Commonly Asked Questions About CBD Answered

Extracted from cannabis or hemp plants, Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that provides users with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits. Many people are unsure of the facts surrounding CBD, and a lot of misinformation is circulating. Let's take a moment to look at some of the common questions regarding this compound and examine the answers.

Is it Marijuana?

Hemp is often confused with marijuana. While both compounds come from cannabis, they possess different chemical properties, are used for different purposes and are cultivated in different ways. The main uses of hemp include the production of oil that can provide pain relief, employment as a food ingredient and the manufacturing of clothes and other fabrics. Marijuana can consist of as much as 30 percent of the psychoactive compound THC that gives the plant its intoxicating effects. Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of that psychoactive compound.

Is it Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill eliminated the federal prohibition against growing hemp. However, the bill left it up to the states to govern the growth and use of hemp as they see fit. At the moment, CBD is in a kind of legal grey area in certain states due to common misunderstandings. A product that is legal in one state may become illegal by traveling a few miles to cross the state line of a neighboring state. CBD is legal to use and possess in 44 of America's 50 states. Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, West Virginia, and Indiana are the exceptions to this rule. You should also make sure to educate yourself on laws pertaining to driving while taking CBD.

What Conditions Does it Treat?

CBD has proven beneficial for a variety of issues, and the testimonials from users are seemingly endless. Pain relief is the most popular reason for CBD use. The compound has also demonstrated its benefits at aiding sufferers of depression and anxiety. The neuroprotective qualities of CBD have improved the quality of life for people with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Cancer patients have also found relief from taking CBD. From a beauty perspective, CBD is known to be beneficial for fighting acne, aging, dull skin, and redness.

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is tolerated well by most people and generally considered safe for consumption. However, there have been instances in which people have suffered side effects from the compound. Diarrhea, appetite changes and fatigue have been reported by people who do not tolerate CBD well. To ensure CBD does not negatively interact with something else, you should first speak to your doctor if you are taking other medications.

The use of CBD has exploded in popularity recently, but there are still many people who are unsure regarding the qualities of the compound and the legal atmosphere surrounding it. We hope that the basic information provided here regarding CBD and its usage will be helpful.

Shop organic, pure and safe Evoq CBD Clean Calm and Connected

THINNING HAIR 🕒 Do this while you still have time

HEY LADY!

✨✨✨✨
Tell me, have you ever looked at your scalp or at your brush and thought ...

OMG, is all of this hair loss normal?

Will my hair stop falling out?

Is this aging or stress, my hair is getting thinner!

Industry-wide,thinning hair a leading concern amongst salon clients,but few hairstylists know how to help a client get from here (helping to identify the source) to THERE (determining the best starting point, testing and solution-based options for the client).

I wish addressing thinning hair were as easy as just taking biotin, but it's not. 😔

| Fact |

40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

I personally experienced losing over 50% of my hair in a short 2 weeks(literally) due to a perfect storm of stress and a health collapse (low hemoglobin). I remember not wanting to even touch my scalp, let along wash my hair.

Luckily, I had help to my kryptonite (Root Revival - explained below).

In fact, this power hitter is 2X'S MORE POWERFUL THAN MINOXIDIL and 100% NATURAL and DRUG-FREE!

Life begins at the SCALP

ENTER ROOT REVIVAL'S Multi-therapeutic Regime, while you still have time!

• Help prevent hair loss

• May rejuvenate damaged hair follicles

• Aims to improve hair quality and texture

• Helps to restore healthy hair growth cycles

  Can increase circulation and nutrition to scalp and hair follicles
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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How'd Evoq different from other hair loss products?

Our activator takes into account the entire follicle process fromstart to finish. Many other products have "mono" (one) ingredients that help hair loss, but often falls short or is over abrasive with salicylic acid to try to remove buildup - leaving the scalp dry and sensitive.

How's the Root Revival Activator work?

Hair Loss happens due to the stem cells of the hair follicle becoming less productive. Moreover, the fibroblasts located in the dermal papilla are less effective in transmitting information to the stem cells, in consequence, the matrix is not able to renew itself as before.

Evoq's Root Revival Activator targets the hair follicle cells to reactivate its division and stimulate anagen initial phase(growth)and decrease the effects of the telogen phase(fall).

Its action on several fronts enhances hair growth more than any other compound, even more(clinically proven 2x's more) than Minoxidil which is known for its side effects.

To make it easy - below is a chart that displays the power of this powerful scalp enhancer, followed by a client that's experience incredible regrowth!

100% Natural Hair Growth Solution with Root Revival Activating Tonic

Reach out if you have any questions. Finding the root cause, combined with safe, toxic-free support is my passion and specialty. xo - Kassandra

Love and light! - Kassandra.

