Time to Ditch Your Skin Type. 😱

Hi there!  

The secrets out, I am doing a complete rebrand for our Organic Beauty line (EVOQ Beauty).  As I set sail to completing our skin diagnostic questionnaire to set you up for a glowing success, you will not be faced with “name and claim” your skin type.  I view "types" as a tool for the state your skin takes on within that moment, time of life, or season.  It is not a definite or absolute. 

Hear me out.   We’ve always been taught to classify our skin type.  

You know…. Fill in the blank:

I have  ________ [ oily, dry, normal, combination, acne-prone... skin ]

I believe our skin is too complex to fit just one or two descriptions.

Would you define your personality and soul state in just one word?  Right?

Just as our spirit and state of mind can be shifting (hopefully into a high vibe) at any moment, so does our skin.  It’s just as unique and dynamic as you are.

Empathy - even for your skin.
By putting rigid labels on our skin type, we automatically create an image of what our skin needs, instead of tuning in and listening to what it actually wants.

We then limit ourselves to the products we think are suitable for our “skin type”, skimp on a purchase because we rarely need to ( exfoliate, mask, etc) our skin due to dryness, instead of using products that our skin is craving along with it's very own mood shifts.

I also believe a skin care routine can be minimal, and simple.   

Many women are turning back to the skin professional and asking how they can best holistically care for their skin.  Professional facials are a great way to enter a deeper level of regeneration and a opportunity to focus in on your skin's   inner and outer needs at that time.  

Here’s a few suggestions so you can better understand your skin and it’s nuances.  

Understand skin cravings.

Your skin is an ever-changing organ. Stress, diet, sleep, weather, work/school schedule, and hormone levels are all factors that affect your skin condition from day to day. Depending on your needs of the day, you may be reaching for different types of products.

Feel like you're dragging along?

Your skin may be feeling the same. Some gentle exfoliation with fruit acids (AHAs) will help give your skin a little boost so that it can continue its natural process of renewing. Give our cellular awakening mask and exfoliation cleansing treatment (in one) a shot!  

Is your skin congested because you haven’t been eating well or because it has been humid and polluted outside?

BE's professional facials offer a new generation of sea flora acids (peel) to safely reach a safe yet deep level of dermal turnover.  Unclog your pores while reducing inflammation!

Is your skin dehydrated because the summer sun’s got you outdone from being outdoors quite?

Grab a refreshing and hydrating toner as well as a healing serum filled with humectants can help. Serums and toners are most effective when applied right after the shower.

Are you fighting pigmentation from acne, the sun, hormonal dysregulation?

Build a C-Ester and sea algae enriched ritual to create consistency  so both inflammations is reduced and lightening actives can evolve for results over time.

Is your protective barrier compromised, with hot irritation or dry patches from sensitive skin?

Drop the heavy actives and focus on healing the matrix your skin is built on - it’s barrier. Incorporate a product that contains barrier-friendly ingredients, such as ceramides and cold pressed fatty acids rich with natural moisturizing factor and antioxidants.  Our Youth Renew Serum is a top seller and a great option that will help soothe, age defy and rehabilitate your barrier.

Listen to what your skin loves and what it doesn’t.  

Your skin is incredibly unique. Start paying attention to how your skin reacts to different ingredients instead of listening to the old voice of reason relating to your “skin type.”

Don’t be short sighted.  Commit to your products, and give them the time to work. Two people of the same “skin type” can have very different reactions to the same ingredient.  

Tune out the BS & destress.

Trust the person that knows you inside/out.  Yourself. Once you’ve connected to skin rituals that love you back, have the willpower to stand up to trendy products or crazy promises.    It's proven that stress releases cytokines, in which attack the skin and break down the barrier of protection.  That's a great reason to de-stress. 

Does it cover your skin's fundamental balancing needs?  If we detach from systems and teach ourselves to first position a question - and then listen - we see that even our skin can teach us about ourselves.

No more labels, shoulds, FOMO and “skin types,” and listen to your beautiful ever evolving body and it's largest living organ!

Living Life Awakened - Love Kassandra

Anxiety & Depression. Using CBD for a Happy Go Lucky Life!

Hi!   Get a little anxiety from time to time?  Who doesn't! Living with it daily, is a problem.

I'm staying outside the spiritual and mindfulness  self assessment path on this post - and strictly focusing on the healing benefits of the medicinal plant world that we rely on and share a rich existence with.  

General Anxiety an depression is at all ages and ranges, and has put mental health awareness on the rise.  

Life events, work stressors to menopause hormonal shifts easily effects our brains activity level - in which holds us back from living life at it's best. 

I recently ran across some stressful U.S. statistics:

• 48% of people say stress and anxiety has a negative effect on their life and work.
• 78% experience physical symptoms caused by stress and 73% experience psychological symptoms.
• 48% say stress has increased for them in the last 5 years.

if you’re one of those people, cannabinoid medicine
might be able to help you.

Image: Doen

What Is CBD, and How Does It Work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found exclusively in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. Because of its increasing evidence of its numerous health benefits. One benefit seen from many of our CBD users, is the experience of less anxiety.

Getting Happy - Go - Lucky.     
How tho?  

Experts believe that it reduces anxiety by influencing what’s going on in your brain. Your brain is an astoundingly complex system that controls every interaction in your body.  Every thought and feeling you have is the result of its billions of nerve cells and chemicals, which are constantly interacting together.

