Emu Oil and Stretch Marks

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Dee Dee Mares

Stretch MarksEmu Oil is receiving a lot of recognition as a preventative measure to stop stretch marks from occurring and to minimize the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Stretch marks affect as many as 90% of all women (and many men), she says, and they are not easy to get rid of. Once they have passed the initial stage, when they are red or purple, to the later stages, where they become white or silver — often with deep indentations — they are much more challenging to treat.
Many young mothers have begun applying emu oil to their skin during the first trimester. The oil has proven to thicken skin by plumping the underlying dermis and subcutaneous layers. The oil delivers bio-nutrients which assist the body in the production of collagen, elastins and new skin cells. Thicker, healthier skin is much more pliant and stretchable and will not succumb to the deep tears associated with stretch marks. Body builders and young teens can enjoy the same protection and the added benefits of reduction of pain and inflammation.
If scars are still newly formed (red and inflamed from broken blood vessels) the oil can assist by reducing inflammation and inhibit excessive build up of collagen before it occurs. If scars are older and white, due to loss of pigmentation, the oil can still reduce the appearance, but don’t expect overnight results. Just a few drops of emu oil go a long, long way and it’s best to apply small amounts frequently to nourish skin than a lot of oil at one time.

Researchers believe there are two common factors in the occurrence of stretch marks. The first – insufficient supply of elastin and collagen fibers in the skin; the second – rapid weight gain over a short period of time such as pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts and body building. The most common areas affected by stretch marks are those where skin is thinner such as the hips, breasts, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

Stretch marks occur when thin skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its’ elasticity. This breakdown actually occurs in the dermis (mid layer of skin) where collagen and elastin fibers allow skin to stretch and then shrink back into shape. When there are not enough fibers present the underlying layer tears; the body then responds by producing an excess of collagen to fill in the tear which results in scar tissue visible through the epidermis (top layer of skin).

Hormones and steroids can inhibit the production or cause an abnormal formation of collagen and elastin fibers. Increases in the level of these hormones occur naturally during pregnancy and adolescent growth spurts; as a result of certain illnesses like Cushings disease and through the use of hormonal or steroid based medications. There is also a genetic factor. “Basically, if your mother had them, you’re probably going to have them,” says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and author of The Skin Type Solution.

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Emu Oil and Acne

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

Skin Anatomy
At its most basic level acne flare up begin when abnormal flaking of skin cells inside a hair follicle occur causing a plug. Hair follicles exist on virtually all skin except the palms of hands and soles of feet. The hair follicle extends up from the deep layers of the skin and comes out of a pore. Near the surface, the oil gland (sebaceous gland) enters the hair follicle where it empties oil (sebum) at a relatively constant rate. The sebum lubricates the skin to prevent drying. Skin on the face, chest, and back has an especially large number of sebaceous glands. These are the areas where acne occurs.
Other factors in this process are hormones which can increase the likelihood of plugs forming and bacteria which cause additional irritation and inflammation after the follicle ruptures.
Hormones called androgens which are present in both men and women do two things: first they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin; second, they cause these glands to increase sebum (oil) production. This adds to the likelihood of a plug forming. As the plug of dead skin cells and excess sebum is exposed to the air it turns black (blackhead). If the plug enlarges it can cause a rupture of the hair follicle which then spills its contents of oil and debris into the skin leading to swelling and redness (inflammation).
This is where bacteria that normally live on the skin make the situation worse. The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes produce substances that cause redness and irritation. They also make enzymes, which dissolve the sebum (oil from oil glands in the skin) into irritating substances furthering the inflammation.
Open for discussion

is whether some foods like red meat, sugar and chocolate and certain pore clogging cosmetics enter the equation. Some research indicates they do factor in other research says that’s a myth. Consider these factors when looking for patterns of flare-ups and form your own judgments.
Treatments – The most common treatments for Acne include:
Benzoyl Peroxide – oxygenates skin. Acne bacteria cannot live in oxygenated environments. Benzoyl peroxide is also a mild drying and peeling agent which keeps pores from clogging. Unfortunately, Benzoyl Peroxide is also a toxic chemical which can cause additional irritation.
Salicylic Acid – is a beta-hydroxy acid that encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells, increases cell-turnover and helps unclog pores. Unfortunately it too can irritate skin and may only be used at the lowest possible concentration.
Antibiotics – can be used to kill the bacteria. However it’s like using a flamethrower to light a candle. Overuse of antibiotics often has bad side effects and weakens your body’s natural immune system leading to other illnesses.
Hormone therapy – estrogen helps balance the effects of androgens. Adult women and teenage girls may want to try hormonal therapy. However, it can lead to cancers, mood swings and other emotional issues.
The Natural Way – the best and final option is to seek out a natural chemical free product that helps your skin achieve its healthiest possible state without further irritating it.
Emu Oil for Acne – How does it work?


Emu Oil is a strong anti-inflammatory and will reduce redness and inflammation of already occurring acne.

