Features - Page 3 of 13 - Gaelle Organic Blog | Organic Skincare for Timeless Beauty

In Features October 3, 2018

Summer to Fall with Organic Skincare

As nature grows dormant, it’s time to start planting the seeds that will flourish in the seasons to come. Although the subdued weather is a wonderful reprieve from the hustle of summertime, the cold air and wind can be incredibly drying on the skin. So what can we do about it? Essentially, taking care of our skin with the best possible ingredients today will ensure that our complexion will be healthy regardless of what tomorrow brings. Below we’ll discuss five easy ways to help ease the transition from summer to fall with organic skincare for an effortless, perennial glow.

Oil Cleanse

Using an oil cleanser such as the Balm Supérieure will help return precious oils to the skin rather than strip them away. If you’re someone who doesn’t feel clean without a foaming cleanser, trust that cleansing oils are getting the job done. Our skin’s oils are drawn to the oils in the cleanser, allowing the balm to pick up all of the sebum, makeup, dirt and pollution lingering on our skin. Opting for a balm will thoroughly cleanse while also nourishing our skin’s natural barrier function.

Exfoliate, Don’t Irritate.

It’s important to continue exfoliating as the temperatures drop however you also don’t want to over do it. Exfoliating too often can cause damage to the top layer of the skin. This can result in an even more flaky, dehydrated complexion. Exfoliant Supérieure uses Breton Sea Salt and Willowbark Extract to gently slough off dead skin cells without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Additionally, moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax and jojoba oil help to create a barrier against the harsh winds and low temperatures.

Up your Masque Game

Aligned with the theme of self care this season, it’s important to be including a regular face mask in your routine. The right mask will help to hydrate and improve the appearance of the skin. Now available in a convenient travel size, Masque Supérieure is formulated to restore luminosity, reduce signs of aging and soften skin texture. Packed with sea minerals, botanical extracts and creamy emollients, it’s the perfect self care treatment to revitalize weather-worn skin.

Moisturize with Oil-Based Products

The lower the temperature, the lower the humidity in the air. This causes the environment to draw water out from our pores, resulting in dry, chapped skin. Occlusive or oil-based cremes will help prevent this from happening which will allow your skin to retain more hydration. Moisturizers like the Crème Supérieure and Ultra Sensitive Crème are rich in nourishing oils and vitamins to rejuvenate and illuminate wherever you are. Bye bye chapped winter skin!

Don’t Forget your Body Care

When the cold weather rolls in our extremities become extra sensitive to temperature, causing chapped skin, dry hair and hangnails. To avoid making matters worse, be sure to watch the temperature when bathing as hot water can cause further damage. Instead, try to use warm water and a gentle cleanser like the Soap Supérieure Rose Geranium. It’s designed with purifying and soothing ingredients for dry, sensitive skin. Once skin is cleansed, return critical moisture with the nourishing Body Crème Supérieure. This luxurious moisturizer will leave skin silky smooth from shower to shower. If skin begins to feel chapped while out and about, our refillable Body Crème and Balm Petites are wonderful travel friendly options for preventing damage.

Autumn signifies nature’s turn to retreat, reflect and rest- encouraging us to do the same. Becoming more in tune with the seasons helps us adjust our daily practices to feel more in balance with our environment and ourselves. Accepting change as our natural state, we can adapt and better prepare for the future ahead. As nature teaches us with every shift in season- our efforts today will yield flourishing results in time. So be patient, consistent and remember to care for yourself deeply as we embrace the season of harvest.

In Features August 27, 2018

The Path To Clean Beauty

For decades major companies have been coming out with skincare products that promise a lot but deliver little at a great cost. Unfortunately the focus has been on branding and not the quality of ingredients. The way we see it, Earth has been doing the research and development for millions of years. So why not trust in what nature has generously produced over the synthetic chemicals coming out of the cosmetic industry? Thankfully organic, cruelty-free and natural beauty is on the rise. Here we will discuss everything one should know about clean beauty swaps in order to make the switch to organic, green beauty.