Usually, all these chemical reactions go smoothly and you feel happy and healthy, but sometimes the chemicals cause feelings that you don’t want, like anxiety. Experts believe that when this happens, CBD can be used to change the chemistry in your brain and throughout your body, and get things running smoothly again.

Those who had taken cbd experienced significantly less anxiety and discomfort than those who received the placebo.

Evidence: The anecdotal evidence on CBD is abundant, which has brought many men and women to a fork in the road of choosing CBD a try for their anxiety

Receptor Systems in the Brain

>> The brain contains large numbers of highly specialized cells called neurons.

>> Each neuron connects to many others through structures called synapses.

>> These are sites where one neuron communicates to another by releasing chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters.

A neuron’s sensitivity to a specific neurotransmitter depends on whether or not it contains a receptor that “fits” that transmitter.  If a neuron contains receptors that match a particular neurotransmitter, then it can respond directly to that transmitter. All neurons contain multiple neurotransmitter receptors, allowing them to respond to some neurotransmitters but not others.

Plant Medicine & Receptors

Brain receptors are not only sensitive to neurotransmitters produced naturally within the brain, like dopamine or serotonin, but also chemical messengers produced outside the body, such as plant cannabinoids like THC or CBD.

So when you ingest an edible or tonic, the components travel through your bloodstream, and enter your brain. Once they arrive, these plant-derived compounds influence brain activity by interacting with receptors on neurons. But they don’t interact with all neurons, just the ones that have the appropriate receptors.

CBD and the Receptor Systems [and the misconceptions]

Although it is a cannabinoid, CBD does not directly interact with the two classical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).  Instead, it affects signaling through CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly. This partly explains why, in contrast to THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. In addition to its indirect influence on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD can increase levels of the body’s own naturally-produced cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids) by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down.

Even more intriguing: CBD also influences many non-cannabinoid receptor systems in the brain, interacting with receptors sensitive to a variety of drugs and neurotransmitters.  

CBD & Opioids

These include opioid receptors, known for their role in pain regulation. Opioid receptors are the key targets of pharmaceutical pain killers and drugs of abuse such as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl.

CBD can also interact with dopamine receptors, which play a crucial role in regulating many aspects of behavior and cognition, including motivation and reward-seeking behavior.

This raises the intriguing possibility that CBD’s ability to influence either opioid or dopamine receptors may underlie its ability to dampen drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms, effects directly relevant to the treatment of addiction.

CBD and a Happy Serotonin System

CBD’s ability to target a specific serotonin receptor, the serotonin 1A receptor, is associated with a remarkable range of therapeutic possibilities.

Professor Roger Pertwee, a pharmacologist from the University of Aberdeen, spoke with Leafly about this aspect of CBD biology.

“It’s apparent ability to enhance the activation of serotonin 1A receptors supports the possibility that it could be used to ameliorate disorders that include: opioid dependence, neuropathic pain, depression and anxiety disorders, nausea and vomiting (e.g. from chemotherapy), and negative symptoms of schizophrenia,” he said. “One big unanswered question is what the human clinical relevance and importance of each of these potential therapeutic uses of CBD, identified solely by examining data from non-human preclinical research, actually is.”

CBD Partnering with Complex Pharmacology

Understanding CBD’s neurological effects is a complicated business, because of the wide variety of receptors with which it interacts.  But that complexity may be the key to its promise as a therapeutic agent.

Motivational disorders like addiction and anxiety are themselves highly complex; they arise from incompletely understood causes that span multiple receptor systems and neural networks in the brain. CBD’s complex, multi-target effects may therefore be crucial to its potential for aiding the treatment of such disorders. Over the coming years, researchers will continue to further understand this complexity and uncover the full scope of CBD’s therapeutic potential.

So How Do I Use It?

Unfortunately, since CBD hasn’t been officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for anxiety, there are no official guidelines on how to use it if you decide to do so. Most experts recommend starting with a low dose, and working your way up slowly, taking note of how it makes you feel. Everybody reacts differently to CBD

Studies state 300-600mg per day brings relief.  

A lot of people do seem to be finding their own sweet spot. In a 2017 survey of 2,400 people from the medicinal cannabis community, researchers found that the majority use CBD products, and the most common medical condition they are using it for is anxiety.

Most of the CBD-users in this study reported that CBD works very well, with 42 percent saying that they have actually stopped using traditional medications now that they use CBD. Great news!

As noted, research validates that starting with 300-600mg can benefit the user. From my experience, this is good starting place to begin building on your specific needs.  Most likely, the body's not just experiencing "anxiety." Theres a root origin that intertwines a myriad of physiological and mental symptoms together.  So in conclusion, as an adaptogen like compound, the receptors feed what is most deficient first.  

Find our Advanced Terpene Rich + Broad Spectrum 300MG CBD HERE. 

A little more tense?  Our 1000mg CBD + CBG is a HOT SELLER for instant and long lasting benefits.  This tonic is also infused with additional terpenes and an additional cannabinoid profile for incredible healing power and bioavailability. Find that HERE.

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.What About the Risks?

The good news is that despite the lack of FDA approval, people commonly take CBD for anxiety and a wide range of other health and wellness benefits, and negative side effects don’t seem to be too common.

Many people prefer CBD—clinically tested or not—to other common anti-anxiety drugs since these other options can cause some fairly unpleasant side effects; things like confusion, muscle weakness, and vomiting. Anti-anxiety medications can also be very addictive. In one 2017 review researchers conclude that the potential side effects of CBD are generally much more tolerable than those from alternative medications.

