Lamb Meat Nutrition: Our Dietitians’ Thoughts On Grass-Fed Lamb

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Do you experience dry, scaly skin that often becomes tight, flaky and itchy? Does it feel like no matter how much moisturizer you slather onto your face, you never seem to get relief? While it’s a common experience, this doesn’t make dry skin on the face any less uncomfortable or annoying. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to address the issue, and we’ve come up with a skin care routine for dry skin that will help clear away those flaky bits and replenish moisture so you can restore your radiant complexion and feel confident again.

5 Dry Skin Symptoms | How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin | 5-Step Routine

5 Dry Skin Symptoms You May Notice

Take a glance at the following symptoms to identify whether you have dry skin: 

The skin on your face and body feels very tight after showering, swimming or cleansing
Generally, your skin has a rough texture
The skin around your lips or on your face is flaking
Fine lines or deep cracks are developing 
You experience dryness that’s painful, itchy or scaly

Still unsure if you have dry skin? Watch this In The Mix video as Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar demonstrates three easy steps for categorizing your skin type.

 

How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin

Dry skin can be exacerbated by external factors like seasonal changes, environmental stress and even hormones. Read our complete guide to dry skin to identify whether you are dealing with it or if something else is at play – like dehydration or an adverse reaction to a food or beauty product. If dryness is indeed the culprit, here are some easy ways to keep dry skin soft and supple:

1. Moisturize

The first line of defense for dry skin is usually a moisturizer. Oil-based ointments, creams and lotions that are rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) can compensate for dry skin’s lack of oil and lipids. They lubricate the skin’s surface as well as fortify the skin’s moisture barrier to replenish and seal in much-needed moisture. “When choosing moisturizer for dry skin, aim for a heavier formula and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid … ” explains Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgeon. “Other ingredients to look for include shea butter and lactic acid, which provide hydration and exfoliation.”

Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, either post-cleanse or after a spritz of a revitalizing or refreshing mist to lock in extra hydration.

2. Shower Or Bathe With Lukewarm Water

Extreme temperatures can aggravate an already dry complexion by stripping the skin of essential oils. Dr. Joshua Zeichner tells SELF: “The water in your shower should be the temperature of what you would imagine a heated pool to be – approximately 84 degrees F.” If hot showers are your love language, limit them to 10 minutes max to mitigate the damage. 

3. Use Gentle Ingredients

Like extreme temperatures, harsh cosmetic ingredients can impact the skin’s moisture barrier, causing dryness and irritation. To protect your skin, avoid skin care products that include chemical ingredients like parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, propylene glycol or sodium lauryl sulfate. All Eminence Organics products are free of these ingredients, so making the switch could make all the difference. 

4. Protect Your Skin In Winter

Dry winter air also adds to skin dryness. There is less moisture around during winter months, which causes any in your skin to evaporate more quickly. Many of us are also guilty of cranking up the thermostat, which further strips moisture from the air and skin. To compensate, Harvard Health recommends using a humidifier and setting it to around 60%, which is sufficient to replenish any moisture lost in your skin’s top layer. 

5. Adjust Your Diet

Attack the issue from the inside out. You can enhance your skin’s ability to retain moisture by adding healthy fats to your diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 oils support skin health by fighting inflammation and bolstering the skin’s moisture barrier. Foods rich in healthy fats include salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, avocado and sunflower seeds. 

Now that you know some tactics for treating your dry skin and helping prevent it, you can also consider a number of gentle products that can be useful for relieving dry skin on the face. One of the best ways to tackle it is by tailoring your skin care routine to include moisture-rich products that replenish and repair. We recommend the following routine to heal and soothe dry skin so that you can feel a little more balanced. 

A 5-Step Routine To Help You Deal With Dry Skin On The face

If flaky skin is cramping your style, smooth things over day to night with these Eminence Organics solutions. 

1. Cleanse

Lathering up with harsh soaps or strong fragrances can further irritate dry skin. There’s also a chance that the foaming cleanser you’re using is stripping your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use a rich balm or oil, or, if you need to see bubbles to feel clean, go for a gentle option like the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. As a first cleansing step, purify your dry skin with a gentle, oil-based cleanser. We recommend the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil which replenishes the complexion with moisturizing ingredients like sunflower oil and jojoba oil. Using this as the first step of a double cleanse is especially effective on days when you wear makeup.