Cleanser

Let’s start with cleansers, as any good skincare routine does. There are some popular bar soap companies that claim they do not test on animals, yet don’t display any cruelty-free certifications on their website. It may not seem like a big deal, but we believe in being transparent with our customers about our entire process. This is part of the reason we became certified cruelty-free by PETA and certified organic through EcoCert. Additionally, many of the primary ingredients of well known bar soap brands are much more drying than the nourishing oils that compose our Soap Supérieure. For a healthier clean, opt for either our classic Soap Supérieure or our Soap Supérieure Rose Geranium for sensitive skin.

Toner

Toners are an important step to a beauty regimen as they help to prepare the skin for the proper ph condition. Watch out for water-based toners that contain alcohol, parabens and fragrance—all ingredients that can disrupt the balance of a healthy complexion. For a healthy, greener option, try our alcohol-free Toner Supérieure. It contains organic witch hazel, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and rose water to refine pores, calm breakouts and refresh the skin.

Moisturizer

With any skincare item, you want to make sure you can recognize these first five ingredients as they are what constitute the majority of the product. A brand may advertise the use of beneficial botanicals such as Pomegranate, but the top ingredients may be C12-20 Acid Peg-8 Ester, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol and Dimethicone. In addition, many popular brands still reportedly test their products on animals, so it’s important to always do your research. Crème Supérieure is perfect for those looking for the ultimate moisturizer without exposure to animal cruelty, alcohol or synthetics. Our top five ingredients include Aloe Vera, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Apricot Kernel oil and Evening Primrose oil all from organic farming.

Exfoliant

Exfoliants are excellent products for encouraging healthy skin cell turnover and revealing a healthy, fresh complexion. Unfortunately many products on the market are more abrasive than they need to be, leading to sun sensitive, damaged skin. For instance, exfoliants containing walnut shell pieces can cause micro tears in the skin. They may also contain a variety of other comedogenic ingredients including alcohols, synthetics and fragrance, which do more harm than good. Instead, opt for a product like Exfoliant Supérieure—an organic exfoliant that utilizes Breton Sea Salt and Willow Bark extract to gently slough away dead skin cells while restoring critical moisture to the skin.

Masque

Even brands with objectively cleaner ingredients than some of the previously mentioned, may still include some questionable ingredients in their products. Masks advertised as formulated without parabens, phthalates or sulfates may still contain dimethicone—a silicone-based polymer that traps dirt, bacteria and impurities on the skin. Masque Supérieure is a luxurious sea treatment mask designed with sea minerals and extracts that delivers quality, organic results.

All in all, products containing alcohols, chemicals and synthetics with unpronounceable names often cause more harm than good in the long term. We believe informing our customers provides them with the knowledge to make educated decisions when purchasing skincare. This is why we are dedicated to promoting organic, cruelty free practices and practicing full transparency with all of our product’s ingredients. So next time you find yourself shopping for beauty products, we encourage you to do your best to choose natural products sourced ethically and responsibly. The efficacy of the ingredients provided by nature speak for themselves.

In Features August 16, 2018

The Benefits of Dry Brushing

When we think of brushing we tend to think hair or teeth, however there’s another part of the body that benefits from this practice- our skin. Dry brushing is a technique that has been around for centuries, and for good reason. So what is it exactly, and what might the benefits of dry brushing be?

Dry brushing is an easy self care tradition that’s been popular with various cultures around the globe. By taking a firm, natural bristle brush and softly brushing dry skin, you can reap both external and internal benefits.

Why Dry?

This simple routine helps exfoliate away dead skin cells and stimulate oil glands. This allows the skin to perspire freely and better absorb products which results in brighter, smoother skin. It is also known for helping to redistribute fat deposits, reducing the appearance of cellulite and improving muscle tone which can contribute to a more youthful, healthy appearance.

Internally, the delicate brushing aids lymphatic drainage and supports the nervous, digestive and circulatory systems ability to function properly.

By stimulating these systems, the body has an increased capacity to eliminate toxins, strengthen immunity and support healthy cell renewal. Talk about achieving a glow from the inside out!