Here are eight lifestyle antidotes to be aware of when addressing anxiety and stress:

Keep your relationships strong. You may have 1,000 Facebook Friends and 500 LinkedIn connections, but do you have at least a few close relationships with people who care about you and whom you trust? These are people where you have regular interactions in more than 140 character sound-bites: where you speak about what’s really going on with you and find support and encouragement.

Resolve conflicts quickly. Do you have unresolved relationship tension that’s causing stress? Are you holding a grudge? Maybe it’s time to deal with these and move on. Trying to avoid relationship challenges is usually more draining long-term than having that difficult but needed conversation now.

Don’t worry. Worrying is stressful. It saps energy, life, creativity and resilience. We all worry; the key is not getting stuck there. There are several ways out:

Ask for help. One way out of worry may involve asking a boss, mentor or co-worker for advice or for a hand in getting something done. Or maybe you find yourself taking too long to complete a task because you’re over-analyzing it. If so, collaborate with a “doer” to help you get to decision and action. Delegate. Pray. Or all of the above.

Be thankful. It is amazing how remembering to be grateful can positively shift perspective and reduce worry and stress. How might you develop and maintain an attitude of gratitude?

Stay positive. With bad news, difficult circumstances, Debbie Downers and Doug and Wendy Whiners all around us, focusing intentionally on the good can be like swimming upstream. Get time with positive people. And mix inspirational reading and reflection into your day so your thought life and attitude isn’t governed purely by your intake of news and entertainment.

Do what’s important. Some of us are addicted to busyness; and it’s easy to get busy with stuff that’s not really important. Clarifying what is important and where we really want to say “yes” makes it easier to say “no” to distractions that just wind up creating more stress.

Take care of yourself. Find an exercise routine that works for you. Eat well. Get the rest you need. These habits make a huge difference when it comes to increasing your energy and preventing and coping with stress.

Resource: https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-does-cbd-do

Hair Bondage. Why frizz happens, and how to fix it.

| 2 Min Read |

Hey there - let's explore a little hair bondage, shall we?

There’s one hot topic that NEVER escapes my chair - and your hair!   

Your Hair’s Inner Workings

Your hair is made up of keratin.  These proteins are present in the middle layer of the cuticle and are susceptible to changing shape on a humid day.

Outside of Keratin, your hairs made up of 50% carbon, 21% oxygen, 17% nitrogen, 6% hydrogen, and 5% sulfur.   

Hair Bondage

Keratin proteins chemically bond together in two different ways.

Disulfide Bond:
Molecules on neighboring keratin strands can form a disulfide bond, in which two sulfur atoms are bonded together. These bonds are permanent and determine the hair’s strength.  They are NOT affected by the level of humidity in the air.

Hydrogen Bond:
The other type of bond represents the link between adjacent keratin proteins and is much weaker and temporary.  The are the bonds that shift by creating shape whether curly or blown out straight - as new ones are forming each time your hair gets wet and dries again.

Hair is porous and it cannot help but to absorb moisture when there is humidity in the air. So if humid air has much higher numbers of water molecules than dry air, a strand of hair can form much higher numbers of hydrogen bonds on a humid day.

This interaction is what causes the hair to fold back on itself at the molecular level at a greater rate.

Keeping Frizz at Bay

Hair that is dry and fragile from hard water, heating agents, or chemically based hair treatments, leave it particularly susceptible.

Keeping your hair well moisturized with the right amount of protein is key to helping avoid frizz. With that said, hair is extremely susceptible to hydrogen bonds and will occur to some level no matter how well you narrow in on this issue at hand.     

No matter what your frizz scale is, I’ll share 3 simple ways to improve your hair health and shine.

Get on the Keratin Express

This is a easy and quick fix.  At BE, we offer a keratin express treatment that takes no time at all and can be conveniently added to the end of a hair color.  We simply wash your locks of love and layer by layer add keratin - blow dry and flat iron to seal the deal (bonds). What you take out, but be put back in - it’s the root of healthy hair.  

Protect & Smooth Home Care

As a 20 year stylist, I swear by this key step. Anti-frizz products help the hair to withstand humid environments, retain keratin and moisture, while protecting it from UV and heat-activated styling tools.  Our Treat & Protect Spray prevents your locks from expanding and frizzing up in high humidity.

Seal the Deal for Everyday Shine

Ending your hair care routine with a quality serum is a key step in banishing frizz for the rest of the day.  BEWARE of excess silicones! Silicone is known to hover the top of the cuticle to prevent the outer lift of the hair scales (frizz), but it simultaneously pulls out your hair’s NMF (natural moisturizing factor) over time.  Quite the opposite of what you want to do.

Grant your mane a sleek glossy finish with our weightless argan oil and keratin infused glossing serum free of heavy silicones to prevent your hair from looking flat and oleaginous (oil) like.

So there you are - now GO MASTER THAT FRIZZ!   Here if you need us - email hello@beautyecology.com for any additional questions or to book an appointment!  

SHOP ALL EVOQ HAIR ESSENTIALS

Skin Burnout? How to Address Mitochondria Burnout & Aging

Ground Zero | Energy and your Skin

While wrinkles and a sagging skin are an initial outward signs of aging, it actually begins deep within your cells. The same can go for your hair growth - and it’s vitality.