In addition to adding moisture, you might also want to exfoliate and remove surface debris. The Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is infused with exotic monoi and made with Eminence Organics’ unique Natural Retinol Alternative to help you achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking glow. 

2. Exfoliate (Weekly To Start)

Our Product Support Team encourages exfoliating dry skin weekly to “take care of any flakiness.” For this type of complexion, a gentle exfoliant like Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is your best bet. Containing lactic acid, rice and chickpea flours, this physical and chemical exfoliant combo clears dead skin cells and smooths rough, dry skin. The presence of salicylic acid gently exfoliates and removes impurities to brighten things up and shrink the appearance of pores. If you’re seeing results and no irritation, bump it up to twice a week. 

3. Tone

A toner is helpful to balance your skin’s moisture and pH levels after cleansing, and to remove any impurities that the cleansers may have missed. Think of toner as the “conditioner” to your cleanser. A product like our Stone Crop Hydrating Mist includes conditioning ingredients like stone crop, lavender and jasmine to restore moisture and nourish dry skin. Once you’ve cleansed your skin, apply one to two sprays onto the face and neck, or you can apply it with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on. 

4. Treat

When it comes to choosing an oil, concentrate or serum for dry skin, we recommend reaching for a product that is rich in fatty acids. Our suggestion is Facial Recovery Oil, which includes nourishing oils that are healing for dry skin. This luxurious face oil is formulated with precious herbs and oils, including clary sage oil and sage leaf extract, to soothe and renew the skin. It’s also a best seller and for good reason. It’s earned the nickname “liquid gold” by our customers – and even Cameron Diaz is a fan, saying: “A drop of Facial Recovery Oil goes a long way to relieve any dryness from the sun and water. A drop on each cheek after your shower will do wonders.”

5. Moisturize

When you shower or wash your face, make it a habit to apply a generous layer of moisturizer and spend a good amount of time massaging it into the face. Choose an oil-rich cream that replenishes moisture and repairs your skin’s lipid barrier. Our Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer includes deeply moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter. Shea butter, in particular, is an excellent emollient for the skin, as it’s high in triglycerides and fatty acids which restore and retain moisture.

If you’re looking to target the neck and face overnight, use the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face and Neck as it reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles so you’ll wake up with a more rejuvenated appearance. 

And don’t forget the rest of your body. Dry skin is a real thing year-round. Whether the culprit is salt water, dry air, diet or environmental stressors, your arms and legs can feel the flakes and itch too. A nighttime skin care routine is one of the most effective ways that you can revitalize and hydrate your skin, especially mature skin. Out of the shower, we recommend using the Monoi Age Corrective Night Body Cream. It contains an exclusive Argan Stem Cell Complex to encourage softer, smoother-looking skin to appear. 

Are you ready to update your dry skin care routine? Find these products and more at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

This article was originally written in November 2020.

A Deep Dive into Intuitive Eating

by Caitlin H,

Jul 24, 2023

Remember when you were a small child, and you ate when you were hungry and stopped when you were full? Even if you faced challenges surrounding eating, such as temptations from sweets or rules about finishing everything on your plate, there truly was a time when your body told you what it wanted to eat and how much — and you listened.

That’s the core message of intuitive eating, a method that dates back to 1995 but has recently gained momentum in mainstream healthy living culture.

U.S. News & World Report Names Diet-to-Go #1 for Best Mediterranean Prepared Meals

by Caitlin H,

Jul 10, 2023

Here at Diet-to-Go, our team of nutritionists and chefs work tirelessly to ensure Mediterranean plan meals adhere to this diet’s cultural and nutritional guidelines. That means delivering high-quality, tasty meals packed with healthy fats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

It’s hard work, but it pays off. Diet-to-Go is thrilled to announce that U.S. News & World Report named us No. 1 for Prepared Meals on its 2023 “Best Mediterranean Diet Meal Delivery Services.”

Alternative Ways to Track Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jun 26, 2023

When you embark on a weight loss journey, you may find yourself focusing solely on one thing: the scale.