How to Dry Brush

It’s recommended to perform dry brushing once or twice daily, preferably in the morning before the shower. Starting at the soles of your feet, work upwards using about 10 light, brisk strokes per section. Always brush toward the heart/center of the body and focus on the armpits as these are important lymph drainage points. When in doubt, refer to a chart like the one above for guidance.

This routine should take approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. With freshly brushed skin, head into the shower to lather with Soap Supérieure to reintroduce moisture and finish cleansing away any flaked skin. Once refreshed, follow with Body Crème Supérieure that will leave your skin feeling and looking silky smooth from shower to shower. The luxurious emollients and extracts of edelweiss, rosehip and jojoba nourish and revitalize the skin for lasting radiance.

Take Away

Taking the time to slow down and connect with our bodies is so important for overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating dry brushing into your routine, you’ll notice that you and your skin will be able to breathe with ease. So break out the brushes and (gently) scrub away the old to reveal glowing skin and a refreshed spirit.

Please Note: Most health food stores have a selection of brushes for your convenience. To shop and compare online, check out the link here discussing the 10 best dry brushes. Opt for a softer brush if you choose to brush your face. A brush with a handle is great for those hard to reach places.

The skin will appear flushed after brushing, but if it becomes red or irritated try using a lighter touch. Sensitive skin types may want to use dry brushing sparingly or opt for a detoxifying salt bath instead. Be sure to clean your brushes every 1-2 weeks and enjoy the process!

In Features July 25, 2018

Aging Skin is Thirsty Skin: Hydrating vs. Moisturizing

As the years pass, signs of aging inevitably appear as signatures of a life well-lived. Crows feet and sun spots crop up from days spent laughing and enjoying the sunshine. A few here and there are simple souvenirs from the winding road we’ve traveled, but many can be the skin’s way of asking for assistance.

Fine lines and wrinkles are not always due to aging, they’re often a sign of dehydration. It’s important to note that moisturizing and hydrating are not synonymous. In fact, one can think of the former as how we care for the skin from the outside, and the latter as care from within. Preventing dehydration is something we’ll get into shortly, however alleviating dryness is a task for skincare. Our best tips for external care and combatting dryness are following a simple regimen such as:

Massage Balm Supérieure into skin and remove with a warm wash cloth to cleanse away dirt, makeup and pollution.
Apply Toner Supérieure with a reusable cotton pad to balance the skin’s natural pH and leave skin refreshed.
Pat 1-2 drops of Serum Supérieure into skin to promote the skin’s elasticity and prevent fine lines and dark spots.
Finish with either the Ultra Sensitive Creme or the Creme Supérieure to lock in moisture and protect against dryness.
Include the Masque Supérieure once a week and the Exfoliant Supérieure twice a week after Step 1 to remove dry skin cells, soften texture and illuminate the complexion.

Following this routine will provide immediate results, however skincare is only part of the long term equation. Our diet plays a major role in the overall health of our skin. Drinking plenty of water and eating organic, water-dense foods are excellent ways to increase the amount of water in our skin cells.

Put simply, the more water in our cells, the more plump, smooth and healthy the skin will be. Eating a diet rich in water and nutrients also helps balance the blood pH level of the fluids in your body, which has been shown to prevent more than just dehydrated skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables are staple to a healthy alkaline diet. Our top picks are cucumbers, mushrooms, citrus, spinach, tomatoes, avocados… the list goes on. It’s also a good idea to consume plenty of raw fruits and vegetables as close to their fresh, alive state as possible. For more information on the importance of pH, eating an alkaline diet and foods to avoid, check out the article: Alkaline Diet.

As most of us know, prevention is the first line of defense when it comes to caring for your skin long term. A wide brimmed sun hat, a mineral based sunscreen and quality skincare are essential. That said, much of our skin’s health is attributed to what’s going on beneath the surface. Essentially, increasing our intake of water and organic greens while reducing the amount of acidic foods in our diet will ultimately result in a more hydrated complexion and a more healthy you. At the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.