In this informed beauty lesson, I’m covering how Mitochondria are the power plants within your cells which create ground zero for energy production allowing you to feel full of energy while imparting better skin. 

 I'll also share two key players proven to transform you into a energizing bunny.   

Iconic beauty, right? 

Mighty - Mito - Production

A HUGE GAME CHANGER at All Levels  

Let’s dive in!  

Starting off, there are many theories when approaching aging skin. Most products seek to just improve the visible appearance of aging skin, but Evoq Beauty is different.  

The fundamental formulating principles within our Evoq “beyond organic” skincare system focuses on targeting the very underlying causes of skin degeneration  – better known as mitochondrial decay – to help rejuve and improve your skin’s health now and over time.

“ - I call it the 80 / 20 rule -”

Look around you … 
Glowing skin is in influenced by both our genetics and environmental factors.  Epigenetic medicine points out this critical component referenced as your “exposome.” 

Simply put - 80% of aging is the environment controlling your cell to cell messaging and only 20% is genetically encoded.

So if our body's 20% of the natural aging process is not within our control (referred to as intrinsic aging), it’s clear that we play a huge hand in controlling the other 80% which are the lifestyle decisions and environmental factors such as the sun, pollution, smoking and poor nutrition (referred to as extrinsic).

Taking Back Control
Let's swing back and layout the ONE MAJOR CAUSE of accelerated aging called “mitochondrial decay."

Over time, depletion at the cellular level breaks down and collapses collagen at deeper layers, manifesting lines, lost volume, lost radiance, uneven pigmentation, and dryness.

Capturing 2 key players to help you take back control.

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The Role of Mitochondria
in Aging Skin

Mitochondria are small structures inside a cell that generate energy.

They produce 98% of the energy for the body.

For this reason, they are often called the ENERGY POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL.  

Down to a science. ...  The energy molecules are called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is essential to life – it supplies energy for all reactions in the body. Without it, life cannot exist.

Functions of Failure
Organs cannot borrow energy from one another, so the efficiency of each organ's mitochondria is essential to its repair processes and functions on it’s own. If an organ's mitochondria fail, then so does that organ. The skin is the largest organ in the body, so the enhancement and protection of actual mitochondrial function is instrumental in preventing and slowing skin aging.

Lost Mojo
When ATP is unable to be produced due to mitochondrial dysfunction, the resulting buildup of toxins leads to significantly lowered nutrient absorption. This is similar to what happens when an electrical circuit is obstructed and the energy flow is impeded.

The Free Radical Exchange
As ATP is produced by the mitochondria, a secondary waste by-product is naturally produced. These waste by-products are known as free radicals.   Free radicals are highly charged molecules lacking a paired electron making them very likely to bind to other atoms or molecules, which in turn gives rise to a process called oxidative stress. Not so great, because oxidative stress damages cells and is linked with various diseases as well as the commons signs of aging, including wrinkles in the skin.

The After Party Cleanup
When free radical parties are a little too loud, the clean up crew has to work harder than normal. As free radicals continue to rise, toxins accumulate until the cell is destroyed. Evoq’s skin nutrients provide antioxidants and oxygenation directly to the cells to alleviate the oxidative stress response and maintain energy production to allow the cells to detoxify and maintain integrity.

Evoq skin care naturally targets mitochondrial decay with our “Forces of Nature” approach which slows deterioration and simultaneously helping to sustain an optimize mitochondrial's functional ability in skin cells for long term skin health.

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 Skin Care Solutions + 2 Key Game Changers

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How Oxygen and Marine Plant Life brings
a New Force to your Skin's Vitality

A key component in almost every Evoq skin product encompasses components of the sea, and one specifically being phytoplankton.   This single-celled organisms lives amongst the various marine plant life species responsible for:

• approximately 70% of the earth’s oxygen supply
• a plethora of amino acids
• fatty acids
• antioxidants
• micronutrients and macronutrients
• minerals

Marine Biomimetic Super Power
By permeating the dermal membranes, marine plants deliver concentrated phytonutrients that directly benefit our cells rather than being held up in the digestive tract or decomposed and cleansed via the liver.

Cellular function, detoxification and overall immune support through   antioxidant content (which includes superoxide dismutase, Co2, astaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E) allows your body to more easily protect itself against free radicals.

Grab your oxygen mask and get a JUMP START!

Cellular Respiration with Oxygen
Our mind and bodies are bombarded by consistent variable levels of stress - slowing our reproduction capabilities. Validated research now offers the scientific proof of ways to “hack” and increase our health.

Get this, as we age, our skin’s ability to capture oxygen from blood circulation diminishes (50% by the age of 40).  

• Capillaries failure limits circulation of oxygen-loaded hemoglobin which is vital skin nutrients.
• Sluggish circulation interferes with the evacuation of toxins leading to skin aging symptoms including wrinkles, age spots and loss of tone and moisture.

The skin’s thirst for oxygen is vital in the production of collagen.  Evoq infuses liquid oxygen in our skin line to give an instant head start in promoting the dermal metabolic processes to enhance collagen formation resulting in the strengthening of the connective tissue matrix and firm, more youthful looking skin.

Like Meets “Like” and Inside Out
The electrolytes and micro-nutrients in marine life supports optimal cellular metabolism due to the composition of human plasma is said to be very similar to that of sea water. If this is the case, it would make sense to expand one’s regimen both externally and also internally with a diet beyond a land-based diet to also include the micro-nutrients, electrolytes and unique phytoproteins only afforded by ocean plant life.