3 Reasons to Never Use Coconut Oil on Your Skin (bonus: 5 best skin oils)

Hello and welcome to The Awaken Beauty Podcast!

This mini-episode is a showstopper for sure!

I can guess you’ve probably purchased some coconut oil and slabbed it on your skin, thinking you’re getting the best and (cheap) skin benefit from this oil! OH NO HONEY, think again.

As a skincare creator, I absolutely understand the attraction to DIY products and keeping things simple. First off, our skin needs moisturizers to help prevent water loss. This is especially important for dry skin, dermatitis, aging and many other skin conditions.

I know it seems unavoidable since coconut oil is one (of many) natural oils that is often used as a moisturizer and seen as a miracle for everything! Just ask google. But the truth is, when applied to your skin, coconut oil can make your skin worse.

Don’t get me wrong I certainly use coconut oil in a myriad of ways! In this episode we’ll break down the top 3 ways coconut may make your skin worse in the long run and a bonus of what DIY oils to choose and a “Done For You option” I’ve developed and is found on Evoqbeauty.com

Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts!

On Today’s Episode, You’ll Awaken to:

👉 How 90%+ saturated fat is suffocating your skin

👉How the pH level of coconut disrupts your microbiome

👉What are great alternatives to coconut oil for the skin

👉Cannabis or CBD - is this a replacement for coconut?

👉How to integrate natural oils that nourish the skin into your life.

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Share the Love:
If you like The Awakened Beauty Podcast….
Subscribe, Rate & Review via iTunes
Visit us at awakenedbeautyhq.com for updates.
Businesses: www.evoqbeauty.com | www.beautyecology.com
Instagram @awakenbeautyhq
Instagram @evoqbeauty

Watch on Youtube at my channel: Awaken Beauty Podcast

Shop natural health and beauty products with EVOQ

Here’s how! Go to awakenbeauty-hq on ITunes and write your biggest takeaway in the rate and review section. Just pretend it says “ah ha” here!! Don’t just review the episode, I would love your ah-ha moment from this episode that is more specific so you can confirm your takeaway as you write, but also help others capture your brilliance. It’ll take 3 minutes from your day. What you declare will be life to others. So remember, go to I tunes to rate and review.

Comment or question you’d like to ask Kassandra.

P.S! Your review is not only paramount in helping others discover the show, but we also read each and every submission personally…and they mean the world to us.

Love and Light! - Kassandra
In the Meantime, STAY IN THE CONVERSATION! @awakenbeautyhq | #awakenbeauty

Sponsors:
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Remedies for Pain & Relaxation | Why & How with CBD Topicals

Pain

We have all had pain at some point in our lives.  Unfortunately studies show that women experience higher levels of pain and are more likely to have certain pain disorders than men.

We do not know all the reasons why, but hormones may play a role in women having more pain sensitivity. In addition, women have greater nerve density (more nerves in a given area of the body)—which may cause women to feel pain more severely than men.

Feeling it?

✔️ Back pain

✔️ neck pain

✔️ menstrual pain

✔️ headache pain

✔️ chronic pain

✔️ arthritis, ... you name it.

  Check your box. Whatever’s it’s flavor, it's not fun.  

Here is another interesting fact about how our mind and body work together for balance: when experiencing pain, 75% of the experience is rooted in neuroplasticity (how we think/perceive pain), and the rest of the 25% of “pain” is actually organic within our physiological body.

WOW! This knowledge is empowering and puts you back in the driver's seat.  As a hypnotherapist, I’d love to be a guide around the “mind/body” if you experience pain, but for today, we’re talking TOPICALS enhanced with CBD for healing.  

ENTER ARTISAN CBD REMEDIES FOR TOPICAL SELF CARE
& PAIN REDUCTION

I created our internal and external CBD remedies for women - just like us. Whether you suffer from pain, anxiety or insomnia, our new skin-healing and soothing benefits of topical CBD combined with our internal Organic Advanced CBD Tinctures. Learn more and shop Evoq’s NEW Topical Solutions below!

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“Does Hemp CBD in a topical make a difference and worth the money?”

Based on our beta CBD topical users, I would say - YES! Feedback with our Evoq topicals helped with symptoms like:

• Sensitive skin conditions

• Arthritis

• Cold sores

• Back/neck pain

• Overall skin  moisturization

• Tennis Elbow

• TMJ

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ANCIENT PLANTS FORMULATED FOR MODERN TIMES

How does CBD work on the skin?
Let’s review the HIGH INTEL behind our new creations and connect the dots on how powerful cannabinoids can be used for skin healing, tension relief and even aging BETTER! 