In Features July 10, 2018

Five Ways to Use Balm Supérieure

A multi-tasking wonder in our organic beauty line, Balm Supérieure is a fusion of fine oils designed to cleanse deeply and restore luster, leaving everything in its wake softened, cleansed and nourished. Utilizing gentle emollients and refreshing essential oils, this must-have organic cleansing balm offers many benefits, including the following five.

Cleanse, Remove Makeup, Moisturize

Originally formulated as a cleansing balm, the fine oils in Balm Supérieure gently dissolve surface build-up and soak into the pores, bathing and nourishing them.

Cleansing with the proper ingredients is an essential step to avoid dry, rough skin. Replace harsh, foaming cleansers that strip your skin of its natural oil layer with an oil-based cleanser. Transitioning to Radiance

Balm Supérieure will also remove all makeup, including mascara. As it does so, it nourishes with luscious emollients.

Without oils to reinforce the natural barrier, our skin retains less water, gets drier, and is more prone to fine lines. An oil-based organic cleansing balm avoids the drying action of other kinds of cleansers and leaves the skin better able to protect itself from the elements and avoid signs of premature aging.

The best moisturizers for dry and mature skin work to compensate for lower oil production by replenishing the healthy oils we produce naturally. Oil-based Moisturizers

Gently massage into skin to clear away makeup, pollution and impurities. Remove with a warm wash cloth and rinse with cool water to reveal soft, clean skin.

Soften Eyelashes

Rather than strip necessary oils from the lashes, Balm Supérieure softens and nourishes eyelashes as it cleanses away stubborn mascara. With daily wear and tear, lashes can become weak and brittle, but using this organic balm will help maintain thick, youthful-looking lashes.

Nourish Hair and Tame Flyaways

The light oils in Balm Supérieure, combined with the enlivening fragrance of citrus, clary sage and sandalwood, provide moisture to the hair without being too heavy. Perfect for taming flyaways, nourishing dead ends and creating sleek summer styles. Place a few drops onto your fingertips and work up from the ends of the hair. Works with both a wet or dry look.

Alleviate Dry Scalp and Hair

For the ultimate hair moisturizing experience, use Balm Supérieure as a hair mask. Start with dry hair and work a generous amount into the roots and through the ends. Let the oils sit for as long as you’d like, but at least 30 minutes, and then rinse with water, or shampoo as usual.

Strengthen Nails and Cuticles

Take a drop or two and gently massage the balm’s oils into your nails and cuticles. Adding moisture helps to strengthen the nails and nourish the cuticles, which will help prevent hang nails and broken manicures.

Whether you’re in need of a moisturizing cleanser for dry winter skin or a smoothing hair treatment on humid summer nights, Balm Supérieure is a multi-tasking organic cleansing balm that delivers! Useful for hair, skin and nails all year long. You’ll wonder what you ever did without it. Click here to shop!

In Features June 26, 2018

Wheel’s Up: Quick & Easy In Flight Skincare

One of the most remarkable inventions of the modern era, the airplane has blessed us with the ability to travel the globe in mere hours. The experiences we collect along the way nourish the garden of our soul and all too often at the expense of our skin. Cramped in the cabin, our skin is ravaged by the low humidity and artificial air pressure. Exposure to these elements for hours on end can dry out our skin and leave one feeling less than fabulous. If you’re interested in some quick and easy skin care tips for flying in style, check out the list below!

-Before embarking to the airport, take a luxurious shower for an extra clean feel. Exfoliate, shave, and use Soap Supérieure + Body Crème Supérieure for lasting hydration. Follow up with our soothing Masque Supérieure to prep your skin for the hours of Netflix, sleeping and reading that await.

-If you’re not in the mood to style your hair with heat, use a few drops of our Balm Supérieure at the ends of your strands to lock in moisture and style your hair in braids or a low bun. Once you let them out, you’ll have smooth, glossy waves that look effortlessly chic.

-After you’ve arrived at your gate or boarded your plane, take a moment to try an organic micellar water like the Inika Organic Rosewater Micellar Cleanser. This will remove airport dirt and impurities from the skin for a refreshing on-the-go cleanse.

-Keep our travel size Toner Supérieure and a bag of cotton pads in your bag for a quick pore refining and purifying treatment.