It’s easy to get hung up on that number and feel frustrated when it doesn’t budge, no matter how hard you try. While the pounds do play a part, they don’t tell the complete story, not by a long shot.

Let’s explore why scales don’t give the full picture and additional ways to track your progress for a more comprehensive understanding of just how far you’ve come.

Do You Really Need 10,000 Steps a Day?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 19, 2023

When you think about how many steps you need to take in a day to be healthy, what’s the number that immediately comes to mind? There’s a solid chance it’s 10,000.

That’s because 10,000 steps a day has become the fitness industry baseline for living a healthy lifestyle. After all, it’s the default setting for most pedometers and fitness trackers, and a simple internet search will yield thousands of articles on the topic.

But is that number, which generally equates to about 5 miles daily, really based on science?

Do You Struggle With Self-Confidence?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 12, 2023

Confidence is a powerful, sometimes obscure, sense of self-assurance that leads to believing in yourself, your judgments, your abilities, and your identity.

The more confident you are, the more quickly you’ll be able to tackle life’s challenges, achieve your goals and find positivity in your day-to-day life.

Thankfully, there are practical ways to boost your self-esteem and improve your overall confidence, which can go a heck of a long way toward improving your personal and professional life.

7 Reasons to Book a Wellness Retreat

by Caitlin H,

Jun 5, 2023

Imagine waking up feeling energized and fresh in a clean, luxurious hotel room before heading to a short yoga session with a stunning backdrop of distant mountains or a beautiful blue ocean and sandy beach. Then, consider how great it would feel to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal and spend the rest of your day getting a massage or spa treatment, exercising with a trained fitness instructor, or working with therapists to learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

Those are just a few of the extraordinary things you can expect when you take a wellness vacation, which are getaways designed to help you focus on your overall well-being.

Turn Your Daily Stroll Into a Walking Meditation

by Caitlin H,

May 29, 2023

One of the most accessible and perhaps enjoyable fitness activities to make a part of your daily routine is walking. That’s especially true during the late spring and summer months when the fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful scenery can elevate it to the next level.

And while those things may improve your fitness and well-being in and of themselves, what if there were a way to make them even more beneficial?

Enter…meditation.

12 Healthy Snacks Everyone Should Have On Hand

by Caitlin H,

May 22, 2023

Do you often find yourself eyeing the snack machine in the office or scanning the pantry at home between meals?

Constantly feeling hungry can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to weight loss, especially if you’re snacking on unhealthy foods like chips or candy bars all day.  Stocking your pantry or office desk with healthy snacks packed with filling nutrients like fiber and protein is essential.

We have 12 suggestions for filling, healthy, simple snacks that can break the hangry cycle and keep you satisfied and energized all day.

10 Tips to Break a Bad Habit for Good

by Caitlin H,

May 15, 2023

Many of us structure our lives around habits, such as getting up at 7 a.m., drinking a cup of morning coffee, or eating dinner at 6 p.m. These regular practices may be a critical part of ensuring your everyday life is consistent and manageable, and that’s a good thing.

But some habits—such as smoking, overeating, drinking, consuming too much caffeine, or scanning social media right before bed—can negatively impact your overall health and well-being.

There’s a good chance you can quickly identify your own bad habit (or habits). There’s an even better chance you are well aware of their harmful effects. So how do you go about breaking those bad habits? 

7 Brain Exercise Activities to Keep Your Mind Sharp

by Caitlin H,

May 8, 2023

Creating a healthy lifestyle is about many things. It’s about a consistent diet with balanced nutrition. It’s about staying active and exercising. It’s about ensuring your mental well-being. And it’s about keeping your brain active and engaged.

Need a little help keeping that mind sharp, engaged, and present in the moment?  Read on!

10 Signs Your Diet is a Dud

by Caitlin H,

May 1, 2023

If you’re like many of our customers, there’s a solid chance you have tried some weight loss plans in the past—and didn’t see the long-term results you desired.

Here’s the thing: The people who find lasting success do so by making it a lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try a diet. But it means you need to find a diet that works for you and allows you to incorporate healthy eating into your everyday life.

But how can you tell if that “diet” can become a lifestyle?

Delicious Recipes For Our Favorite Spring Fruits

by Caitlin H,

Apr 24, 2023

Spring is the most colorful time of year, and that’s especially true when it comes to spring fruits!

