This article has been contributed by Cristina Nika Kask
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Holiday season is finally here, and the shopping craziness has begun. No matter how much I love this time of the year, whenever I think about the gifts I need to choose for my friends and family, I get a mild headache. Even though I enjoy shopping for others more than for myself, sometimes I think I will not be original but end up buying the same gift I had already bought before. Furthermore, I would like to be eco-friendly just as many of you would too. Well, for all of those eco-friendly people out there, I have found some great suggestions we could all consider.

Fig and Yarrow Bath and Body Kit 

A little indulgence is always desirable. This body kit will offer your friend a true relaxation, because only soothing, safe, and luxurious products are involved in this set. Products from the Fig and Yarrow line are the part of a small-batch, artisanal apothecary that uses local ingredients in order to create organic, handmade and cruelty-free products. All the oils, soaps, scrubs and every other Fig and Yarrow product is preservative, and more importantly paraben and toxin free.

Sweater from an Eco-Friendly Designer

​Certain designers are trying to take care of the environment by using recycled, eco-conscious and vintage garments to create their fabulous wardrobe. Furthermore, some labels choose to make their clothes in-house in the label’s environmentally friendly sewing factory. Moreover, every piece of clothing you order will be sent in 100% recycled packaging. This sweater will be the perfect gift for your mom, best friend, or your siblings. It will keep them warm through an entire winter.
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A Bag

Search for designers that make hand-dyed totes, clutches and cross body sacs, for a completely unexpected and amazing holiday gift. These manufacturers use vegetable-tanned leather to create their pieces. Furthermore, they are dyed with natural and organic dyes, which make every bag unlike any other you have ever seen.

Beauty Bronzer

​Just because the winter is here, that does not mean a little bronze tan is not in order. A bronzer that gives the perfect shine to the face is formulated with raw, organic, and non-toxic ingredients. There are lines of products known for using completely harmless chemicals, they contain no synthetic preservatives and are free of GMOs. Moreover, they are soy and gluten free. You will be even more satisfied when you see that the recyclable glass with airtight aluminum lids is used for packaging. 

Make-up Brush Set

Make-up only looks that flawless because girls use the appropriate tools to apply it. The high quality brushes are essential for properly contouring your face. The best 100 percent pure high quality brushes are the perfect holiday gift for your friend or a sister. Bristles are naturally antimicrobial and synthetic. Brushes are incredibly easy to wash and keep clean. They come in a cute stylish clutch which is printed with soy and veggie inks, on cotton. Perfectly eco-friendly.  

Face Mask

​You can never have enough cosmetic products, creams, lotions, and masks. Certain cosmetic companies have the environment in mind as well, when they create their products. They choose to exclude the icky chemicals and opt for only organic, unrefined plant oils and butters. Furthermore, the main parts of the mask texture become organic botanicals, cold-pressed and steam-distilled essential oils. The companies take extra care of the environment by using recycled paper or glass containers, for packaging. This way the use of plastics is limited the most.

As you can see, there are more eco-friendly products out there than we think. Fortunately, people are starting to pay a little more attention to our planet. However, do not wait for the last minute to go shopping, but do it every day for a little while. Start now and you should be done way before Christmas. Happy hunting. 

If you're losing your hair or want to have strong and healthy hair, certain essential oils have proven to help grow hair back and make it stronger.

There are many factors which result in hair loss in men and women, some of these include stress, genetics, diet, ageing, hormonal changes, fungal infections and environmental exposures. 

The technical term for hair loss is alopecia, in males this is thinning or complete loss of hair.  For females this can be a gradual thinning of hair.  This can also be seen as broken hairs or hair easily falling out when brushing.   It is an autoimmune disease where the body will reject the hair follicles as being foreign objects. ​

​Recently, there has been a major breakthrough in essential oil technology, showing us how essential oils affects human genetic health.  This cutting edge technology is termed AGX expression (Gene Expression).  This science  promotes insights about how we can promote improved health to the human genome by scientifically analysing and combining different essential oils for different purposes.  There are six genetic zones and each oil falls into a specific zone and affects that body function, for example, the zone for hair and nails (zone 6) will include a specific combination of oils scientifically proven to promote healthy function in that area.

The results of a 1998 study, “Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy: Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata,” by Isabelle C. Hay, MRCP; Margaret Jamieson, SRN and Anthony D. Ormerod, FRCP, show “aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata.”  84 people who had been diagnosed with alopecia areata used essential oil applications to their scalp with remarkable results, they  experienced significant hair growth using a simple blend of Thyme,  Rosemary, Lavender and Cedarwood, massaged into the scalp every day with a carrier oil for seven months.

Compared to conventional hair loss treatments, essential oil therapy is a safe and healthy option.