What’s the relationship of cannabinoids and the skin’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
In the skin, the ECS is intimately involved in processes like temperature, cell growth and death, and the regulation of hair follicles and sebaceous oil glands, the modulation of infections, and more.

Our Innate Neuro-immuno-endocrine System
As the largest organ with a complex system of neuro-immuno-endocrine functionality, it plays a vital part in maintaining the biological homeostasis and without any effort on your part, it orchestrates over 300 million cells perpetually regenerating and renewing into a new, healthy epidermis every 28 days.   

I’ve studied the science of skin for 15 years and with the resurgence of hemp has brought me new insight and excitement on how to help women optimize their incredible cellular symphony known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is a recently discovered family of molecules, receptors, and enzymes now known as the “master regulator” of the body – maintaining homeostasis (balance) across all of our physiological processes.

I do not have pain, so how’s a CBD topical help me? 
First things first. Our skin is the ultimate agent of “safe boundaries” when it comes to environmental assaults like pathogenic threats, UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.  It’s quick to tell us its has pain and pleasure at the same time.  

Epigenetics + Endocannabinoids
This system regulates and interacts with over 1000 genes and  – an 65 of them are found in our skin’s ECS.

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Specifically, how Cannabinoids help your pain and underlying inflammation?  

Our “Universal Regulator,” the ECS helps modulate the initial pain by communicating with the central nervous system. 

When in danger, the ECS recognizes the excess signals, and after deciding that there is no longer a need for the increase of inflammation, the cannabinoid receptors in the surrounding immune cells and tissues will begin to bind with cannabinoids and start to slowly reduce these inflammatory responses. 

 When key players of the symphony go off-key and skins cell to cell rapport is disrupted, it puts us at risk for the development of skin conditions. 

Endocannabinoid receptors embedded in skin cell membranes produce a wide variety of reactions when stimulated by cannabinoids, which can be endogenous (made by our own body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids) or exogenous (from the cannabis plant, which produces phytocannabinoids).

Using a topical application of phytocannabinoids can provide any localized area fast relief and skin repair by the cannabinoids binding capabilities to receptors within the skin, activating the skin’s ECS. 

Pretty powerful, right?  Now for the RESOLVE.

EXPERIENCE DEEPER HEALING WITH EVOQ CLEAN, CALM & CONNECTED CBD TOPICALS! 

Stress relief and deeper dream states - one swipe of CBD at a time

Evoq Hemp Calm Balm and Decompress Body Oil Key Benefits

• Penetrate multiple epidermis layers and bind with our skin’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, sealing in hydration and helping downregulate inflammation signally for the most intensive results

• Sun-grown, organic and natural ingredients.

• Muscle and joint soreness 

• Inflammatory skin conditions   

• Calm Eczema and reduce skin irritation

• Repair skin barrier

• Balances oil production

• Pre & Post Athletic Rub

• Help Cramps

• Calm TMJ

• Ease tension headaches

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CBD Extra Strength Calm Balm [1000MG]

A naturopathic healing balm to calm, soothe frayed nerves & aching muscles, and sweep tension away while moisturizing the skin barrier. 

Keep calm & hydrate: Ultra-rich Butter for Soothing Hydration and Pain-Relief 

Help dial down inflammatory discomfort and replenish vital moisture with our ultra-hydrating luxurious organic balm. It’s designed with a high concentration of plant actives, nourishing oils, and butters which may reduce blemishes, treat dryness, and promote naturally healthy skin. The abundant humectants draw moisture deep into the skin, while our whole plant hemp extract with CBD, terpenes, polyphenols, and fatty acids help to soothe aches, pains, and tension.

May help to:

-Muscle and joint soreness 

-Calm Eczema, Psoriasis and reduce skin irritation

-Ease tension from PMS and headaches

All Ingredients: Organic Full-spectrum CBD Oil Extract (500mg), Beeswax, Medium chain triglycerides, Organic Lavender essential oil, Organic Eucalyptus essential oil *Curated with organic, wildcraft, and food-grade ingredients.

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Decompress CBD Body Oil [1000MG]

An antioxidant and CBD rich luxury body and massage oil to unknot, unwind, and release tension. Nourishes the skin barrier and endocannabinoid system for beautifully soft, supple, and silky skin.

It’s like a high-vibe cashmere blanket of healing skin, muscle and joint love.

Life may come and go with pain, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the moments and how you perceive joy and freedom in your life. With our healing CBD body oil, you can decompress and reduce the minor aches and pains life holding you back.

An ultra-hydrating, organically sourced CBD body and massage oil nourishes the skin’s protective natural barrier function and dermal endocannabinoid system for beautifully soft, supple skin. This luxurious body and massage oil delivers three times higher active cannabinoids compared to conventional CBD topicals on the market. It has a concentration of 125mg of phytocannabinoids in every ounce and 1000mg per bottle. 