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The Future of Your Skin + Care

Pretty dang powerful right?  Who wouldn’t want to infuse and resurrect their skin with oxygen and the most nutrient-dense food on Earth?

Evoq is a pioneer and leading research development company with authority on blending the most effective, high-potency phytonutrients with unparalleled botanical oils and terpenes in harmony with organic full spectrum hemp cannabinoids for rejuvenated skin.

We avoid fillers, harsh chemicals, estrogen mimickers, and artificial fragrances. We believe your skin, and the environment, deserve only pure, proven, non-toxic ingredients to nourish and support optimum cellular health.

 Xo . Kassandra

CBD and Breast Cancer [and what research says]

There’s a lot of research out there and it can be overwhelming!   I'm devoted to providing validated research that crystalizes clarity for you to get the information you need to help you and your family live healthier lives.

As you read through, I encourage you to frame this information with gratitude of the present knowledge we have available and the options from both the natural realms - and western medicine opportunities at hand when it comes to addressing cancer.   There is certainly no cure all - but as self advocates, knowledge is king ( ok...queen)!

CBD & Breast Cancer

Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. The great news is that many researchers have found evidence that CBD may be able to slow the progression of invasive breast cancer, which will affect approximately 1 in 8 U.S. women at some point in their lives.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the stalks, seeds, and flowers of cannabis plants like hemp. 

After breast cancer is identified and diagnosed, the efforts move towards inhibiting the  spread of the cancerous tumor. When reaching beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, it’s considered advanced, or metastatic.  

The great news is that studies over the recent years suggest that CBD may help inhibit metastasis in breast cancer cells. In 2014, researchers from the California Pacific Medical Research Center found that CBD appears to inhibit the Id-1 and Akt genes, which have been known to play a role in tumor growth.  Study: CBD Kills Breast Cancer Cells 

Here’s an excerpt from this study conducted by the  American Association for Cancer Research 

“It suggests that cannabinoid-based medicines may be useful for the treatment of most breast tumor subtypes, stating that “these compounds exert anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic [cell-killing], anti-migratory and anti-invasive actions in a wide spectrum of cancer cells in culture.” 

With a 1 in 8 stat, we all know a family who has been affected by breast cancer.   My hope is that whether we have a chronic or threatening disease, we shift to preventative care by using CBD as part of our self-care routines on a daily basis. 

The United States government has been resistant to recognizing the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, but has now recently declared in agreement that it has medicinal benefits by creating a pharmaceutical synthetic form of CBD.  Cannabinoids vs. Cancer  

From the TOP - DOWN.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, updated its website to acknowledge the benefits of cannabinoids as a “treatment for people with cancer-related symptoms caused by the disease itself or its treatment.”

In short, the NCI describes CBD as potentially benefiting those with breast cancer in two separate capacities:

• CBD has demonstrated anti-cancer properties
• CBD can help patients manage symptoms related to cancer treatments

In Depth: The Findings of CBD’s Anti-Breast Cancer Properties

In its overview on cannabinoid research, the NCI highlights the findings of studies suggesting CBD is potentially beneficial for fighting and inhibiting the spread of breast cancer.

These anti-cancer effects may be related to CBD’s influence over the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2receptors, as one study confirmed that CB1 and CB2 receptors are potential targets in breast cancer. However, an in vitro study looking at the effect of CBD on breast cancer found that the compound effectively “induced programmed cell death, independent of the CB1, CB2, or vanilloid receptors.”

In that in vivo study, CBD was able to inhibit the survival of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. The higher concentration of CBD administered, the greater the anti-breast cancer effects were. At the same time, CBD had little effect on normal breast cells.

The NCI points out that other preclinical studies have found evidence of CBD’s anti-tumor effects in breast cancer. CBD has also shown to increase the uptake of traditional anti-cancer drugs to improve their efficacy for inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, according to the findings.

 “The potential benefits of medicinal [cannabinoids] for people living with cancer include antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief, and improved sleep,” according to the NCI page.

Studies have found CBD to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by common cancer treatments like chemotherapy. In several animal models, the compound has also shown to have anxiolytic properties to reduce anxiety and regulate mood.

“CBD, in particular, is thought to have significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic activity without the psychoactive effect (high) of delta-9-THC,” reads the NCI page.

Other Groundbreaking Findings About Cannabinoids

The benefits from daily use of CBD are without bounds.  Attitudes toward cannabis are shifting as credible medical research efforts continue to reveal the plant’s exciting therapeutic potential.

Ample studies over the past decade, medical research has made intriguing discoveries about cannabis and its therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that medical cannabis:

• can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
• reduces the debilitating seizures caused by epilepsy 
• reduces spasms experienced by those with multiple sclerosis 
• minimizes the neurological damage caused by spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries
• can boost bone density and assist in healing.

 OVERCOME FEAR WITH KNOWLEDGE

In conclusion, OVERCOME FEAR WITH KNOWLEDGE and share with friends and family.  Remain updated on the available resources to help you make an informed decision.

We've listened to the many questions people have raised, and have worked diligently to supply a comprehensive cannabinoid education and purchasable phyto-cannabinoids natural and organic medicinal tincture options for you to explore and experience.

Learn how cannabinoids naturally interacts with the body’s systems, and become clear on the quality versus confusion of the array of products available. If you decide cannabinoids are right for you, feel free to reach out with any questions you may have - I'm happy to help!  