Add 3 to 6 drops of each essential oil to 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil.   Coconut oil reduces protein loss in damaged and un-damaged hair.   The Lauric acid in coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins and is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.  

You could begin by using one or two oils and eventually combine with more oils, depending on which oil you prefer, or use an AGX blend where the oils to promote hair growth are already combined for you.

Massage into scalp. Wait 30 minutes, rinse.
Apply daily.

Add a few drops to shampoo daily and massage into scalp to stimulate hair growth.

​Due to the cycle of hair growth, results can take three to seven months to appear. Be patient and consistent and the rewards will follow.

Your hair will also smell amazing!

Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia

With it's soothing, tranquil scent Lavender plays a major part in stress reduction.    It is also anti-bacterial and helps to unclog hair follicles.  It regulates blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory.  

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris
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Thyme has a  warm and spicy aroma.  Used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks, one of the earliest medicinal plants employed throughout the Mediterranean region. 
Thyme has a direct action on the nervous system.   Blood circulation to the scalp is stimulated by Thyme.   
It is also an antiseptic and can help prevent dandruff. 

Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea Tree controls excess oil which can clog follicles.  It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.  Used as a remedy for head lice and psoriasis.  Tea Tree oil stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation, from its component- terpinen-4-ol., extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree.  It removes dead skin and bacteria from scalp. It also prevents residues from chemicals building up in hair.

Ylang Ylang - Cananga odorata

Ylang ylang stimulates hair growth.  It prevents scalp dryness and brittle hair.  It stimulates the skin that controls sebum secretion,  sebum contributes to the overall health of your hair and scalp.
​It's fragrant exotic scent is calming to the senses and  decreases stress.

Frankincense - Boswellia frereana

Frankincense strengthens hair follicles, balances hormones and is anti-inflammatory. It is known to make hair roots stronger.  The boswellic acids in frankincense inhibits the inflammatory process and improves blood circulation.

Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens

Cypress increases circulation and capillary strength.  It brightens dull and dry hair.  Used often in skin therapy treatments.  

Helichrysum - Helichrysum italicum

Found in many new formulations of natural hair treatments, Helichrysum regenerates soft tissue of the body.
It can be used to combat skin conditions, aids in circulatory function, is antibacterial and an antioxidant.
Helichrysum italicum contains high levels of neryl acetate, the compound responsible, along with its synergistic constituents, for tissue rebuilding and healing. 

When purchasing essential oils, it is very important that you choose high quality essential oils.  If the oil is of a low quality, the benefits may not be seen and you may be introducing toxic chemicals into your body.   When using oils on skin and hair it is best to use Clinical Grade essential oils, as the Bioavailability of these have been scientifically researched and they are the safest oils to use.

Before using any essential oils for hair growth, it is important to test them for reactions on a small area of skin. 


Author Bio: 

Ingrid Long is the owner of Organic Beauty Trends and essential oil educator. 

​References - 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/alopecia 

http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=189618​

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10641130

http://www.google.com/patents/US6447762?dq=rosemary+essential+oil+hair+follicles#v=onepage&q&f=false​

https://www.google.com/patents/US8668943?
dq=peppermint+hair+loss&hl=en&sa=X&sqi=2&pjf=1&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAGoVChMI4Nn427yAyQIVo9ymCh0YIAlD

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

https://www.google.com/patents/CN101249140A?
cl=en&dq=basil+hair+growth&hl=en&sa=X&sqi=2&pjf=1&ved=0CDUQ6AEwA2oVChMIrNSQ_7uAyQIVhpCmCh0AsAcn​

http://www.livestrong.com/article/487340-is-tea-tree-oil-good-for-hair-loss/​

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-697-ylang%20ylang%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=697&activeingredientname=ylang%20ylang%20oil​
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http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/cypress-oil.aspx




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This article has been contributed by Willo Conner.

Wasn't your skin looking more beautiful, smooth and glorious in your college day pictures? You may be wondering why your skin is no longer as lustrous? The answer is simple: you are aging. When it comes to aging, you have to admit that the most inevitable and unavoidable part of this natural process is wrinkled. It does not matter, how gracefully you age; no one wants those fine lines on their faces. Sadly, wrinkles affect more than just the face; they can affect different parts of the body. The parts most commonly affected by wrinkles are:

•    Neck
•    Backs of hands
•    Tops of forearms

Though different parts of the body are affected, facial wrinkles are the major complaint about most patients, as they are more visible. What exactly are facial wrinkles? Have you noticed those folds, creases or fine lines on your forehead and around the eyes, or the chin? Those lines may not be clearly visible right now, but with time, they become deeper and more prominent. So, if you are noticing them right now, take steps to keep them away from being noticed by others. Wrinkles cannot be kept at bay forever, but you can prolong the period during which your face is youthful and with the  top 10 wrinkle creams for your wrinkle free skin. 

