use a wide toothed comb such as a detangling comb.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Not only is it important to eat a wholesome and healthy diet when you are pregnant but you will also want to be sure and take a good prenatal vitamin supplement. By using preventative measures and making sure that you take very good care of your body, you may help to eliminate or at least decrease your chances of losing a lot of hair after your pregnancy. Pregnant women also report that taking prenatal vitamins do wonders for their fingernails as well so they are definitely good for your hair. It may also be a good idea to continue taking your prenatal vitamins for about three months after you give birth, especially if you are breast feeding.

Consult a Physician

If you have should begin to lose a good deal of hair you may want to consult with your doctor to see that your hormones are at the right levels or at least well on their way. Your doctor may begin some kind of hormone therapy if your problem is severe enough. No matter how bad you may think things are right now try not to become too discouraged. A lot of women go through changes after pregnancy and you are definitely not alone. Whatever it is you are going through now as a result of post pregnancy hormone changes will almost always correct itself.

Post pregnancy hair loss is a common enough occurrence and there are so many women who deal with it everyday. Try going online to search for discussion forums for new moms and you are bound to find a lot of places to talk to other moms who are dealing with whatever it is you are dealing with currently.

Kasia Organic Salon see's many new pregnant women every month.  We specialize in Ammonia/PPD/MEA FREE hair color, hosting NO silent substitutes, making it safe to still look fabulous through the metamorphosis of bearing a child. We carry a host of natural and organic hair, skin, body, and BABY care products to keep toxins out of your bloodstream, and to encourage hair growth to return after the first year of giving birth to your child.    

Contact our "beautiful health" team today!   612.824.7611  or lassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com

Reference/Guest Blog:  Health Guide (dot) com

What the Frizz? Beat the Heat with Style!

  Summer is almost half over and 'oh my,' it's bringing on the heat!   Summer brings seasonal impact on the hair from frizz to color fading due to stronger UV rays, leaving a dull appearance . Kasia brings great tools and tips for you to keep your hair looking healthy and great year-round.

Hair & Humidity

Moisture from humidity may feel nurturing to dry skin, although to the hair, this is a different experience.  Humidity attaches to your lovely locks and absorbs the moisture – which then expands the cuticle and cases frizz.  In order to defeat frizz or chaotic curls on steamy days, applying light moisturizing products are key!

Start by switching to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Try Kasia Replenish Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. After conditioning and rinsing, add a small amount of Outshine or Restore Oil through damp strands.

Regardless, humidity or not, it is important to keep your hair hydrated all year around. When your hair loses moisture, it can become brittle, dull and lifeless. Apply the above recommendations to your daily hair care regimen and you will have runway ringlets everyday!

Summer Body and Wave

A top seller at Kasia is our *NEW*  Hydr-Boost Texturizing Spray. This easy to use product gives the hair the perfect amount of  and texture volume all over to give you multiple styles.

Infused with magnesium-rich Himalayan pink sea salt and hydrating plant oils like ylang ylang, blood orange and cardamom, this spray is a warm-scented tonic that adds volume and touchable texture without clumps or crunch. Organic botanical ingredients like bamboo and rhodiola extract strengthen, protect and nourish strands while creating piece-y definition.

Here are some ways to use this amazing product.

On "day one" of washing, lightly mist the Hydro-Boost Spray at the root for volume.   After drying the hair, add 4-5 sprays to the roots to ends, while lightly diffusing  with your dryer - and only for only a few moments. This will add texture, separation, and body - without gobs of product.

If you're on the fly, let the summer winds dry your hair naturally and it give your hair a beachy wave look! You can also bring this look  to "day two."   Lightly re- spray the Hydro-boost at the roots and/or where desired, blow dry, and lift the hair up to give your hair the volume and texture it needs. You can also incorporate this into a side swept braid or a fashionable up do.

Simplicity and Beautiful Health Hair......

By Amber, Kasia Stylist

A Stylish Solution to Beat the Heat: A Head Scarf

Informed Beaute' -  it is time to give your hair  a little love and protect it from the summer heat.

The stylish solution?

A head scarf.

I'm loving the summer trend of wearing a head scarf.  They are colorful and handy whether you are on the beach, working out, out on a windy day, protecting your hair color, or just to add a splash to your look.

Cause of Dry Hair: The Important Role of Conditioner

Cause of Dry Hair: SKIPPING CONDITIONER

Conditioner smoothes your hair cuticle after shampooing, locking in moisture and adding shine. If you don’t condition, your hair cuticle is likely to raise, allowing for more rapid loss of H20. 

The first facts to know about the makeup of your hair is that there are  three layers. These 3 layers comprise of the  medulla, cortex & cuticle. The medulla is the innermost layer followed by the Cortex, which is up to 90% of your hair strand and where natural hair color is defined and held.  Lastly is the cuticle, the protector!

