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

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

May we be as big as IN someday. .... 

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

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

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

 

Read the article HERE 

Intelligent Nutrients expands, riding wave of green consumers

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

The green movement is also catching on with consumers.

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

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

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

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

at the....DRUGSTORE 

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

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

at the....DEPARTMENT STORE 

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

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS SOLD ... at your salon and spa

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

WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS THE INGREDIENTS USED IN THE PRODUCTS

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

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

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

AVOID THESE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR SKIN CARE PRODUCTS.

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

The Kasia Organics “Informed Beauty” Promise:

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

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

Reference: Renee Reloux

Beauty by the Numbers!

The 10 Most Unwanted Ingredients In Everyday Beauty Products

Are you aware that most of the shampoos and personal care products used today have cancer-causing agents? Here is an overview of the Top 10 Unwanted Ingredients commonly found in shampoos and skin care products and their possible side effects.

 

1. Isopropyl Alcohol This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substance's natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and coma.

2. Mineral Oil Baby This is 100% mineral oil. This derived substance is commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin just like also used in plastic wrap. The skin's natural immune barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb and as a the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The solvent in firm skin's ability to release toxins is impeded by this "plastic wrap,"which can promote acne and other disorders. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age.

3. PEG This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, Pegs are often used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. Pegs contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. Propylene Glycol (PG) As a "surfactant"or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says "... in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced -eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death." According to the American College of Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.

It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which cause the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate-contaminated food." According to the American College of Toxicity report,"SLS stays in the body for up to five days..." Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste."

6. Chlorine According to Doris J. Rapp, M.D., author of Is This Your Child's World? exposure to chlorine in tap water, showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) DEA and MEA are usually fisted on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MEA, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said, "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especially important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

8. FD & C Color Pigments Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death. Debra Lynn Dadd says M Home Safe Home:"Colors that can be used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

9. Fragrance Fragrance is present in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," Home Safe Home.

10. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo Clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

The Kasia Organics “Informed Beauty” Promise:

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

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

Is Johnson & Johnson "Going Green?" Not quite - but coming along...

In 1943 when Johnson & Johnson was about to go public Robert Wood Johnson established a credo to guide his ever growing company through the years ahead. His credo is still in use today.

In one section it states:

We must maintain in good order the property we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and natural resources.

What a pure and simple sentiment. However, that simple statement seems like an almost impossible task to fulfill in today’s consumer economy and culture.

Janet Nudelman, cofounder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics coalition (and fans of natural cosmetics), blew the whistle on Johnson & Johnson four years ago when the nonprofit watchdog’s testing revealed that the company’s gentle, mild No More Tears baby shampoo actually released the carcinogen formaldehyde. The coalition includes more than one and a half million members, from the Environmental Working Group, American Nurses Association, Friends of the Earth, and the Physicians for Social Responsibility.

In 2012, Johnson & Johnson pledged to remove all carcinogenic chemicals and other harmful ingredients from “almost” all of its adult products worldwide by the end of 2015. And baby products, including that carcinogenic shampoo, would be reformulated with safer ingredients by the end of 2013.

Susan Nettesheim, vice president of product stewardship and toxicology for Johnson & Johnson’s consumer health brands, said, “We want people to have complete peace of mind when they use our products.”

These products include Johnson’s baby lotion and bath products, as well as Desitin for diaper rash, and adult skin care brands like Aveeno, Neutrogena, RoC, Clean & Clear, and Lubriderm. J&J also manufacture medical devices and prescription drugs.

The chemicals that J&J plan to remove include triclosan, phthalates, and some parabens, though they will keep methylparaben,ethylparaben, and propylparaben. It will also remove those fragrance ingredients which are not disclosed on the label.

While these changes are promising, the company has stated that it will, however, allow chemicals that release formaldehyde when no other safe alternative will work.

But consumers are still applauding the effort. In February, Johnson & Johnson executives were offered a document with 30,000 consumer signatures, thanking the company for the products they have so far reformulated.

