Pure Emu Oil alone will do wonders for your eyes; however, if you are experiencing puffiness, heavy bags or dark circles Airbrush Refining Eye Cream is the product for you.  This cream combines emu oil with other anti-aging ingredients like green tea extract, vitamin E, aloe, elastin, collegen, ceremides and panthenol.   I swear I can watch puffiness disappear.

What causes bags under eyes?

Under eye bags happen as skin thins and is unable to hold tight the fat deposits behind it when they retain fluid.  Fluid retention can be caused by a number of issues, here are just a few:

Seasonal allergies - a cold or sinus infection – Sinuses are the air-filled cavities located within the bones that surround our nose, cheeks and eyes. These cavities filter our air while a thin layer of mucus traps viruses, bacteria and allergens before they enter the lungs. When these cavities become inflamed the membranes secrete larger amounts of mucus to help get rid of the irritants. This causes the membrane to swell and excess fluid to find its way into surrounding tissue.

A diet full of salty foods – the body can only store excess salt in fluid suspension.  This will be stored in the skin around your eyes.  Remember most salt is not coming from your shaker, its coming from processed foods.

Lack of sleep – studies have shown that fewer than seven hours sleep was likely to result in high blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) at both the beginning of the study and five years later.  In fact, each hour of sleep that a subject chronically missed meant a 37 percent increase in the risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure pushes fluid into the tissue surrounding the eyes.  This can happen with just one night’s troubled sleep.

Alcohol and food – (especially wines) lower anti-diuretic hormones (ADH) in the body causing dehydration.  When the body senses dehydration it reacts defensively by storing fluid in soft tissue. Additionally food sensitivities (gluten, lactose, sugar, nuts, etc) may contribute to inflammation. Over time consumption of too many processed or inappropriate foods can leave the body sluggish and unable to eliminate waste efficiently.

Sleep position - (stomach sleeping) if you sleep on your stomach, gravity naturally causes the under eye area to fill up with fluid.

Hormones and medications – fluid retention from hormones (both natural and prescribed) and drug induced hypothyroidism (such as lithium) can also cause puffy eyes.

Medical conditions - kidney and thyroid problems may result in round bags or pouches developing under eyes.

Genetics - under eye puffiness can be caused by heredity.  If your parents have “baggage” under their eyes you may too.

What you can do today

First, gently wash your face and around your eyes with a gentle, natural, hypo-allergenic cleanser.  Then rinse your face and eyes repeatedly with cold water.  Treat eyes to a 5 minute cooling compress, best is green tea bags. Cover the bags with hot water to release tannins then allowed to cool in the refrigerator to a comfortable temperature.  You can also use chamomile tea bags or raw cucumber, potato or apple.  Potatoes can be very helpful for dark circles.

Using pure Emu Oil or a gentle moisturizer gently massage around the eyes to drain the lymphatic system, increase blood flow and relax muscles. I highly recommend you watch this online demonstration by Janet Goodrich.  She shows many fine acupressure and lymphatic drainage techniques that will relieve puffiness and improve your overall appearance as well as optical health.  If you find the techniques helpful check with a local spa or therapy center for professional lymphatic massage.   I’ve experienced amazing results with this technique when suffering from sinus problems.

Finish off by gently dabbing your favorite eye cream just above and below the eyelids.

Changes you can make

If you suffer from allergies  - take an over the counter allergy medication.  Also eliminate potential allergens which may include feather pillows, fabrics, and detergents and face creams with a lot of chemical additives.

If you indulge in salty snacks and processed foods – cut back.
If you are a stomach sleeper, try switching sleep positions. Try sleeping with your head slightly raised to avoid under-eye puffiness.

Don’t procrastinate – repeated swelling can permanently damage connective tissue under the skin resulting in pouches under your eye. These pouches do not respond to home remedies like normal, occasional puffiness does. There is a minor surgery that can be performed called “blepharoplasty,” where the surgeon makes a very small incision under the lower eyelid to remove the excess skin, eliminating the pouches.

And as always (the hint we hate to hear) a healthier lifestyle is essential to help your skin age better.  A consistent exercise routine and fresh air goes a long way in keeping your skin healthy; adequate sleep and simple “eyes closed” resting is important. Minimize alcohol, caffeine, sugar and foods you may be sensitive to.

Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious skin disorder in which skin cells regenerate, mature and move up through the layers of skin about 5 times faster than normal skin cells. The top layer of skin is unable to shed these cells properly causing them to build up and form thick, dry patches. Inflammation under the scale then builds causing redness, itch and pain.

Psoriasis Facts

• Psoriasis affects 7.5 million people in the U.S.
• There are five basic types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustule and erythrodermic
• 80% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
• Psoriasis can affect any part of your body.

View pictures of 5 types of psoriasis

Why does this happen? What makes these cells go a little haywire?

Doctors believe it’s a combination of genetics and environmental triggers that create havoc with the immune system. First the immune system releases a type of white blood cell called a “T cell” which attacks the skin then, with additional wires crossed, it promotes inflammation and new cell generation to contain and counter the attack.

For some people, psoriasis is just a nuisance which can be relieved with creams, natural treatments and avoidance of triggers. For others, it’s disabling, especially when associated with arthritis. There’s no cure, only management of the symptoms and many of the prescription medicines used to treat severe psoriasis come with a horrendous set of side effects including upper respiratory infections, headaches, rash, nausea, burning while urinating, muscle aches and more. We recommend trying other options before turning to prescriptions.

Steps to Reduce Your Psoriasis

Build your immune system – dietary supplements can help ease psoriasis symptoms from the inside. Multi-Omegas 3, 6 and 9, vitamin D, milk thistle, and evening primrose oil have been successful for some. Pro-biotics which help create a healthy digestive environment will also boost your immune system.

Cleanse your system – detoxifying herbal cleanses and diets will relieve your body of excess toxins which could be acting as triggers. Bitter Gourd juice mixed with lime is a detoxifying juice blend which came up numerous times in my research with many testimonials concerning its help in reducing psoriasis.

Moisture everywhere – keep your home environment as moist as possible using humidifiers in dry weather. Keep your skin as moist as possible using healthy, hypo-allergenic natural emollients.

No dyes or perfumes – choose products without dyes, perfumes and chemical additives that can irritate skin.

Be aware of what you eat – look for possible food triggers. Research and consider removing some of the most common allergens such as wheat, dairy and sugar (alcohol) from your diet one at a time for a period of 6 weeks each to see if these foods are negatively affecting your health. Also increase your intake of foods with high fiber, folic acid (leafy green vegetables) and Omega 3 which have all been shown to improve skin conditions.

Hard water only – soft water is treated to only contain sodium, which isn’t good for already dry skin. While hard water might leave more stains on your shower walls, it contains naturally-occurring minerals that some have found help their psoriasis. Water pumped in from your well or local treatment plant is usually hard. If you’re using a water softener in your home, turning it off could benefit your skin.

Lukewarm soak – hot water is your skin’s enemy, but a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, sea salts, goat milk, oatmeal or oils can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques. Moisturize immediately after your bath for double benefits.

Apply healing salves and natural home remedies – try apple cider vinegar, banana peels or blends of oils like emu, borage, burdock, calendula, marigold and chamomile all of which relieve the inflammation, pain and itch of psoriasis.

Our all natural psoriasis cream contains many of these ingredients or try pure emu oil alone or as a carrier and blend your own mixture. For those on a tighter budget we offer the Psori-Care II product which is not an all-natural product but is working with great success at a lower price.

When it comes to hair care products most manufacturers focus on the aesthetics of the experience (rich lathering, highly scented products) and the short term results (shine and manageability) rather than long term health implications for the scalp and hair. The truth is dandruff, itchy scalp; unhealthy hair and hair loss are many times created or acerbated by the shampoos we use.

Your scalp is very thin and has minimal subcutaneous tissue compared to skin over other parts of the body. Blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and the lymphatic system removes excess fluid, waste, and debris. If the scalp becomes irritated and inflamed by exposure to irritating chemicals the blood and lymphatic systems’ access to the hair follicle is limited resulting in a decline in health of the hair shaft and the potential for hair loss. New skin cell generation also slows down and the scalp thins further resulting in a vicious cycle of decline.

We are all becoming more adept at reading labels for our food and personal use products. Horrifying information hits the media daily about common additives in products suddenly being linked to health problems. Many people are already aware of their sensitivities to chemicals and additives; but others have not yet made the connection between issues they suffer with their health or the quality of their skin, hair and nails and the products they use.

When it comes to hair care products most manufacturers focus on the aesthetics of the experience (rich lathering, highly scented products) and the short term results (shine and manageability) rather than long term health implications for the scalp and hair. The truth is dandruff, itchy scalp; unhealthy hair and hair loss are many times created or acerbated by the shampoos we use.