This loving plant is here to stay, and while its not the "cure all," it's synergistic value it brings to the formulated components that surround it, bring extreme bioavailability and benefits to those that believe in it.  

All my love -  Kassandra 

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This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Information on this website should never be used as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor, specialist or other health care professionals.

This product is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. This product should be used only as directed on the label. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications.

A Doctor's advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Links from this website to any other websites do not constitute an endorsement, inferred or otherwise, of those websites or the content therein, nor do they suggest any endorsement of our website by the external website or its authors. They are provided simply as information that may be of interest to our visitors unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Questions [and answers] to All Your Burning Questions About CBD

Hi there!    CBD Curious?

If you're just getting started on your exploration of Hemp and the growing industry of CBD enhanced products, this this is a great guide on the basics and how it can possibly help what ails YOU.

Canna-pedia | Topics to explore

• What is CBD?
• The difference between Hemp and Marijuana?
• Cannabinoids and the EndoCannaboid system.
• The Entourage Effect - Always necessary?
• Are CBD and Hemp Oil Supplements Legal?
• Where is Hemp grown and cultivated?
• The difference between CBD Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil.
• Is it important to use CBD from organic Hemp?
• Is CBD Legal?
• The various ways to take CBD.
• Finding the right dosage of CBD.
• What is CBD good for treating? What conditions should I use it for?
• Is CBD Hemp oil safe to use in Children?

WHAT IS CBD AND CBD OIL?

Cannabidiol is a phytocannaboid, a phytochemical that is found in the Cannabis sativaplant. There are many plants and naturally occurring substances that produce CBD. The human body produces CBD as well. CBD supplements are derived from the Hemp plant and may come in the form of isolated CBD or CBD Hemp full spectrum plant oils.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP AND MARIJUANA?

Hemp and Marijuana are both cultivated from the Cannabis sativa plant. Industrial Hemp is cultivated from Cannabis sativa. Hemp is bred to be taller and has fibrous stalks. It has minute traces of THC and is high in CBD oils and other phytochemicals. According to the US laws, Hemp must contain less than .3% THC. Our Evoq product line contains 0% THC and organically derived.   

Marijuana may be from either Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. It is cultivated for its flowering buds and is a smaller plant. It is high in THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes you feel “high”. Marijuana is used for recreational and medical purposes to induce a state of Euphoria and help with pain. Most of these affects are due to the high THC content.

CBD is in both Marijuana and Hemp. However, the CBD is much higher in Hemp, and is why Evoq formulates with safe, toxic tagalong FREE industrial hemp.  Plus, Hemp has more phytonutrients and phytochemicals that promote health and well-being.

CANNABINOIDS AND THE ENDOCANNABOID SYSTEM

Cannabidiol, CBD, is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in Cannabis. It is one of the major phytocannabinoids, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD and the other Cannabinoids interact with a system known as the Endocannboid system.

The Endocannaboid system is a biological system found in the nervous systems of all mammals. It is made up of endocannabinoids, which are fat based neurotransmitters, cannabinoid receptors, and receptor proteins. The ECS helps to regulate many functions in the human body including:

• Motor function
• Appetite
• Sleep
• Mood and Wellbeing
• Hormones
• Metabolism
• Immune function
• Memory and Cognition
• Fertility
• Pain sensation

The Human body produces cannabinoids and has receptors for them throughout the whole body. There are 2 main types of Cannabinoid receptors in the Nervous system. The CBD1 receptors are in the central nervous system composed of the brain and spinal cord. The CB2 receptors are in the peripheral nervous system and organs.

THC reacts with the CB1 receptors and that is what gives Marijuana is psychoactive affects. Hemp, which has predominantly non-THC cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN and other phytochemicals has a nutritive effect on the ECS and helps to regulate function of mood, inflammation, immunity, sleep, hormones, metabolism, nervous system and appetite.

WHAT IS THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT?   

The use of full spectrum Hemp oil supplements as the source of CBD is often ideal as it promotes what is known as the Entourage Effect, but there is a caveat.  Isolate is incredibly useful and powerful due to it's consistency and synergy when used with other key components (herbs, extracts, stem cells, etc) in a thoughtful formula.   The key here is that CBD is enhanced, and enhances other beneficial extracts in a formula.  

Full spectrum oils have a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals which work synergistically to enhance the benefits of each other. Some of the nutritional components in Hemp supplements include:

• Essential fatty acids
• Chlorophyll
• Glycosides
• Vitamins such as A, C, B-1, B-2, B-6, D
• Phytosterols
• Minerals such as zinc, magnesium, Iron and calcium
• Proteins and amino acids
• Terpenes
• Flavonoids and other Anti-oxidants

The Entourage effect means that the whole plant use allows the compounds in the plant to work synergistically with each other and magnify the therapeutic benefits of the individual compounds. This is a concept common in many herbal traditions and is believed to be why plants have less negative side effects when used in whole form than as isolated compounds.

When the CBD Hemp oil supplements are unadulterated, organic and NON-GMO, they provide a wonderful full spectrum food supplement that nourishes the ECS of the body.

ARE CBD AND HEMP OIL SUPPLEMENTS LEGAL?

CBD Oil Supplements derived from Industrial Hemp are legal as long as they contain no THC or less than .3% THC. CBD oils from Marijuana are a regulated substance and are only legal in states that allow medical marijuana with a prescription or have legalized recreationaL use.