May help to:

-Body moisturizer and sports massage recovery oil

-Facilitate muscle recovery and soothe aches and arthritis pain 

 -Decrease symptoms of cramps and PMS

All Ingredients:

Activated Full Spectrum CBD Extract (1000mg), Sesame Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E,  Mineral Oil, Vitamin A, Organic Lavender Essential Oil *Curated with organic, wildcraft, and food-grade ingredients.

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How to find the RIGHT CBD topical through when there is a lack of industry standards.

What makes Evoq’s topicals different from the rest?   
We use a best-in-class 3rd party ISO/IEC-accredited facilities to ensure every batch of our products for consistency, quality, purity, and potency.

Surpassing industry standards, I’ve put 1000mg  of active topical phytocannabinoids in each bottle and jar - surpassing the average 250mg to 500mg standards.  

I’m thrilled with the initial evidence from our users and the future possibilities. And with growing consumer interest, companies are racing to the market with new products – but, buyer beware.

What’s “Really” in your investment? Mislabelling Issues

The Journal of the American Medical Association found widespread mislabelling issues.

 **A sum of 84 products were purchased and analyzed (from 31 companies) and only 30% actually contained the CBD concentration stated on the label, highlighting the need for manufacturing and testing standards and stronger regulatory oversight. 

Delivery system and fillers:  Filler ingredients found in topicals on the internet may inhibit the efficacy of the active cannabinoids, let alone ingredients not so “clean” and leaves you smelling like a medicine bomb (camphor/menthol).  

Example a CBD Topical Full of Ingredient Fillers:  
Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ethylene Glycol Distearate, Menthol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Allantoin, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Glycerylstereate, Peg 100, Stearate, Diasonilidyl, Tocopherol Acetate

Before you buy anything, make sure the company is transparent about its standards and testing for ensuring consistent purity and potency.

Evoq’s new CBD topicals smell heavenly - like a soothing warm caress of aromatic calming love of lavender, eucalyptus and herbals. 

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Let’s review!

Why CBD Topicals?

Topicals with high enough percentages of cannabinoids are pain and inflammation relieving as well as skin-nourishing with a plethora of additional phytonutrients and essential fatty acids making it highly moisturizing, calming, conditioning, and protecting.

When to Use CBD Topicals

What woman isn't looking to release tension or fine-tune a targeted, localized area of discomfort after a long day or warrior workout?   Our Evoq CBD co-ingredients include essential oils like lavender oil to help calm body and mind before bed or in times of stress or headaches. 

How to include CBD Topicals in your day!

I highly suggest being consistent. The topicals best work when incorporated into your daily routine.   The great thing about CBD-infused topicals is that you can use them on the go! Using them before (or after) your workout, when you need a moment’s peace during a hectic day when your baby gets a “boo-boo,” or for the perfect pre-bed decompress. 

Whatever the case, you can use topicals liberally wherever and whenever you need their support.

Whether you’re looking for better skin barrier health (plump with less fine lines) or nagging pain or light headache - Evoq’s CBD-infused topicals are a great place to start (or continue) your CBD journey. 

We already use skincare on the daily, so this is an enhanced, scientifically proven way to nourish the skin in a remarkable way.   In addition, CBD brings a wider holistic approach to help you feel refreshed, calm, and rejuvenated no matter what’s happening in your jam-packed- every- day. 

PREMIUM, CLEAN INGREDIENTS  MATTER

Quality over quantity is our philosophy, all of our products are handcrafted in small batches and exceed industry standards.

SHOP EVOQ ORGANIC CBD

How to Detoxify Harmful Xenoestrogens From your Beauty Rituals | Part 2

Hi dear one!

I hope you’re doing great!  This powerful time together is a carry over [ part 2 ] from our previous conversation about estrogen mimickers called xenoestrogens.  

 Many personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoos, and body lotions, contain  harmful chemicals. For example, one of the most common chemicals found in personal care products is “Fragrance,” which can be made up of hundreds of various chemical compounds. Fragrances are linked to liver and kidney damage, cancer and endocrine disruption which interferes with your adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands.

When we use these personal care products we can inhale the toxins as well as absorb them through our skin (the largest organ that connects to the inside of our body). 

It’s simple enough just to say “Opt for natural plant-based alternatives with simple ingredients that have names you recognize…” its just as important to know the why and how to recognize the unwanted ingredients damaging our health.  

Before we move forward, make sure you’re read up on how the pesky chemicals mimicking our estrogens succumb us and cause havoc in the first place! 