-Feeling daring? Try an organic sheet mask like the ones by Orgaid. Typically these are left on for 15-20 minutes but in such a dry environment, we recommend you leave it on for 30-45 min for added hydration.

-To brighten dull skin, use our Serum Supérieure and depending on how dehydrated your skin feels follow with the Ultra Sensitive Crème from our travel care.

-In the mood for a mist? Try the Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Mist or opt for a more earthy version like the Refresh Mist from Subtle Energies.

-If you’re taking a red eye and know you have trouble falling asleep, throw a few kava tea bags in your bag for an in flight sleep aid. (Please note that this tonic from the Pacific is a powerful medicinal herb so please refer to your medical professional before use.)

-Finally, make sure to have your favorite lip balm or two on hand and drink plenty of water. Although tempting, try to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they are exceptionally dehydrating and won’t give you a glow like an electrolyte filled option such as coconut water or watermelon juice.

With the help of these easy tips and green beauty treasures, you’ll arrive at your destination refreshed with glowing skin. Jet lag and dry skin be damned, bring on the sight seeing, local delicacies and cultural immersion. Happy traveling!

In Features May 31, 2018

Gaelle’s Travel Essentials

Let’s face it- packing for vacation can be overwhelming for a beauty junkie. It would be so much easier if we could just find a way to make everything fit into our luggage, but unless you’re Mary Poppins, it’s probably not going to happen.

Besides, isn’t one of the nicest parts of traveling embracing the simplicity of packing light? It’s liberating to be away from the daily responsibilities of home life but if you’re anything like me, the one habit you don’t want to sacrifice is your beauty routine. The key is finding a collection of products that work well, are multi-purpose and compliment one another. With summer upon us and vacations on the books, our founder Gaelle has put together a list of five beauty essentials she can’t leave home without so that you don’t have to either.

The first item is our very own Soap Supérieure– there’s just no better daily cleanser that works for the both face and body. Rich in nourishing oils and botanical extracts, it leaves skin soft, cleansed and prepped for anything.
Gaelle follows up by using the conveniently sized Travel Care Essentials Kit which includes our body creme, toner, exfoliant and ultra sensitive creme for face and neck. If there are any four products from our line you want to grab and go with it’s these.
The Masque Supérieure is another standard in Gaelle’s travel kit. Packed with sea minerals, clays and botanicals, this rejuvenating beauty staple provides the skin with the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of exploring outside.
Gaelle’s favorite all purpose hair brush is by Mason-Pearson. This cult classic brush dates all the way back to 1885 and is well worth the investment. It’s sleek design is gentle on hair, redistributes natural oils and comes in many versions to fit your unique hair type.
After prepping the skin with her toner and creme, Gaelle swears by her Vapour Beauty Aura Multi Use Radiant Stick for just a touch of glamour. In addition to being a fellow Ecocert and green beauty creation, this product is a fabulous multi-tasking color that works for lips, cheeks and lids. Gaelle likes the color Whisper, a soft rose pink with a touch of golden highlight.

Of course there are some other cosmetics you may feel inclined to bring, but after treating the skin to so many luxurious products, Gaelle finds it best to let her natural glow do its job. We hope that this list of beauty essentials helps streamline your packing so that you can relax and enjoy the moment to moment nature of your journey.

In Features May 30, 2018

Reef Happy Sunblocks for Summer

Now that Summer is here, most of us are going to be spending lots of time soaking up the sunshine. To avoid UV damage it’s important to use multiple modes of protection from daily solar rays including a sunhat, polarized glasses and a quality sunblock. Popularized in the 1950’s, sunblocks have come a long way in not only guarding against sunburns but also using cleaner ingredients, with the most ideal choice being non-nano zinc oxide.

Avoiding ecologically harmful ingredients such as BP2 and oxybenzone is one simple thing we can all do to help preserve the delicate ecosystems in our oceans and coral reefs. Research has found that these chemicals wash off the skin and effectively create a film on the waters surface which prevents the suns rays from reaching the photosynthetic creatures below, throwing the ecosystems out of balance and reducing the ocean’s biodiversity.