Emu Oil contains hormones which increase blood flow and oxygenation at the cellular level and high levels of Omega 9 which assist in penetration of cell walls to allow oxygen to enter and toxins to be released.

Emu Oil does not clog pores, nor will it foster the growth of bacteria, viruses or fungi, and is hypoallergenic.

Emu Oil has been shown to accelerate the development of new skin cells by delivering the necessary bio-nutrients deep into skin where new cells form and reduce the buildup of scar tissue.
Emu Oil naturally helps to repair scar tissue, so as well as helping to clear your acne, Emu Oil will also help to repair previous scar damage.
If areas of acne are severely inflamed you may want to consider emu oil based products enhanced with natural and botanical compounds which also reduce inflammation and kill bacteria such as Redness and Blemish Control for adult or sensitive skin and Blemish Control (stronger formulation) for adolescent skin.

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Emu Oil and Rosacea

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which affects over 14 million people in the US. Its cause is still a mystery and according to the medical profession it cannot be cured only managed. Rosacea may manifest as general redness and flushing on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin; it may flare when triggered to produce bumps and acne-like inflammations; left unattended it may result in prominent spiderlike blood vessels, thickening of the skin and bump like lesions (WC Fields trademark nose) and can even affect the eyes and eyelids with redness and reoccurring styes .


With such visible symptoms a feeling of self-consciousness and isolation can easily deter a person’s quality of life. Treatments range from cover-ups and color correcting gels; to topical and sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories; to laser and light treatments. Two of the most common topical treatments are:


Azelaic Acid – an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial compound which can reduce redness and inflammation and curtail bacteria growth associated with Rosacea. Unfortunately it can also be a skin irritant and has induced cases of hypo-pigmentation (loss of skin pigmentation or white patches) as well as facial hair growth.


Metronidazole – an antibiotic, amebicide, and antiprotozoal compound the mechanics of which are complex and understudied. Basically it is absorbed by anaerobic bacteria (bacteria which do not require oxygen to survive) and starts a chain reaction of chemical processes ending with the production of toxins which kills the bacteria.Adverse reactions for topical use include local redness, dryness, and/or skin irritation; and eye watering (if applied near eyes). Prolonged systemic use of metronidazole has resulted in nausea, diarrhea, and/or metallic taste in the mouth. Recently, there have been reported cases of interaction with SRI/SNRI antidepressant drugs inducing a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.


First and foremost it is important with Rosacea to seek a dermatologist’s assistance in diagnosing the problem and considering treatment alternatives. When weighing the costs and possible side effects of current treatment options you should consider pure emu oil and emu oil based natural topical applications as an alternative or complimentary option.

How Emu Oil Works with Rosacea


Emu Oil brings deep delivery of moisture and bio-nutrients to increase skin’s overall health and rejuvenation properties. It can be used as a complementary option to counter the drying or irritating effects of other treatments.
Emu Oil visibly reduces redness and inflammation while allowing the skin to breath. By increasing blood flow and cell permeability Emu Oil allows toxins to leave the cells and oxygen to enter. This process flushes out and drains inflammation from the tissue.
Emu Oil is bio-static meaning it will not foster the growth of bacteria.
Emu Oil works as a highly effective transdermal carrier. When used as a base oil as in Redness and Blemish Control it encapsulates other anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients such as arnica and tea tree oil and escorts them through the skin to the affected tissue.

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Emu Oil and Diaper Rash

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

Happy Baby

Happy Baby

All babies will develop a diaper rash at some point. Even if diapers are changed frequently and bottoms are kept clean and dry, other factors like the introduction of solid foods, antibiotic treatments for other illness or skin sensitivity to laundry and bath products can result in a rash.

A simple rash in response to irritation can be treated at home. If the rash does not respond to home treatment within a few days, contact your Doctor: even a mild rash can develop into a secondary bacterial or yeast infection which may require medication.

At the first sign of redness and inflammation remember – Clean, Dry, Apply!

Clean – the babies bottom carefully with a very mild moisturizing soap with no harsh detergents or chemical additives for color or scent. Avoid wipes which contain alcohol. I highly recommend an unscented, emu oil and goat milk soap for this such as that made by Cat in the Shack.

Dry – gently blot the bottom with a natural blend material, laundered with hypo-allergenic cleaners. Give as much diaper-free time as possible to allow the skin, creases and folds the opportunity to dry out thoroughly. The moist, warm, dark confines of a diaper are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Apply – if rash is mild we recommend Pure AEA Certified Emu Oil; a little will go a long way on your baby’s bottom. It’s best to apply lightly at each changing. The oil will sooth the inflamed skin and delivers the bio-nutrients needed for replacement skin cell growth. Over time the outer skin layer will actually plump and thicken which will give it greater resistance to irritants. Emu Oil allows the skin to breathe which can be important to healing.
If the rash is more severe or long lasting try the Songline Body Butter which is Emu Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Organic Honey and Beeswax.  The Emu Oil, Vitamin E Oil and Honey will penetrate the skin bringing anti-bacterial actions and the Beeswax will seal the area against additional irritation.