While you can find these fruits year-round in supermarkets, using seasonal produce tends to elicit the best-tasting results. You can also visit farmers’ markets to support local growers and get the freshest stuff available.

We love springtime and the colorful fruits that come with it. Now is the perfect time to try a new light, healthy snack or dessert that everyone will love!

Financial Analyst Loses 10 Pounds in One Month with Diet-to-Go

by Caitlin H,

Apr 17, 2023

Hailey’s 32nd birthday weekend in February was filled with the kinds of things most people like to do on their birthdays — dinner and drink outings, celebrations with friends, and enjoying time with her fiancé.

But after that weekend, Hailey stepped onto the scale and quickly realized she had gained 5 pounds over those few days alone.

Find out how Diet-to-Go helped Hailey lose 10 pounds in 30 days!

10 Fun Fitness Ideas to Make Exercise Enjoyable

by Caitlin H,

Apr 10, 2023

Exercising can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you go to a gym and see what looks like elite athletes pumping weights or pounding out mile after mile on the treadmill.

It’s okay. We get it. And you are certainly not alone. Thankfully, exercising can take place anywhere, anytime, and in all sorts of fun formats.

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated and How Much Water to Drink

by Caitlin H,

Apr 3, 2023

Water is an essential part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. In fact, studies show that hydrating often may slow the aging process and help you live longer. In addition to adding years to your life, there are also a host of other benefits of drinking water and staying well-hydrated.

So, how much water should you drink each day? 

Here’s the thing, it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. But, we can help you figure out what amount is right for you!

5 Weight Loss Tips That Fit Into Your Hectic Schedule

by Caitlin H,

Mar 27, 2023

Remember when it was just before the new year, and you were highly motivated to lose weight and get healthy?

Between balancing things like work, kids, social events, and everything in between, our hectic schedules often mean there’s not much time left for self-care or healthy habits, and that resolution might have fallen to the wayside.

But here’s the thing: Taking care of yourself ensures everything, and everyone else will get the best, most productive version of yourself.

How do you make taking care of yourself a priority again though?

7 Scientific Reasons You Should Try Meatless Monday

by Caitlin H,

Mar 20, 2023

Burgers, steak, lamb chops — red meat is a staple of the American diet.

While it may be unreasonable to cut it out of your diet completely, going vegetarian at least one day a week can go a long way toward improving your health. That’s why we outlined seven scientific reasons why you should try Meatless Monday and reap all the benefits of reducing your meat consumption.

Reverse Your Prediabetes With These 5 Tips

by Caitlin H,

Mar 13, 2023

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It could be considered a blessing in disguise. Knowing that you have it allows you to make new, healthier choices to reverse the condition and hopefully help you avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Simple Ways to Tell if Your Food is Nutritious

by Caitlin H,

Mar 6, 2023

Proper nutrition is one of the most important ways to ensure you lead a healthy, happy, long life. In fact, studies show that eating a balanced diet plays a role in all sorts of things. 

It can be challenging to know whether your food is nutritious. Labels can be confusing if you’re not a nutrition expert, and honestly, how many of us are? But don’t stress! Check out our easy to follow beginner’s guide to deciphering food labels.

8 Essential Elements for a Healthier Heart

by Caitlin H,

Feb 27, 2023

February is American Heart Month, an annual observance of the importance of cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association and all health providers use the month to remind us to engage in healthy habits that reduce our heart disease risk.

That’s why the American Heart Association (AHA) identifies these eight essential elements to better heart health. Read on to learn more!

The 12 Best Easy & Healthy Salmon Recipes

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Who doesn’t love the glow that comes from a good exfoliant? The process of removing dead skin cells is a quick and easy way to reveal a bright and glowy complexion. And while it’s a habit that can benefit everyone, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and using an exfoliant. Understanding the difference between the two types can take your skin care routine to the next level. 

What Is Exfoliation? | Physical Exfoliants | Chemical Exfoliants | Is Chemical Better Than Physical? | Can An Exfoliant Be Both? | Which Exfoliant Is Right For Me?