Johnson & Johnson has so far eliminated parabens, which serve as preservatives (but only in baby products; they have no answer as to why parabens continue to be used in other products). It also says it has removed DEP, the phthalate most commonly used in fragrance and other cosmetics, and other phthalates from all products. They’ve further announced that their fragrances wouldn’t contain animal-derived ingredients, nitromusks and polycyclic musks, tagetes, rose crystal and diacetyl. Triclosan, once added as an anti-bacterial ingredient, also has been eliminated.

Most importantly, Johnson & Johnson claims it has reformulated about 70 percent of its baby products with new formulations that reduce 1,4-dioxane, linked with cancer. According to its website, it has pressured suppliers to reduce the compound in materials it continues to search for ways to eliminate it altogether.

But it’s  not just Johnson & Johnson that need to change its policies. Research done by the Environmental Working Group shows that most personal care products sold by large companies contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

Do you think Johnson & Johnson is doing enough to make its products safe? 

The Kasia Organics “Informed Beauty” Promise:

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

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

Reference Guest Blog - Salon Naturals

Get Infused for Summer - Kasia Skindeep Organic Medi-Peel

Warm weather and sun rays are upon us, and facial ‘peel’ lovers need an alternative for the summer months due to the reaction of the skin with the exposure to UV rays. Ladies you are in luck!  At Kasia we offer a facial peel with the newest technology that delivers a non-chemical peel like no other called the Medi-Facial Peel. 

• No downtime involved
• Dermal therapy peel will nourish the skin while bringing results
• Allowing you the ability to get right back out into the sun (with Kasia "Good Day Sunshine protection, of course!).
• We customize each treatment to meet your needs with an added personal touch.

The  Kasia Skindeep Organic Medi-Peel and/or Facial have a 2.0% Retinaldehyde, making it the only non-acid peel that will infuse the dermis with fibroblast stimulators, immune boosters, antioxidants, pigment lighteners, and calming anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients.  Expect results with this powerful synergy that rejuvenates the skin by increasing collagen production, fighting free radical damage, scavenging scar tissue and helping reduce hyperpigmentation making it an amazing treatment for any skin type or condition.

To learn more about the facial protocol and Before & After results, visit here! 

How does it work?

This facial treatment

• Increases nourishment to the skin
• Encourages a gentle and natural cellular turnover
• Effectively resurfaces the epidermis
• Resurfacing of the epidermis.  Deep wrinkles will begin to diminish and elasticity and firmness will increase as your skin is infused with essential proven ingredients to help reverse aging and improve the health of your skin.

To learn more about the facial protocol and Before & After results, visit here!

To book an appointment with our Skin Specialist, call 612 824 7611.

Stop Weight Gain from Thyroid Complications and Get Your Body Back

Guest Post from Womentowomen.com

Most of us still blame our weight gain on lack of willpower, eating too much and not exercising enough. Unfortunately, magazines, the internet and even many well-meaning practitioners continue to perpetuate the blame game. But when your thyroid is imbalanced, you’re likely fighting an uphill battle with your weight that simply isn’t your fault. And you can do something to stop it.

When thyroid hormones are low, it causes physical changes in your body and brain that increase weight gain. Even with minimally low thyroid hormone, the centers of the brain that control appetite are altered and the chemical “messengers” that regulate how and when we eat get mixed up. These messengers include serotonin, beta endorphin, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which perhaps not coincidentally, are also tightly connected to moods. If that wasn’t enough, the hormone leptin — which stimulates weight loss, decreases hunger, and increases fullness — can also become inefficient when thyroid hormone is low.

These changes often lead to sharp carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, distressing changes in body shape, as well as low energy, and depressed mood. But you have the opportunity to nip this weight gain in the bud. And the sooner you do, the less likely you’ll be continuing on the path toward worsening thyroid imbalance and even more weight gain.

4 “ingredients” to stop thyroid weight gain:

1. Herbs. Several helpful herbs are known to boost thyroid function and halt thyroid-related weight gain.

Bacopa monnieri is an ayurvedic herb that can increase T4 hormones. (T4 and T3 are the thyroid hormones made and used by your body.)

Hops (yes, the same plant they use in beer!) benefit your thyroid by allowing thyroid hormones to enter cells more accessibly.

Sage contains phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that promote better hormone reception in cells as well as boost mood, memory and healthy blood sugar balance. Irregular blood sugar is often a major player in weight gain.