You will see relief quickly and healing within a few days. If the rash does not respond to this treatment or spreads beyond the diaper area or is accompanied by a fever please contact your Doctor as soon as possible.

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Emu Oil Takes the Sting Out of Bug Bites

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

We’ve been using emu oil for years to take the sting out of insect bites. Pure oil alone will reduce the itching and pain. Emu Oil has been shown to work as a naturally occurring analgesic although as yet the individual compounds responsible have not been isolated. More research has been done on the anti –inflammatory qualities of the oil. These studies show clearly that emu oil reduces swelling, but again have not isolated individual compounds.

What we can tell you is that if you are bit or stung, pure emu oil will relieve the itch and reduce the swelling.  When combined with menthol or other natural analgesic ingredients as in our DuoFlex Pain Relief Cream, the relief is even more effective.

A number of people also seem to suffer a post infection stage from insect bites. They are left with small red dots for long periods of time after the initial bite. Applying emu oil enhances the healing process and reduces scarring.

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Emu Oil for Itchy Dogs

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

Mr George Squigglemire

Mr George Squigglemire

This is my pal, Mr George Squigglemire. When George first joined my household at about 18 months of age, he was introduced to me as “Squiggy”. However, after a few weeks of that he clearly instructed me to call him “George”. I appended the Squigglemire to honor his birth name.

Those first few days with George were pretty rough because George was an “itchy dog”, continually scratching and chewing on himself. I assumed he had flees and did my best to bathe and spray him until we could get an appointment with the veterinarian. We were told there was no sign of flees, but that the breed (Shar Pei) is known to have extensive skin problems. We talked a bit about diet. Then she mentioned a fish oil gel caps for pets which I could administer with a simple jaw pry – throat pop – nose blow maneuver – I told her about Emu Oil (packed with Omega 3, 6 and 9) which my cat licks off my legs. We agreed to give it a try.

I gave George a measuring teaspoon of emu oil (he weighs 50 pounds) twice a day for a week, then cut that in half. He had actually stopped scratching by day 3 but still had some hot spots which I wanted to see fully healed. I did apply emu oil topically to the spots then kept his attention averted for a few minutes while the oil soaked in. I know emu oil stops the itch when I get bug bites or rashes – so I can only assume it made him feel better. That face of his doesn’t give a lot away.

Now I just give George a good size dollop on his food a couple of times a week for maintenance. If he starts to scratch, usually at a change of seasons, I put him back on a regular dosage for a week and he’s fine.

At bath time I haul George kicking, panting and whining into the shower and use our all natural dog shampoo bar with emu oil. I’m not going to try and tell you that he loves it – because he hates it. But I love the slightly less death deifying application of a bar soap rather than trying to open a shampoo bottle with my teeth while I hold his squiggling (finely figured out where he got his name) body under the water as his leash wraps around my legs. I also love the herbal scent and his coat is nice and shiny after. So if your dog or cat is suffering with any type of skin ailment – give our pet quality emu oil a try.

Added benefit will be reduced joint inflammation which also affects many of our pets and increase overall health.

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Australian Aboriginal Emu Creation Myth

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares


Emu Constellation

Emu Constellation in Southern Sky

The emu is prominent in Aboriginal mythology. One of my favorites is a creation myth, of which I’ve read many versions. Here is my melded interpretation.

In the Dreamtime, (the time outside of time – where all things can happen at once) emu spirit was a sky-bird that never touched the earth. As emu flew in the heavens she looked down upon the newly created earth and marveled at the beauty. There were rivers, mountains, plants and animals of incredible variety. Yet the earth only had the faint light of the stars as illumination because there was no sun.

Emu thought to herself – there is too much beauty here to be lost in such darkness – and so she sacrificed one of her glorious emerald eggs by tossing it into the sky, then tapping it with her beak. As the egg split in half the golden yoke flew across the sky and became the first sunrise on our world.

Genesis 1:3 – “Let there be light.”     Maybe it was an emu?

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What is an Emu?

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Dee Dee Mares

Gomer the Emu

Gomer the Emu

Emu is the second largest bird on earth, standing around 6 ft tall and weighing 120-150 pounds as adults. The emu is a member of a family of flightless birds called Ratites. It is one of the oldest living beings on the planet outside the ocean. Research suggests they have been on earth in their present form for some 80 million years and evolved from a line of feathered dinosaurs that go back hundreds of millions of years. Emu are native to Australia.

The word Ratite is derived from a Latin word meaning flat or raft-like. It refers to the unique flat shape of their breastbone. This structure is an indication that these birds were never on an evolutionary path towards flight and never developed the keel bone structure and breast muscles of a winged bird. Other Ratites are the Ostrich from South Africa, the Rhea and Tinamou from South America, the Kiwi from New Zealand and the Cassowary from Australia.

Emu have basically docile and inquisitive natures. Their main defense is their speed – adults have been clocked at up to 40 miles an hour in bursts and able to maintain an average of 30 miles an hour over long distances. When cornered an emu can use its powerful legs and dinosaur-like feet to kick.

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