A healthy cuticle will lay smoothly over the cortex  (“think pinecone.”).   If the cuticle is damaged or harmful substances have been absorbed into the cortex your hair will most likely appear dull and lifeless – not to mention the increase of breakage.

Healthy Cuticle Maintenance

How do we keep that cuticle laying down and looking healthy? We can help rebuild hair by using conditioners that have an acidic ph level of 7.  Acids contain an abundance of hydrogen, which keeps those cuticles laying smooth for that lustrous shiny hair we all strive for.  Additionally conditioners containing amino acids (protein)  and oils will help to rebuild your hair from the inside out!

Living Proof

Our favorite conditioner for damaged hair is the Kasia Re-Plenish Ultra-Hydrating Conditioner.  Packed with 90% organic and healing ingredients such as medowfoam oil which has strengthening proteins/amino acids and

humectants that   deeply conditions, rebuilds dull and damaged hair  Need an extra deep conditioning –treat it as a “leave on treatment”  for an  extra 10 minutes!

For those of us with finer hair the Weigh-less Spicy Citrus Conditioner from Kasia is the way to go. Medowfoam oil is also the star here as it prevents damage and provides conditioning without weighing your hair down. Plus, we know it’s going to work on the cuticles – it’s right there in the name Spicy Citrus (citrus=the right pH leve)!   All Kasia products assure that your color will last longer and stay as vibrant as day one.

Contact  our team of Hair Health Experts for your conditioning and anti-aging hair needs today!

By: Valerie, Stylist & Hair Health Specialist @ Kasia Organic Salon

STOP the CLOCK with Super Power Patented Seed Oil

 Which ingredients work the best in reversing the aging process?STOP THE CLOCK with these organic super powers.

 100 percent natural + organic with no synthetic additives or toxins. High concentrations of potent ingredients—the smell is gorgeous.

 Kasia AgeLess Facial Serum contains the following ...

ALL ORGANIC - COLD PRESSED - OILS

  Black Cumin Seed    *   Cranberry Seed  

 Red Raspberry Seed   *  Sunflower Seed    

Kasia constantly searches for up-to-date technology and ingredients - and this action truly shines through our best seller - AGELESS Facial Serum.  Recent research explains that by using  synergistic and potent oils with a very high ORAC value -antioxidants-  will sustain the shelf life and long term beneficial results when used on the skin!

PATENT:  "Potent Antioxidant Cold Pressed Oil Blend:”  The antioxidant level after blending exhibits total antioxidant activity greater than the sum of the weighted average of the antioxidant activities of the individual oils. The patent covers the synergistic effect of antioxidant activity.

Single - Double -Triple Benefit!

Black Cumin

Black cumin seeds are excellent for both internal and external use.   Cumin has a rich history as a spice as well as a health supplement.  Black cumin seeds act as a natural antihistamine, as well as  anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition to these two powerful components, Black Cumin is high in essential fatty acids.

Red Raspberry 

Kasia extracts the oil  from the seed of the raspberry.    In it's purest state, this oil is high in vitamin A and essential fatty acids - both key ingredients in skin care. These fatty acids help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin, while at the same time replenishing moisture. Vitamin E is also present to nourish, repair and condition skin.

A recent study shows raspberries could help prevent rashes, eczema, and other skin lesions, and had superior anti-inflammatory properties compared to avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut, and wheat germ oils.

Raspberry seed oil also showed the potential to act as a broad-spectrum UV-shield, helping to protect skin from the damaging rays of the sun. In fact, in one study on the oil, researchers indicated that raspberry seed oil can be used as a sunscreen.

Cranberry Seed Oil

We cold pressed from the seed of this super fruit.  It contains a very high essential fatty acid profile, along with a good mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) content, high phytosterols, and a 1:1 ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 - giving it excellent anti-aging activity.

Cranberry Seed Oil contains one of the highest anti-oxidant, and phytosterols contents, of any of the vegetable or fruit oils, making it an excellent addition to your natural sun protection products where it will help to prevent photo damage.   Cranberry is also enhancing for its Vitamin A, C, E, and K, skin tightening activity and cellular renewal functionality.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower Oil is a industry favorite as a common carrier for powerful herbals.  Sunflower is similar  to human sebum which allows better absorption and high high stability.

An Antiaging Serum You Can Believe In

AgeLess is taken through a certified and one of a kind COLD PRESS and CERTIFIED ORGANIC technology which produces very potent oils that retain their FULL nutritional benefits.  If "cold pressed" or "organic" are not claimed on your facial oil, assume that this oils has been processed and has reduced nutritional value.   Kasia AgeLess Serum will give you results with natures truest TLC and "Beautiful Health"  to your natural beauty.

Kasia mention in Start Tribune "Green Movement" article with Intelligent Nutrients and Horst

Below is a nice write up in the Star Tribune - with Kasia Organic Salon - interjected. 