CBD Hemp oil supplements coming from Industrial Hemp are legal to use and buy in all 50 states. CBD from Marijuana is subject to state laws relating to medical and recreational Marijuana use.

WHERE IS HEMP GROWN AND CULTIVATED?

Most industrial Hemp is cultivated in Northern Europe and Spain. In recent years, there has been a boom in Hemp cultivation in the United States, but heeds with caution.

Beware especially when stating"organic" on soil thats only been cleared for 2 years.  Many parts of the EU have been regulated for years, and when choosing a supplier in the US or outside the US, all standards apply to making sure they pass every lab test with verification.  Evoq provides a seed to sail documentation system that creates transparency at every level of extraction.  
 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD HEMP OIL AND HEMP SEED OIL?

Hemp seed oils come from cold pressed hemp seeds. They do not have CBD in them. However, they are rich in essential fatty acids and other nutrients. CBD Hemp oil extracts come from Supercritical CO2 extraction of the Hemp Stalks. The CBD Hemp oils are rich in CBD and other phytonutrients.
 

 CBD FROM ORGANIC HEMP

 It is essential to use only CBD Hemp supplements derived from Organic Non-GMO Hemp. The CBD is an oil and the oils of plants are storage centers for toxins and chemicals. Whenever supplementing with any oils, it is essential to only use products from plants grown with organic and Non- GMO methods.
 

 THE WAYS TO TAKE CBD HEMP OIL SUPPLEMENTS.

There are variety of ways to get CBD Hemp Oil into your health and well-being regime:

• Pills and Capsules
• Tinctures and Oil droppers
• Liquids for food and smoothies
• Beauty Products
• Topical creams
• Vaporizers
• Chewable snacks

WHAT DOSAGE OF CBD SHOULD I TAKE?

It is best to start with lower doses and work your way up. There are various options for different concentrations of CBD. There have not been adverse reactions reported with CBD supplements. Remember, CBD is naturally occurring in the human body. It is always best to use full spectrum Hemp extracts as a food supplement.

WHAT CONDITIONS SHOULD I USE IT FOR?

Decades of research indicate that cannabinoids like CBD interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, a complex system that contributes to a variety of biological processes like inflammation responses, relaxation, sleeping, and appetite. By linking with the two main types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are found on cells throughout the body, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, helping it in the regulation of homeostasis — the body’s natural state of balance.

The FDA does not allow the suggestion of CBD oils as a treatment for any diseases. I encourage you to do your own research on CBD for conditions that you are interested in. However, I feel that CBD Hemp supplementation should be looked as a food supplement that supports our ECS and promotes well-being and balance.

The exciting research on CBD has opened up a new window into the ECS and its interaction with our Immune systems, nervous systems, and endocrine systems. This is only the beginning of a new field of research and discovery on healing.

IS CBD HEMP OIL SAFE TO USE IN CHILDREN?

CBD Hemp oil supplements are safe to use in all age groups and demographics. It is a food supplement.

 

RSVP | EATING + DOSING FOR ENERGY

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Event:  EATING & DOSING FOR ENERGY

Date: AUGUST 22nd  @ Beauty Ecology

Time: 7pm

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JOIN our HAPPY HOUR where real women that prioritize their health and research the $h*t out of subject matters share tips you can benefit from.  

A highly sought after workshop previously taught in New York City that's scientifically validated - so you're FEELING GOOD - and at your disposal. 

A non fanatical approach for real women.

EATING + DOSING FOR ENERGY

BE is gladly hosting Steph Jensen, an Eating for Energy Coach, in this unique workshop where she’ll share the foundations of eating for energy.

Walk away with the basics of eating for sustained energy throughout the day so that you can be highly productive and still have energy left over for family, socializing, or getting to the gym at the end of a full day.

You’ll capture:

• what foods to skip to avoid brain fog and think more clearly

• the most common habits harmful to energy levels

• easy strategies so you can feel great and perform at your highest level

• the number one technique to boost your energy and productivity (instead of hitting a wall at 3 PM).

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At #BE we believe (pretty sure you do too) that in order to look good, you gotta feel good first! 

We know that if we FEEL GOOD, without force - we naturally experience more joy, are energized and dangit - we look good!   

Right?  It's a progression thing......

It’s why Beauty Ecology is a ONE STOP SHOP for health and wellness  products, in which ride right alongside all our Evoq Beauty hair, makeup and skin care essentials. 

It’s also why we prioritize community and connection by hosting wellness events to bring out inner “ah-ha’s” and solidified information to capture along our transforming journeys. 

 Let’s just call it active, informative and experiential self care. 🙂 

So... wanna know how to HACK YOUR ENERGY  + BLISS GENES?

RSVP ONLY

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More About Steph

Steph is an Eating for Energy Coach that helps people increase energy levels and get unhooked from sugar so that they can have fewer cravings, feel energized throughout the day, and function at their peak, bringing more ease and alignment into their lives.

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BONUS!   How CBD can help to improve your mood, energy and more.

In short, I’ll (Kassandra) give a introduction about Hemp Whole Plant Medicine (CBD)  pharmacology and how it influences a wide variety of receptor systems in body and brain that helps in controlling anxiety, addiction, depression, and improve energy levels and fight mood swings.

Claim your seat … they're limited!  
Email hello@beautyecology.com for any questions.

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Don’t miss how the top health hacks on energizing nourishment and nutrition and how your endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids may bring you energy and complete calm - at the same time.  

XO Kassandra

Aging Skin & the Root of it All

Is inflammation the culprit to all skin inefficiencies?