For a quick review: 

 WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that mimic estrogen. Unfortunately, unlike estrogen, which the body fully eliminates after its job is done,  xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells where they disrupt the proper functioning of the reproductive system and increase hormone imbalances and the risk of disease in the breast and ovaries. 

Causes of Estrogen Dominance

The body accumulates excess estrogen in two ways:

Endogenously (inside) - We make too much of our own estrogen and it’s not being properly eliminated.

Exogenously (outside) - Excess estrogens enter the body from external sources, such as foods, the environment, toxins, and chemicals, and are not being properly eliminated.

Excess Estrogen Common Catalysts:

Stress - 

Surprise!  The leading cause of endogenous estrogen stems from excessive and prolonged stress which inversely decreases progesterone production to make more cortisol, the main stress hormone. This results in high estrogen levels in relation to progesterone.

Impaired Liver Function – 

Mentioned in part one, we know the liver removes excess hormones from the body, and if not working properly - it leads to estrogen dominance.

Dysbiosis –

A higher count of bad bacteria vs. good bacteria in the gut inhibits the conversion of estrogen into water-soluble molecules.  This causes the estrogens to recirculate back into the bloodstream where it can re-exert its effects. Gut health is very important for the metabolism of all hormones.

Now onto the deeper understanding of  ( Xenoestrogens ) from Personal Care Products

You may be overwhelmed, but trust me - reducing your xenoestrogen exposure through awareness when applied to your beauty products is easier than you think.    The impact is huge, and I have no doubt this will be helpful and clarifying for you and your beautiful health! 

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Two Reasons Why Xenoestrogenss Hidden in Skincare Is Harmful

Increase of Cancer Risk

About 40% of all cancers in women are hormonally driven. When estrogen mimickers are present in our beauty products - it increase the overall levels of circulating hormones. This is why it may also increase our risk for certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.

Breast cancer is estrogen-dependent.  Research has shown that xenoestrogens in personal care products can pose an increased risk of breast cancer.

Fertility 

In women, exposure to xenoestrogens can predispose us to estrogen dominant related health conditions like PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fibroids and fertility.   

Exposure to xenoestrogens is not the sole cause of these fertility, rather it’s constant exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds, like in your daily skincare routine that affects these conditions.

When becoming pregnant, xenoestrogen exposure can also be harmful.  In mice, exposure to xenoestrogens during pregnancy has been shown to affect the estrogen levels of the developing fetus. Men are perhaps even more susceptible to the negative effects of xenoestrogens on their fertility than women are. 

Xenoestrogens could be contributing factors to the deterioration of these men’s semen quality, resulting in their inability to conceive.

So, if you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, xenoestrogens in a beard oil or facial cream should be assessed as a easy way to reduce your exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds.

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Which leads me to how to awaken to xenoestrogens in our personal care and beauty products.

Outside-In 

When you consume chemicals internally they are first filtered through the liver before they make their way into the bloodstream, but when you use skincare products that contain xenoestrogens, they may pose risk  through absorption.  

 Top INGREDIENTS To Remove

Phthalates: Are round in cosmetics, cleaning products, food packaging, and detergents, PVC plastic, toys, and plastic wrap.

Buyer beware, the worst part about Phthalates is that Phthalates often times hide in the ingredient list under “fragrance.” Companies are able to vaguely label a group of ingredients as simply “fragrance” in order to protect trade-secret ingredients.

• Phthalate

• DEP

• DBP

• DEHP

Parabens: found in deodorant, antiperspirant, moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

Parabens show up in personal care products because they are antimicrobial agents and preservatives.

• Ethylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Methylparaben

• And other ingredients ending in “-paraben”

Looking for a “paraben-free” label is the easiest way to avoid exposure to these xenoestrogens in your skincare products.

Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake-eyelash adhesives and some shampoos. It has been banned in other countries.

Fragrance: Has hormone-disrupting effects. Fragrance is also connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma and allergies. Instead, use products with natural fragrances only.

Lead: A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor found in certain eyeliners, hair dye and lipsticks.

Mercury: A known irritant and allergen that, with body accumulation over time, can impair the brain and nervous system.

Oxybenzone: An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cellular damage. I recommend wearing skin-protective clothing and using natural minerals or zinc products.

DEA/TEA/MEA (Ethanolamines): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, hair color, body washes, soaps and topical application. It’s been associated with cancer in animal studies.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body.

Diethylene glycol (or DEG): A central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. Sometimes found in fragrances. 

Note: Glycerin and propylene glycol are sometimes contaminated with DEG, which are common ingredients in personal care products.

Follow Awaken Beauty on IG!