May we be as big as IN someday. .... 

We are thankful to be able to share our thoughts of the current organic market in a recent Star Tribune article hosting Intelligent Nutrients.  I started my career with Horst/Aveda, have spent 4 days with him at his retreat center being inspired to think outside the box, and now share the marketplace and creations with him.   Intelligent Nutrients is now hitting a stride.  It has not been an easy ride for Horst, as he is still trying to get IN out in the marketplace to the 'average consumer.'

Cool Facts:   Both Horst and I use the same suppliers for our organic + cold pressedoils in our skin care lines.     Horst  started IN in 2004/2005 and launched in 2009.  He sold Aveda in 1997 for $300 million.

In the meantime....  "Kasia" will continue to step into it's larger purpose with our incredible - growing team and "beautiful health" culture.  

 

Read the article HERE 

Intelligent Nutrients expands, riding wave of green consumers

Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher’s line of organic beauty products is hitting its stride.

The green movement is also catching on with consumers.

Kuehl, who sells her own line of all-natural products at Kasia Organic Salon, said she has seen her customer base grow from hard-core environmentalists to a larger group, especially moms-to-be and others concerned about chemicals in their hair products.

“When I started out, it was the greenies,” she said. “Now it has gone mainstream.”

Drug Store - Department Store - Professional Skin Care? Sometimes you get what you pay for.....

With beauty products, sometimes you get what you pay for.....

at the....DRUGSTORE 

The mass retail brands sold at grocery/drugstores are created to perform for thousands of users.  These companies play it safe with both their money and less therapeutic/result orientated ingredients to reach such a broad buyer.  Therefore, because mass products are sold more inexpensively, often the ingredients formulated into the products are more generic.

Keep in mind, not all drugstore products are low in being effective - but it is a important to look at all the options, the ingredient decks, which ingredients they state are "active" and using your discernment  - is it too good to be true?  Do the "actives" fall at the very end of the ingredient deck?  Is the first ingredients H20?  

at the....DEPARTMENT STORE 

Department stores have one goal in mind: selling the products. Since the companies are in intense competition with one another, the consumer’s satisfaction isn’t always at the top of their priority list. With that in mind, they focus on fancy packaging and marketing materials.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS SOLD ... at your salon and spa

Skin care lines sold and recommended by licensed estheticians and physicians are  results-oriented ingredients. By working with a licensed professional, you will be better educated and catered to based on your individual needs.  At least "we hope the industry is doing it's job!" They will also be able to share about your skin and its function according to your age and lifestyle.   Our Kasia Skin Health Specialist is more than qualified and passionate when choosing the right products for your skin.

WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS THE INGREDIENTS USED IN THE PRODUCTS

Kasia Organic Salon offers a 20% OFF YOUR FIRST TIME FACIAL. Through your facial, you learn the nuances of the ingredients used and in Kasia Skincare treatments and professional grade peels.

"But does it work?" Don't get blind sited by the fancy packaging or the enforcing  celebrity of a product.  As women, we need to see the value and investment  in what we are purchasing for our individual needs, versus following the money and print ads.  They are an inspiration, but not pure in truth.

It all comes back to the ingredients used in the formulation. At Kasia, we  educate our clients about the good and not-so-good ingredients so that you, as a consumer, can be more educated about which ingredients are of high quality. There are both good and lousy ingredients in the expensive and inexpensive lines, so read the ingredient labels and you’ll be on your way to healthier skin.

AVOID THESE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR SKIN CARE PRODUCTS.

• Mineral Oil & Petrolatum (pore-clogging and suffocating to the skin)
• SD Alcohol 40 andDenatur
• ed Alcohol (th
• e “bad” alcohols commonly found in toners. They are extremely drying)
• Isopropyl Myristate & Isopropyl Palmitate (can cause blackheads)
• Synthetic dyes (can be a skin irritant)
• Synthetic fragrances in our skin care products (the #1 cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid products containin g the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing)
• Known sensitizers (ingredients that can cause irritation)
• Heavy oils (will suffocate the skin and leave it feeling greasy)
• Sodium or Ammonium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate (extremely drying and irritating to the skin)
• Apricot kernels, or seed/shell powders (naturally made particles found in facial scrubs can scratch and irritate the skin causing bacteria to spread)

The Kasia Organics “Informed Beauty” Promise:

We always use: the finest, all-natural ingredients that not only nourish the body but awaken the senses and promote healthy, safe living through informed beauty. The result: radiant, restored skin and hair.

We never use: parabans, petro-chemicals, phthalates, artificial preservatives, lauryl sulfates, artificial colors or dyes, synthetic fragrances, wasteful fillers or animal testing—unhealthy junk your body doesn’t need!

Reference: Renee Reloux