Ashwagandha is another ayurvedic herb that supports thyroid hormone production while also working to balance the endocrine system.

Coleus forskohlii contains an important plant chemical known as forskolin, which mimics thyroid-stimulating hormone and supports healthy body weight and mood.

All of these herbs together in a combination support the healthy signaling between your thyroid and the rest of your body. This signaling is essential to staying at your best weight. If you’re already taking thyroid medication, we always suggest discussing new supplements with your practitioner.

2. Nutrients. Many vitamins and minerals play roles in thyroid health, but by far the two most important are iodine and selenium. Iodine is the most basic building block your body needs to make the key thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Iodine can be found in sea vegetables, seafood and iodized sea salt. Selenium helps to convert T4 into T3, which is the most useful hormone form. Selenium can also regulate thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Brazil nuts, mushrooms, beef and sunflower seeds are all healthy sources of selenium. To cover these and other bases, we recommend taking a daily high-quality multivitamin/mineral complex for Thyroid Support.

3. Food choices. Obviously, seafood, sea vegetables sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts are part of a thyroid-healthy diet. But there are other important food choices you can make to support your thyroid and healthy weight.

Eliminate gluten. The first and most important recommendation is to cut back on or completely eliminate gluten from your diet. We understand this is difficult, but it can make an enormous difference in how you look and feel. Research shows that gluten has been connected to a very common form of hypothyroidism known as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism or autoimmune hypothyroidism. Many foods that contain gluten (pasta, bread, cakes, pastries, etc.) are also generally high in carbohydrates that can disrupt blood sugar balance and shift your body toward weight gain.

Limit soy. Soy is another food that may disrupt thyroid function. However, if you have enough iodine in your body, the effects of soy are generally minimal. If you are taking a good multivitamin or supplement that includes iodine, cooked soy is not harmful to your thyroid.

Add protein, fiber and fat. We also recommend eating protein, fiber, and/or healthy fats with every meal. These foods minimize blood sugar highs and lows and help keep insulin levels steadier. This will not only help with your thyroid function, but also limit extra weight gain.

Eat fresh, whole foods cooked in non-plastic cookware. When you eat and drink, try to limit your exposure to bisphenol-A, found in plastic water bottles, the lining of aluminum cans and some non-stick cookware. According to the National Academy of Hypothyroidism, BPA can significantly block thyroid activity.

4. Exercise. It may be hard to get up and exercise when your thyroid function is sluggish, but research is showing that increasing your heart rate through exercise can increase your thyroid hormones. You can start by simply taking a walk around the block, renting a gentle yoga DVD from the library, or taking a swim at your local pool.

Kasia Organic Salon provides hair and skin care products and services that do not include any form of chemicals that may cause havoc on the average women's hormonal cascade/health.  We exclusively sell Premier Research Labs supplemental products that help thyroid and weight loss support to every women.  Contact us today!  

DIY Easy Summer Slaw Recipe - Sweet & Tangy

  Hey Informed Beauty!   Enjoy this great recipe for a light summer meal or side!  Delic!

Here are the links to the fancy tools in the Summer Slaw Recipe! Mandoline (for shredding chunks of cabbage is found):  find it here.

Salad Shooter (for making your shredding a whole lot faster and easier): find it here.

 Easy Summer Slaw - Sweet & Tangy

INGREDIENTS -  Produce and mix together: 

-Fresh carrots - shredded (in Salad Shooter)

-1 small head of red cabbage, shredded (with mandoline)

-1 small head of green cabbage, shredded (with mandoline)

-1 tart green apple, large (or 2 small), chopped, shredded or sliced

-1 fresh mango (instead of, or in addition to, apple), chopped, shredded or sliced

-A few beets, if you have ‘em, for fun color. Shred (with Salad Shooter)

Sauce: combine...

-1/2 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar

-1/2 cup raw, unfiltered honey -For a little creaminess: a dollop of Golden Star Trading coconut milk (refrigerate for maximum creaminess)!-A squeeze of lime juice

Toss the sauce with produce mix until coated. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Then, enjoy!

Reference:  Cave Girl Paleo Eats