Your scalp is very thin and has minimal subcutaneous tissue compared to skin over other parts of the body. Blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and the lymphatic system removes excess fluid, waste, and debris. If the scalp becomes irritated and inflamed by exposure to irritating chemicals the blood and lymphatic systems’ access to the hair follicle is limited resulting in a decline in health of the hair shaft and the potential for hair loss. New skin cell generation also slows down and the scalp thins further resulting in a vicious cycle of decline.

What ingredients should we avoid:

Parabens - a class of low cost chemical preservatives used to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic and cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.

SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – A synthetic substance used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, dandruff, and allergic reactions.

For some Gluten – there is a lot of dialog about whether or not gluten causes allergic reactions when applied topically. Some state the compound is too large to be absorbed through the skin or that it must come in direct contact with the intestinal tract to cause problems. Others feel that topical absorption is probable and there are many anecdotal testimonials of people with gluten intolerance feeling remarkably better after removing gluten from their body products.

Dr. Kenneth Fine, M.D. of EnteroLab a clinical laboratory specializing in analysis for food sensitivities stated “Gluten sensitivity is a systemic immune reaction to gluten anywhere in the body, not just that entering the body via the gut. Therefore, topically applied lotions, creams, shampoos, etc. containing gluten would indeed provide a source of gluten to the body, and we therefore recommend all such products be discontinued for optimal health.”

So, if you want to give your scalp and hair a break look for hair care products without Parabens or SLS and for those with Gluten intolerance this is the shampoo for you. The Country Devine products are deeply moisturizing, easy on your scalp and do not create excessive build up which weighs your hair down. The shampoo comes in an unscented version for those who are scent sensitive. If you are new to shampoos without SLS do not expect the big foaming experience of your old shampoo. The good news is – it’s not necessary to create a lot of lather to clean your hair. Try these out – your scalp and hair will show their appreciation.

While a healthy body ecology (maintained through diet, hydration, exercise; rest and environment) should keep these fungi in balance a number of factors can contribute to an overgrowth. These factors include the use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, some prescription drug therapies as well as chemo and radiation treatments.

The symptoms of the more common fungal infections are:

Ringworm – ring-shaped, slightly itchy, red or pink raised patches with a clear center.
Jock itch – a ring-like red rash around the groin area sometimes in the form of small, painful, extremely itchy blisters.
Athlete’s foot- itchy, scaly rash between the toes. There may be mild irritation or cracking and peeling of the skin. The skin becomes sore and susceptible to bacterial infection.
Scalp and beard ringworm -scaly, itchy patches and loss of hair in small circular patches.
Nail fungus – makes the nails appear dull, thickened, and brittle or distorted.
Candida – typically occurs in moist, warm areas of the body such as skin folds and diaper areas. Superficial candida skin infection appears as a red, flat rash with scalloped, sharp edges.

Fungal infections of the skin respond quickly to topical treatments. Mild nail infections and those caught early do respond to topical treatments, however you must be consistent in application and patient. Treatment will not reverse the condition of the current nail but can only help new healthy nail growth. Nail tissue grows very slowly easily taking a year for a totally new nail to grow in.

Beware oral antifungal prescription medications such as Lamisil and Sporanox which have been associated with heart and liver damage. A prescription antifungal nail lacquer marketed under the name Penlac may be a better choice with less severe side effects – but reviews on effectiveness were luke warm.

Most fungal infection can be successfully treated with our all natural Anti-fungal Cream. The real strength of the product is the use of emu oil to achieve deep penetration through the top layers of skin and nail tissue to deliver the antifungal ingredients.

Those with chronic fungal problems should do research on Candida overgrowth a condition of excessive colonization in the intestinal track by the Candida Albicans fungi. This condition can severely undermine your body’s immune system opening the way for other fungal infections and a whole range of problems.

You must remember that trying to control the symptoms of a condition without understanding or addressing the factors that brought it on is always going to be an uphill batte. There is a lot of information online about Candida – most address recovery through herbal cleanses and dietary changes.

“Thy food shall be thy medicine” Hippocraties

Emu 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.

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.

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 naturally helps to repair scar tissue, so as well as helping to clear your acne, you 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.

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.

What other benefits does emu oil provide?

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.

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.

Common topical treatments for rosacea 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.

Benefits of Emu Oil

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.

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.

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.