Therefore, when shopping for your next bottle of sunblock, check out the label to make sure that it’s a mineral sunblock with words like “reef safe, organic, and biodegradable” rather than a traditional chemical sunscreen. If you’d like more information regarding reef safe sunblocks and a long list of suggested reef happy products, check out the post by SnorkelsandFins at the link here.

In Features May 30, 2018

Spa Quality Exfoliation with French Sea Salt

Ever noticed how your skin glows after a day of swimming in the sea or taking a long, rejuvenating salt soak? It’s likely due to the gentle yet incredible benefits of sea salt exfoliation.

Why Sea Salt?

Sea salt has been renowned for it’s purifying properties since the dawn of beauty. It’s healthier to use than highly processed commercial salts as it still contains skin-friendly essential minerals. Some include magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium which encourage healthy, clear skin.

Additionally, this gift of the sea is a powerful cleanser. It deeply purifies the skin as its finely milled crystals serve as excellent physical exfoliators.

Natural Exfoliants

Sloughing off dead skin cells is one of the best things you can do to maintain a smooth, revitalized complexion. This is why we made it a key ingredient in our Exfoliant Supérieure. When combined with the β-hydroxy acid and natural tannins found in willowbark extract, these wonders of nature work together to tighten the pores, refresh tired skin and restore your skin’s natural radiance.

To learn how to give yourself a spa quality exfoliation experience at home, click here.

For more information on why sea salt is such an incredible beauty ingredient and how to incorporate it into more of your beauty practices, click here.

In Features April 29, 2018

My Acne Journey by Moorea Kern

After ten long years of breakout after breakout, I can say with much relief that I have finally found peace with my skin. As most of us experienced, it all started during puberty. I seemed to have it worse than your average teenager, experiencing breakouts on not only my face but my chest and back as well. If only I knew what was in store for me when I turned 20.

Just as I thought I was outgrowing my pimple phase, adult acne hit me full force. I had deep, painful cystic acne in all the previous places but the inflammation became rash-like in appearance on my neck. I was so embarrassed I tried to cover it with heaps of foundation every day. This attempt to hide from reality didn’t do me or my skin any good. I simply irritated my pores more by plugging them up and continued to receive heartfelt yet misguided condolences for catching poison oak on my face. Ouch.

My dermatologist insisted I try a drug like Accutane, but I knew there had to be another way to clear my skin that didn’t involve such harsh chemicals. That’s when the research began. I realized how many different types and causes of acne there are and that the main culprit of adult acne is typically hormones and poor gut health. And so, refusing to continue as normal, I changed my lifestyle. I cut out endocrine disruptors such as dairy and soy, processed sugars and other unnecessary food items that can negatively influence hormones and digestion- replacing such items with whole foods and herbal supplements that were much more nutritious. I started to take my fitness to new levels, incorporating yoga and exercise into my day to day routine. I increased my water intake and decreased my stress through movement, meditation and journaling.

All of these internal practices were critical for not only healing my skin but also improving my overall wellbeing. These newly cultivated habits guided me towards natural and organic products, including my skin care. When I began to actually read the labels and research what went into all of these lotions, creams and serums I was shocked to find so many toxic and harmful ingredients! I didn’t understand how long lists of unpronounceable mystery chemicals could be better than naturally derived ingredients, so I made an effort to switch. As a young person in school, it can be difficult to justify spending more on organic products over easy to find and cheaper drugstore brands, but I discovered that the more I invested in myself and my skin, the less product I needed to see results and feel beautiful. Now instead of buying product after product at the drugstore, I can rely on a nutrient rich skincare system that gives my skin everything it needs.

Along this journey, I’ve realized that finding balance within is the way to feeling beautiful in one’s own skin. No matter if you have acne, sensitivity, dryness or any other skin concern, there are ways to feel confident and empowered as your skin heals itself. Providing your body with love, nutrition and quality care are essential, but be sure to take a deep breath and remain patient and compassionate through the process. There’s no replacement for genuine self love, so treat yourself well and let your inner light shine bright at every age and every stage.