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in your skin care routine. When done properly, it removes dead skin cells and polishes your skin’s surface (goodbye dullness), thereby allowing better absorption of the toners, serums and moisturizers that follow. The process of removing the dead cells can happen in two ways – with a physical exfoliant or a chemical exfoliant. Read on to learn more about each method and to uncover which type of Eminence Organics exfoliant is right for your unique complexion.

Physical Exfoliants

Physical exfoliant products contain small particles to add texture and they work by literally scrubbing away the dead skin and debris. These tiny bits – which are commonly made of salt or sugar crystals, nutshells, seeds and microbeads – physically slough off dead cells from the skin’s surface, revealing the healthier skin underneath. All of our physical exfoliants are free of harmful plastic microbeads. Instead, they contain naturally-sourced, organic ingredients like crushed gemstones and oat, rice and adzuki flours to gently break up and massage away the dead skin cells. While these particles act as an abrasive, they are gentle and safe. The scrubbing motion also increases blood flow to the area, which can help stimulate a rosy, healthy glow. 

Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment is formulated with turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite. It is the use of zeolite and turmeric powder that gives it grit and exfoliating benefits to re-invigorate the skin.

If you want to refine the appearance of pores and remove excess oil from the skin, the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser is going to help reveal a balanced complexion. Formulated with charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha, this is a supercharged purifying cleanser. It also contains the tagua seed as the star ingredient responsible for gently exfoliating and washing away impurities.

Our Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant is a powder-to-foam exfoliant that uses microgreens, stone crop and rice and adzuki flours to infuse skin with a youthful-looking glow. With its light fizzing action, this revitalizing formula gently invigorates the skin and removes impurities to reveal a beautiful, brighter-looking complexion.

Another way to physically exfoliate your skin is with a textured wash cloth, loofah or dry brush. These can be gentle and easy options – especially for skin on the body.

Product Picks

Chemical Exfoliants

A chemical exfoliant harnesses the power of naturally occurring enzymes and acids to remove dead skin cells at a much deeper level. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) derived from natural substances like lactic acid (from milk) and citric acid (from fruit) break down the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to be more easily shed. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), like the salicylic acid naturally found in strawberries, are antibacterial and reach deep into pores to give skin a deeper clean. 

The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser is an example of a chemical exfoliant because it uses lactic acid to slough off dead skin. A milky gel that lightly lathers on your skin, this cleanser restores a smooth, radiant complexion.

The Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel is another chemical exfoliant, using pineapple and papaya (AHAs) and willow bark extract (a BHA), to gently dissolve the dead cells that have settled on the skin’s surface.

Some other Eminence Organics products containing chemical exfoliants include our Exfoliating Peels: Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel, Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating Peel, Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel and Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel. 

Product Picks

Is Chemical Exfoliation Better Than Physical?

Both chemical and physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells and other buildup, helping speed cell turnover and leaving your skin fresher, brighter and clearer-looking. Chemical exfoliants are generally milder than physical exfoliants, which means they can be used by those with sensitive skin or darker skin tones that may be more prone to scarring. Since chemical exfoliants don’t manually remove skin, there’s less risk of overdoing it and ending up with irritated or damaged skin.

It is important to keep in mind that more is not more when it comes to exfoliating. Regardless of whether you’re using a physical or a chemical to exfoliant, it’s possible to overdo it. Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can strip away the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage or sensitivity, dryness and flakiness. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier – that protective layer of oils and fats that, along with the dead cells, helps seal moisture into the skin and keep irritants out. When these protective properties are stripped away with excessive exfoliation, the result is a weakened barrier. As a general rule, exfoliating two to three times per week is a good guideline. If you notice a reaction in your skin, slow down and build your way up.

Can An Exfoliant Be Both Physical And Chemical?

The short answer is yes! The Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant is an example of an exfoliant with both physical and chemical properties. Rice extracts gently buff and polish the skin’s surface, while the salicylic acid found in strawberries dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and penetrates deep into pores to clear them of any gunk and grime. The two approaches actually complement each other if used correctly, optimizing cell turnover to smooth, polish and retexturize your skin. One of our fans, Jodes, left us a website review: “Love love love this! I sprinkle some on my hand with a little squirt of face wash or just water and rub onto my face for a gentle exfoliant. Does the trick perfectly! and this bottle honestly lasts for such a long time — I’m talking forever! And I use it every other day.”