Stay Beautiful Inside and Out by Focusing on Nutrition and Detoxification

In conclusion, reoccurring toxins that build up in the body can adversely impact one’s health, hormones, looks and overall well-being.

I suggest checking your beauty-product labels, eating a plant rich diet, frequent exercise and plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body naturally flush out toxins not only keeps xenoestrogens at bay but might also deter blemishes and fine lines that show up on your skin. 

If you are having skin issues or any hormonal imbalance symptoms you should have your hormones tested instead of guessing. The comprehensive hormone panel is an excellent starting place for evaluating hormone function. 

Small changes can add up to big impacts, so keep your eyes open for them and continue making healthy choices where and when you can.

To start making confident and empowering decisions today, head on over to www.evoqbeauty.com where you’ll find Xeno-FREE hair, skin and wellness products galore!  

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Awaken Beauty Podcast:
Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review! 

Want to grab the top most offensive xenoestrogens in youre life? Just head to Awakenbeautyhq.com and find this mini episode with show notes! 

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care?  Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com. E-V-O-Q beauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for your very first order! 

XO Love n’ light,   Kassandra

Functional Medicine: Why It Rocks

Many people become discouraged by the way that modern medicine works for them. Many people have ailments and various conditions that just can’t be helped even after many visits to different doctors and specialists. Luckily, there are a number of alternatives that you can utilize to treat your body as a whole. Functional medicine looks at your body as a whole You don’t just use prescription medications or surgery as a way to quickly fix your problems. You will change your life to incorporate healthy lifestyle practices that will benefit and balance your body. Let’s look more closely at functional medicine and why it rocks.

It Lasts

When you use prescriptions to treat symptoms or issues that you’re experiencing, this is usually a temporary fix for the problems you are experiencing. In most cases, you won't achieve a permanent cure. When you utilize functional medicine, these lifestyle changes are things that you will use for the rest of your life. You will learn how to eat properly, how to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine and use more holistic forms of treatment for your issues. Overall health changes are persistent and provide lasting benefits.

It's Safer

Functional medicine and holistic health practices are much safer than Western medicine in many cases. Many prescription drugs can negatively affect a person’s body or mind. They can even be addictive or carry serious side effects. Unfortunately medical errors do happen, and can be very bad. Some of these medical errors can be deadly. Functional medicine is a safe approach that won’t hurt your body further or make irreversible changes. You’ll be very much in control of the healthcare that you are receiving.

It Focuses on You

Functional medicine doesn’t require you to see multiple specialists to address different concerns that you have. Functional medicine takes a whole-body approach. You will attempt to balance things like your hormones, digestive system, nervous system and other aspects of your body. All of these systems can work together to help you feel your best each and every day.

Before you make any kind of changes to your medical routine, you’ll want to speak with a professional. This is especially true if you have pre-existing conditions or chronic diseases. It may take some time to transfer over to a more functional approach to your health, but this is a change that could be very beneficial.

Read more about our approach to functional medicine and why we are so passionate about this subject.

A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Estrogen Dominance from Xenoestrogens | Part One

Did you know that your stress levels and hidden chemical-laden skincare products may actually be behind your stubborn weight gain to a myriad of other symptoms?

Here, I share informative hormone health tips that I discuss on the Awaken Beauty Podcast.

We explore what happens as a consequence to our inner and outer ecosystem and daily actions that may be putting us at risk when we have “too much” or an imbalance of Estrogen.

Estrogen is what gives us women our beautiful hips, breast and thighs and keeps our entire body well lubricated. Estrogen also increases the health of our bones, plump skin, mood and much more.

Feeling it?

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Water retention

• Acne Breast swelling and tenderness

• Headaches

• Fibrocystic breast changes

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

• Hair loss

Today we review exactly how your estrogen gets out of balance and the critical key actions you can take to become aware and detoxify them!

Listen to the show below (scroll down to watch on Youtube)

How Does Your Estrogen Get Out of Balance?

Based on endocrine research, an imbalance happens in two primary ways.

1. Inability to metabolize hormones.

Not being able to rid our body of excess estrogen is becoming more common and is caused by a myriad of factors including genetics, stress, diet and lifestyle.

These may all contribute to an excess of hormones in the body and known as endogenous (internal).

The leading biomarker to test is if you have a optimal biological function to detoxify efficiently on a daily basis. There are tests to learn more about your personal ability to methylate and what specific detoxification pathways your body engages — good or not so good.

If left unchecked, a long term circulation of hormones can lead to an excess of certain hormones, particularly estrogen, in the body tissue.

2. Exposure to excess hormones in our outer environment.

Exposure to exogenous (external hormones) or hormone like substances can make a woman go crazy - and it’s the consequence of modern day living exposure to hormone like substances on a daily basis.