Different factors causing wrinkles
Age is not the only culprit behind every line on your face; there are several other factors that are equally responsible for the appearance of wrinkles. Some of these elements contribute to the development of wrinkles to a degree that is equal to the effects of age. These factors are:

•    Smoking
•    Excessive exposure to the sun
•    Harsh chemicals
•    Facial expressions
•    Genetics

Five ways to prevent facial wrinkles
A wrinkle-free, beautiful glowing skin is desired, but not achieved by all.  Like anything else, our skin also demands care and attention. Though the conserving time for taking proper care of the skin is difficult in today’s busy schedule, it is not impossible. You only need to dedicate the little time to keeping your skin wrinkle free and beautiful for the longer period. Let's have a look at ways in which you can protect your skin:

1.    Minimize the skin exposure to the sun:  Though sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, overexposure to the sun accelerates the skin aging process. To avoid this, wear a hat, sunglasses, scarves, etc. to keep your skin protected from sunlight. Don't forget to apply sunscreen lotion before leaving the house to protect the areas of your skin that get exposed to the sun. 

2.    Say goodbye to smoking- Research has shown people with smoking habits tend to develop more wrinkles than those who don’t smoke. Results of Twin research unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London have shown that people with smoking habits have a 40% greater chances of developing wrinkles and having thinner than the other group of nonsmokers. 

3.    Lie on your back- Develop a habit of lying on your back when you sleep, and not on your sites as this restricts the chances of skin damage. 

4.    Follow a proper diet:  There is no alternative to developing good eating habits when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing. Your daily food chart should be rich in fruits and vegetables. Fish are also great for the skin, especially oily fish like Salmon. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet as your everyday routine, and your skin will thank you.

5.    Get enough sleep:  If you want a beautiful glowing skin, you should get adequate sleep. That is 7-8 hours of shut-eye every night. Inadequate sleep increases the secretion of the hormone cortisol, which negatively impacts the skin.

6.    Use anti-aging products:  Not all anti-aging products are effective, but if you use the right products, they can help you keep your skin hydrated, fresh and youthful.

How to conceal already existing wrinkles

Though Prevention is always a better idea than cure, sometimes you need a quick fix for a problem that has already occurred. If the ship has already sailed, the previous steps may be sufficient to prevent further damages, but not to give you the appearance you want. In that case, you will need to take extra care of your skin. 

•    Hydrate your skin:   As you get older, your skin becomes a bit dry. When the skin gets dry, wrinkles and fine lines get easy access, and the only solution is to moisturize the skin. Moisturizers help to lock the moisture and keep the skin hydrated for longer periods of time. Eventually, they help conceal your wrinkles, so they aren’t visible.

•    Make-up:  This method is the easiest way to hide your fine lines and wrinkles. This quick and easy fix is only temporary, however, and it should be used in conjunction with the other sites that help solve the problem rather than conceal it.

•    Avoid excessive washing:  Dermatologist believes that excessive washing can make your skin dry. When cleaned, the skin loses its natural oil and moisture that prevent wrinkles. To avoid this try washing your face only twice a day, and do so gently. Use a soft towel and gently pat your face dry.

•    Medical treatment:  There are several medications and techniques that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make those fine lines less visible. Contact a dermatologist if you feel that your skin needs professional care. He or she will help you choose the best products and procedures to get the best results.

•    Anti-aging products – there are a lot of products today that minimize existing wrinkles and slow down an appearance of new ones. For example, Solvaderm’s Stemuderm is one of the best and most effective products of this type. This anti-aging solution addresses all problems of skin aging and minimizes wrinkles to restore youthful skin appearance. It is made of natural ingredients that make your skin smooth, firm, and hydrated. Moreover, this treatment improves collagen production and restores elasticity of your skin. The product should be applied to clean face, neck and cleavage. Apply it with your fingertips in circular motions twice a day (morning and night) as part of your daily skin care routine.

Conclusion

Stopping time at its tracks and keeping a youthful wrinkle free complexion is something almost everybody aspires for. To accomplish this, you must take proper care of your skin. We may not be able to stop time, but we can restrain the other factors that play a major role in skin aging. Most importantly, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid premature skin aging and age gracefully.

References:
 
https://_www.thebeautyinsiders.com

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/winter-beauty-tips-for-dry-skin.html

Author Bio:

Willo Conner (1977-) A freelancer, online article editor, eBook author for health and fitness. He has designed and taught health programs on the topics of health disorders, body image and self-acceptance, beauty tips for women, exercise for seniors. He writes for many online publications. Follow him here -  Facebook, Twitter,  Google+