If you’re looking to double down with your exfoliants, we suggest the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System and the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser, both of which contain the dynamic duo of acids and granules to clear the skin and reveal a brighter, smoother-looking complexion.

Which Exfoliant Is Right For Me?

Many factors can determine which type of exfoliant is the best option for your specific needs. To determine which type of exfoliant best suits your skin’s needs, we recommend visiting an Eminence Organics Spa Partner.

Do you use a physical or chemical exfoliant as part of your skin care routine? Which type do you prefer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

Lately, you may have noticed an alarming trend of skincare and beauty brands being called out for mold growing in their products. I recently listened to an episode of Gloss Angeles where hosts Kirbie and Sara referenced a Beauty Independent article titled: “Is the Beauty Industry Suffering From a Product Quality Crisis?” 

This really got me thinking—as Head of New Product Development at my company, it’s always been my responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of our products. I’m no stranger to problems with microbial growth or instability showing up during product testing, this is par for the course. It’s normal for those issues to come up during the R&D stage and when they do, no biggie! We can solve for that. But when a product is already out on the market and starts to exhibit these types of issues, it’s a whole other story. 

In light of this, I thought I’d dive into how mold ends up in skincare products, how it can be prevented, and why we might be seeing this issue more often than we used to. 

What Causes Mold To Grow In Skincare Products?

Grab any skincare product off your vanity and look at the ingredient list—chances are, water is a top ingredient. Water is the primary carrier used in all skincare formulas (with the exception of a few waterless formats). For the most part, you’d be hard-pressed to find a skincare product that doesn’t contain H2O. 

What does this have to do with mold, you ask? Microorganisms such as mold, yeast, and bacteria rely on water to live as much as we do. Essentially, the presence of water in a skincare product is a pretty big indicator that it could be at risk for microbial contamination. 

Contamination During Manufacturing

The FDA requires all personal care products to be safe and not harmful to customers in any way. While this requirement may sound vague, a majority of brands and manufacturers follow a set of well-established guidelines called Good Manufacturing Practices in order to make sure their products meet FDA safety criteria.

Most labs know that when they’re making products, they have to account for the presence of bacteria, yeast, or mold on the manufacturing equipment. Labs are not completely sterile environments, and manufacturing is a very wet process; even the aforementioned waterless skincare requires lots of water to be made! It’s just something you can’t get around. This is why it’s incredibly important for manufacturers to follow proper safety and cleaning procedures to prevent contamination. 

The reality is that trace amounts of yeast, bacteria, and mold can be found in almost all skincare and beauty products. I know this sounds gross, but it’s actually not something you need to worry about. The key is keeping these microorganisms at harmless levels and preventing them from proliferating—which is where preservatives come in. 

Contamination At Home

Skincare products continue to be exposed to moisture even after leaving the lab. This could be from your shower, your bathrooms sink, your hands, or even just humidity in the air. This is why it’s so important for products to be formulated with a proper preservation system. You can minimize the risk of contamination by washing your hands before dipping them into jars, keeping products in a dry environment, and keeping them out of excessive heat or direct sunlight.

Ultimately though, it’s up to the brand and manufacturer to make sure that your products are thoroughly tested, preserved, and stabilized. As long as a product is manufactured in a clean environment following proper guidelines, preservatives keep harmful microorganisms in check and at levels that are not dangerous to humans. This is why clean beauty products that forego traditional preservatives are at higher risk for growing mold and other contaminants. 

Why Are We Hearing About Mold in Beauty Products More Often?

It seems too often lately that we hear about companies recalling a skincare or beauty product due to possible mold contamination. Why is this? It’s hard to say exactly, but the way I see it, there are two likely culprits.

One is, as I mentioned, the clean beauty movement. This movement has villainized certain ingredients (like preservatives), which has created unnecessary fear among consumers. Because consumer preference is such a strong, driving force, we’ve seen more widespread use of less studied, less efficacious preservative methods being selected in lieu of traditional preservatives. 