It’s these excess hormones that are obtained from a coined word knows as “xenoestrogens” that may directly contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other health deficiencies.

How’s this happen? Glad you asked!

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WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic our body’s natural hormone, estrogen. Normally our endocrine system releases an appropriate amount of each hormone for the body to function optimally. When’s the last time you’ve felt fully balanced?

This disruption happens because these chemicals bind to or block our natural hormone receptors.

So these xenoestrogens, in particular, get in the way of our estrogen receptors. This keeps our natural estrogen from binding as it normally would.

This leads to higher levels of circulating estrogen free flowing in our bloodstream, known as estrogen dominance

So in a nutshell, the more xenoestrogens we’re exposed to, the more total estrogen we’ll have in our bodies.

Mimicking estrogens effect on weight gain in a couple ways:

First, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals target signaling proteins to make more fat cells which can promote weight gain.

Next, this can further change the energetic balance and the metabolism of ghrelin and leptin, the chemicals which control hunger and satiety. Errored thinking and a double minded confusion then leads to overeating.

Endocrine Disruptors and Estrogen Dominance

Unfortunately our environment is so filled with these chemicals (both inside and outside our home), our bodies are constantly inundated with and exposed to them.

Signs of this estrogenic excess weight are usually found around the abdomen, thighs, breast and the back of the arms.

Instigating the situation even more, excess estrogen processes an enzyme called aromatase, which converts our adrenal steroids (hormones) into estrogen. MORE ESTROGEN!

See the cycle?

It’s a cruel twist of biological fate, that estrogen prompts the formation of more fat cells, and the cycle just perpetuates itself.

EXCESS WEIGHT = EXCESS ESTROGEN = MORE FAT STORAGE

How about he role of stress?

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland and can easily sabotage weight loss. This is a basic biological function intended to protect us from starvation. When we experience high levels of stress, we produce high levels of cortisol, and our bodies store fat, sort of like an emergency backup plan.

So if you’re leading a high stress lifestyle, and wondering why you can shed those pesky pounds despite your best efforts, finding a way to de-stress is a must.

Feeling stressed? You can address overwhelm in a matter of seconds. I trust you’ll love the 7-11 breathwork exercise.

Exercice: Take a moment and close your eyes closed and put your hand on your stomach. As you take it deep breath in for seven and release for a count of 11, allow your stomach to gently push your hand out and in until you’ve changed your state into a calm, clear, clean, quiet, powerful and peaceful mind.

Now that we are clear and calm, let’s go in depth and create a plan on how to improve detoxification for overall wellness and weight management.

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5 Steps to Balancing Your Estrogen Naturally

Love Your Liver. Your liver is responsible for metabolizing and releasing estrogen out of the body.

Nutrient density – Eat quality protein
– Eat plenty of garlic and onions
– Take a B complex
– Eat a minimum of 3 cups of cruciferous vegetables weekly

Fix Your Gut.
Once the liver processes estrogen for elimination, it is up to your gut to move it out! If you are experiencing constipation, there is a good chance your estrogen isn't making its way out, but instead, going back into circulation in the body. Figuring out and treating the underlying cause of your digestive issues is crucial in creating optimal hormonal health.

Eat Fiber. Aim for at least 25 grams per day by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fiber will keep your bowels regular and help eliminate waste, including unnecessary estrogen.
Stress Less.

Sleep! Seven hours is the minimum you should be getting nightly. Your body needs sleep and your hormones demand it.

Remove Products Containing Endocrine Disruptors

Front and center, as a formulator, I can see first hand how estrogen mimicking chemicals are traditionally found in personal care products. As I started formulating over 12 years ago- I made sure none of my skin and hair products were free of hormonal disruptors.

I’ll go deeper into Xenoestrogens in beauty products on a upcoming episode, but for today’s purposes, I want to leave you with a overview of the top 3 offenders you can address immediately.

Ready to take action?

The importance here is to bring awareness to our inner and outer everyday trance of “normalcy” by assessment because I want to make sure that you're informed and you know how to support your hormones in every way possible.

So let’s jump into the power of removing these top three!

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3 Most Common Endocrine Disruptors and How to Find Them

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a chemical that has been associated with cancer, including breast cancer. But beware! The chemicals they use to replace BPA are equally concerning in regards to the negative health effects like sabotaging your fertility, causing your weight to climb, and painful periods.

BPA is Commonly Found In:

• Receipts

• Plastic bottles and containers

• Canned foods

• Food packaging

2. Flame Retardants

Your rest it at night may be in conflict with your hormones!

The tricky thing about flame retardants is that they aren’t just in our couch cushions or mattresses. They are also in our pets beds, find their way into the dust in our home, are in baby car seats, electronics, and on kid’s pajamas.