At Beauty Ecology, we see our clients struggle to pinpoint what results they’re wanting to specifically achieve when getting a facial, let alone have ultimate trust that it’ll work.  

Of course every woman wants to reduce fine lines, wrinkles or pesky adult acne or sun spots.  

 Wouldn’t it nice if there was one trigger to identify and better understand so you could address overall skin health- all at once?!

Hmmmm… Posing that means I’ve got a unicorn answer, right?

Yupper - by the end of this quick read, you’ll mostly likely agree that a skincare routine loaded in anti-inflammatory tactics is the most effective way to treat many skin concerns. As you know, I’m dedicated to always get to the root of the matter.  

Let’s jump in. 

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“My face isn’t red or agitated, so what’s this that my skin’s inflamed?”

First off,  each facial at BE is customized for your real time “needs” – and almost 75% of these “needs” are related to reduce fine lines, sun spots, and acne - but what your skin pro is REALLY focusing on …

(1) regenerative cellular health and      (2) calming inflammation.

We associate “inflamed skin” as an allergic reaction, a rash or hives. However, inflammation can take many forms and has many triggers.  The most alarming are the new studies validating that blue light from our tech obsessive lifestyles constantly put the skin into a low grade inflammatory (stressed) state.   In fact, it’s proven that most (if not all) aging stems from inflammation. I review the other key assaults further later.

Inflammation? It’s all good!

Heard it right!  It’s “good” because inflammation is our body’s built-in defense system to protect itself, as well as a great assistant in healing after an injury and is then designed to subside after your body is back to normal.

Here’s the rub.  

However, our modern day hustled and certain environments trigger long-term inflammation to stay constant in the body and contributes to unwanted skin conditions (and other ailments).

Common signs are:

- blotchy redness

- early signs of aging

- uneven hyper-pigmentation  

- stubborn breakouts

- Rosacea

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Where could inflammation be coming from?

 | It’s either an external or internal source |

The healing power’s in your hands.  
Besides the obvious external environmental pollutants, external triggers causing chronic inflammation stem from forgetting to apply protective SPF, over-exfoliating and using chemical laden skincare products that don't keep your skin pH balanced.  Others triggers may be from harsh fragrances, essentials oils (80% of oils are adulterated) and using facial room technology or acids that are over abrasive on the skin.

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Healing - It’s an inside job.  Let’s start there.

Stress says it all.  Due to the hormone, cortisol being elevated during stressful times, (short term is ok) and can backfire and catalyze long term inflammation. We know stress is hard to control, and ironically engaging in the 5 sensory engaged facial experience, scientifically validates the body is calmed, relaxed and able to reduce these inflammation markers.  In addition to that, the value add in a professional facial are result oriented treatments followed with anti-inflammatory calm-down techniques and home care products to keep the good vibes rolling. We’ll leave a meditation practice up to you!

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Aging  and Commitment

We don’t attribute to the “anti-aging” panacea, but realistically age defying products need to be committed to for short and long term skin health.  If inflammation causes a weakened moisture barrier, meaning you skin loses its ability to retain water - you will remain dehydrated, leading to fine lines and thinned skin.   

- Inflammation causes collagen and elastin to break down at faster rates.

- Inflammation is also associated with adult breakout activity and is much more likely to leave behind a darkened spot. Picking those breakouts induces trauma that causes more inflammation,  and a longer healing time.

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Self Care + the Ripple Effect on Inflammation
 

It takes awareness and action within our daily habits to bring true self-care. These efforts fundamentally include getting proper sleep and exercise combined with nourishing the body inside and out will help to keep inflammation at bay.

What we put in our body truly reflects the outer results (good and bad),  so do your best to avoid foods that cause inflammation ( saturated fats, fried foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates). Focus on skincare loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits and botanics, healthy omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, hemp and Vitamins A, C & E.

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Anti-inflammatory Recommendations  

CLEANSE: For soothing cleansers, check out Soothing Lavender Milk Cleanser.

TREAT: Our top inflammation-inhibiting treatment booster does more than calm - it's regenerative and antioxidant quenching properties are transformative! 

PROTECT: To protect you skin from damage even further, add a super-charged nutritive moisturizer  that oxygenates and reduces fine lines.    

SHEILD: To top off your routine, it's critical to use a chemical free broad-spectrum   SPF.   To assure you're getting your Vitamin D + Protection,  Evoq's Day Lite Prep & Protect  Moisturizer (SPF 35) is a perfect match and great for evening out most skin tones. 

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LONG TERM PREVENTION + SCIENCE

The IN & OUT of Cannabis Skin Transformation

Several peer-reviewed dermatological studies performed in recent years have suggested that CBD, a cannabis active compound, might have anti-inflammatory or beneficial properties for various skin disorders.

Signs of aging is a result of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

So hows CBD work?  The dense amount of antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E  bring therapeutic potential for a number of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.  CBD also sends messages to the CB2 receptors to essentially take a chill pill. 

Bulk up your routine with CBD's protective nutrients from natural sources to prevent inflammation, and you’ll never have to choose which skincare goal you to focus on. You’ll be multitasking for the win!  Here's the OUTER & INNER. 

In closing,  it's fair to say that inflammation is a major catalyst that needs attention when it comes to optimizing our inner and outer health and and skin health (call it aging if you must).  Awareness, self care and quality ancillary products are all part of the equation. 

Till next time!  xo . Kassandra