Another reason we may be seeing mold in products more often is the increasing pressure on companies to keep up with trends. Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, trends in skincare and beauty come and go faster than ever before. In some cases, brands are racing to keep up with these trends in order to capitalize on them before it’s too late. This can sometimes lead to the cutting of corners in regard to product safety testing. 

How Can You Tell If Mold Is Present In Your Skincare?

The good news is, it’s not hard to tell when your products are growing mold. 

Mold typically has a very distinct look and has either dark coloring or a white, fuzzy appearance. More often than not, it will also emit a smell. In fact, a shift in smell, color, or consistency will often let you know a product is on its way out long before you actually start to see mold. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for any changes and noting the expiration date of your skincare products. (Here’s how to determine the expiration date of a product.)

What Are The Dangers Of Mold In Skincare Products?

If you have a healthy immune system and strong skin barrier, you likely won’t experience any side effects stronger than redness, irritation, or mild burning on the skin. You may not even know where these side effects are originating from if your product isn’t exhibiting signs of contamination.

However, those who are immunocompromised should be careful, especially if applying products over broken skin. It’s also important to exercise caution when applying eye products, as contaminated products can serve as a breeding ground for eye infections. So again, if your product doesn’t look or smell right, or if it’s simply past its expiration, it’s always best to throw it out.  

The Growing Importance Of Product Testing Procedures

As the head of New Product Development within my own company, I’m very happy there is a growing awareness of this issue within the beauty community. A flood of recalls and manufacturing errors lately have left people wondering—and rightly so.

At a company, quality is everyone’s responsibility, but it first starts with leadership. There are lots of moving parts and pieces involved in bringing a product to market, and it’s possible for things to fall through the cracks. Researching and developing new products is not easy and it takes some time. Take my newest creation, Better Than Balm, as an example. It took over two years to perfect this formulation, but every trial and error led me to the safe, efficacious, award-winning product we have today. As frustrating as the formulation and testing process can be, it’s important not to rush it.

In my opinion, it’s also extremely important to establish good communication with your labs so you can make sure they’re putting your products through all the necessary testing parameters. This includes Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET), which is part of the Good Manufacturing Practices I mentioned earlier. This is the testing that ensures your products can withstand microbial contamination, including mold.

I want to add that a majority of brands are responsible when it comes to these manufacturing processes. The last thing any brand wants is to put its customers and reputation at risk. Mold contamination is still fairly rare, but it is possible. As a consumer, it’s good to be armed with the necessary knowledge so you can spot this issue should it arise. 

A Deep Dive into Intuitive Eating

by Caitlin H,

Jul 24, 2023

Remember when you were a small child, and you ate when you were hungry and stopped when you were full? Even if you faced challenges surrounding eating, such as temptations from sweets or rules about finishing everything on your plate, there truly was a time when your body told you what it wanted to eat and how much — and you listened.

That’s the core message of intuitive eating, a method that dates back to 1995 but has recently gained momentum in mainstream healthy living culture.

U.S. News & World Report Names Diet-to-Go #1 for Best Mediterranean Prepared Meals

by Caitlin H,

Jul 10, 2023

Here at Diet-to-Go, our team of nutritionists and chefs work tirelessly to ensure Mediterranean plan meals adhere to this diet’s cultural and nutritional guidelines. That means delivering high-quality, tasty meals packed with healthy fats, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

It’s hard work, but it pays off. Diet-to-Go is thrilled to announce that U.S. News & World Report named us No. 1 for Prepared Meals on its 2023 “Best Mediterranean Diet Meal Delivery Services.”

Alternative Ways to Track Weight Loss

by Caitlin H,

Jun 26, 2023

When you embark on a weight loss journey, you may find yourself focusing solely on one thing: the scale.

It’s easy to get hung up on that number and feel frustrated when it doesn’t budge, no matter how hard you try. While the pounds do play a part, they don’t tell the complete story, not by a long shot.

Let’s explore why scales don’t give the full picture and additional ways to track your progress for a more comprehensive understanding of just how far you’ve come.

Do You Really Need 10,000 Steps a Day?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 19, 2023

When you think about how many steps you need to take in a day to be healthy, what’s the number that immediately comes to mind? There’s a solid chance it’s 10,000.