• Flame Retardants Are Commonly Found In:

• Mattress

• Furniture

• Pet beds

• Children’s Car Seats

How to Avoid Flame Retardants:

• Check the labels on clothes and don’t even touch those synthetic pajamas in the store.

• Check the labels on furniture before you make a new purchase

• Purchase flame retardant free mattress

• Choose pet beds without flame retardant

• Use a HEPA or other air filter in your home

3. Phthalates

Ever wonder why you hear avoid fragrance when it comes to hormones? That’s because fragrances can be a source of phthalates, which are known to cause harm to reproductive health.

Phthalates Are Commonly Found In:

• Personal care products

• Plastic wrap and food storage containers

• Plastic children’s toys

• Fragrances in trash bags, diapers, and candles

• Air fresheners

How to Avoid Phthalates:

• Read labels and avoid products that list phthalates or fragrance

• Eat out of glass, rather than plastic storage containers

• Ditch air fresheners and opt for essential oils instead

• Buy natural, beeswax candles only (or at minimum fragrance free)

• Use laundry detergent that doesn’t have artificial fragrance

Eating organic foods as often as possible

Avoiding Xenoestrogens (like personal care products or cleaning products that can disrupt our hormones)

Avoiding further exposure by not eating out of plastic containers and not touching the paper receipts from the grocery store.

Make sure you're getting a variety of fiber-rich foods that can help you carry waste out. And, at the same time, those foods are supporting your overall hormonal system, your nutrient health, and your liver detoxification.

You can also support detoxification and elimination of chemicals that harm your hormones by supplementing with:

• Diindolylmethane (DIM)

• Broccoli seed extract

• Resveratrol

• Chrysin

• Calcium D-Glucarate

• Folate

• Magnesium

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Well ladies, that’s it! I get pretty heated up around hormone disrupting invaders in our life.

Stay tuned to a story shared with Julie Tebben on Episode 11 and how it directly relates to the importance of our beauty and personal care products we use as women, every day.

Here’s a few facts to preface my next mini episode on Xenoestrogens and products.

The average US woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing 168 different chemicals

While most men use fewer products, they’re still exposed to about 85 such chemicals daily

Women with higher levels of personal-care chemicals in their bodies experienced menopause two to four years earlier than women with lower levels

Ok, Enough for now. I hope you enjoyed this savvy info.

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Watch on Youtube!

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You can listen to the episode here.

Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review!

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care? Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for 25% your very first order!

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Download the SHOW NOTE PDF HERE!

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Resources:

Dr Jolene Brighten

Thttps://www.energeticnutrition.com

https://www.shechangeseverything.com/blog/2018/11/4/are-chemicals-making-you-sick-the-full-list-of-obesogens

The Importance of Hydration for Body and Skin

Water has a greater impact on your quality of life than you think. We've all heard that getting our daily water is important for general health, but it's less common knowledge that hydration has a significant impact on how well we age.

Signs of Dehydration Are More Common Than We Think

According to HeartMD Institute, brain fog, fatigue, poor short-term memory, and headaches are common hallmarks of low-level dehydration. The need for water may not occur to us as the cause of these cognitive effects. We tend to consider other sources of trouble first, such as a lack of sleep or whether we’ve eaten recently. It could be a good practice to have two glasses of water and wait an hour before deciding that other causes are to blame.

Hydration Staves Off Aging

According to ASEA, stress, diet, and air quality can impact the ability of your genes to repair cellular damage, all of which are problems that are increasingly prevalent in these times. Proper hydration helps combat cognitive decline and the onset of metabolic diseases that accelerate aging, including heart disease. When the body is dehydrated, the blood is thicker and makes your heart work harder. Additionally, thicker blood increases the risk of inflammation, plaque, and clots, which opens the door for other cardiac and vascular trouble.

The Barrier of Our Skin Needs Protection

Your skin is an actual organ of the body that acts as a barrier. Toxins come out with our sweat, but our skin also prevents bad things from coming in. If the skin is unable to hold its moisture, we not only age prematurely, but our barrier becomes more permeable than nature intended. Lotions that contain propylene glycol and sodium PCA help the skin bind to water, while urea helps to reduce water loss. Exfoliation plays an important role in keeping the skin hydrated, as dead skin can clog pores and prevent protectants from doing their work.

One of the first things to be affected by dehydration is our cognitive function. Proper hydration helps you to maintain focus and alertness. Your need for water will only increase as you get older, and you want to preserve your cognitive abilities for as long as you can. Increasing your hydration, both inside and out, can be one of the greatest things you can do to help prevent cellular damage and the onset of disease.