That’s because 10,000 steps a day has become the fitness industry baseline for living a healthy lifestyle. After all, it’s the default setting for most pedometers and fitness trackers, and a simple internet search will yield thousands of articles on the topic.

But is that number, which generally equates to about 5 miles daily, really based on science?

Do You Struggle With Self-Confidence?

by Caitlin H,

Jun 12, 2023

Confidence is a powerful, sometimes obscure, sense of self-assurance that leads to believing in yourself, your judgments, your abilities, and your identity.

The more confident you are, the more quickly you’ll be able to tackle life’s challenges, achieve your goals and find positivity in your day-to-day life.

Thankfully, there are practical ways to boost your self-esteem and improve your overall confidence, which can go a heck of a long way toward improving your personal and professional life.

7 Reasons to Book a Wellness Retreat

by Caitlin H,

Jun 5, 2023

Imagine waking up feeling energized and fresh in a clean, luxurious hotel room before heading to a short yoga session with a stunning backdrop of distant mountains or a beautiful blue ocean and sandy beach. Then, consider how great it would feel to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal and spend the rest of your day getting a massage or spa treatment, exercising with a trained fitness instructor, or working with therapists to learn how to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

Those are just a few of the extraordinary things you can expect when you take a wellness vacation, which are getaways designed to help you focus on your overall well-being.

Turn Your Daily Stroll Into a Walking Meditation

by Caitlin H,

May 29, 2023

One of the most accessible and perhaps enjoyable fitness activities to make a part of your daily routine is walking. That’s especially true during the late spring and summer months when the fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful scenery can elevate it to the next level.

And while those things may improve your fitness and well-being in and of themselves, what if there were a way to make them even more beneficial?

Enter…meditation.

12 Healthy Snacks Everyone Should Have On Hand

by Caitlin H,

May 22, 2023

Do you often find yourself eyeing the snack machine in the office or scanning the pantry at home between meals?

Constantly feeling hungry can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to weight loss, especially if you’re snacking on unhealthy foods like chips or candy bars all day.  Stocking your pantry or office desk with healthy snacks packed with filling nutrients like fiber and protein is essential.

We have 12 suggestions for filling, healthy, simple snacks that can break the hangry cycle and keep you satisfied and energized all day.

10 Tips to Break a Bad Habit for Good

by Caitlin H,

May 15, 2023

Many of us structure our lives around habits, such as getting up at 7 a.m., drinking a cup of morning coffee, or eating dinner at 6 p.m. These regular practices may be a critical part of ensuring your everyday life is consistent and manageable, and that’s a good thing.

But some habits—such as smoking, overeating, drinking, consuming too much caffeine, or scanning social media right before bed—can negatively impact your overall health and well-being.

There’s a good chance you can quickly identify your own bad habit (or habits). There’s an even better chance you are well aware of their harmful effects. So how do you go about breaking those bad habits? 

7 Brain Exercise Activities to Keep Your Mind Sharp

by Caitlin H,

May 8, 2023

Creating a healthy lifestyle is about many things. It’s about a consistent diet with balanced nutrition. It’s about staying active and exercising. It’s about ensuring your mental well-being. And it’s about keeping your brain active and engaged.

Need a little help keeping that mind sharp, engaged, and present in the moment?  Read on!

10 Signs Your Diet is a Dud

by Caitlin H,

May 1, 2023

If you’re like many of our customers, there’s a solid chance you have tried some weight loss plans in the past—and didn’t see the long-term results you desired.

Here’s the thing: The people who find lasting success do so by making it a lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try a diet. But it means you need to find a diet that works for you and allows you to incorporate healthy eating into your everyday life.

But how can you tell if that “diet” can become a lifestyle?

Delicious Recipes For Our Favorite Spring Fruits

by Caitlin H,

Apr 24, 2023

Spring is the most colorful time of year, and that’s especially true when it comes to spring fruits!

While you can find these fruits year-round in supermarkets, using seasonal produce tends to elicit the best-tasting results. You can also visit farmers’ markets to support local growers and get the freshest stuff available.

We love springtime and the colorful fruits that come with it. Now is the perfect time to try a new light, healthy snack or dessert that everyone will love!

Financial Analyst Loses 10 Pounds in One Month with Diet-to-Go

by Caitlin H,

Apr 17, 2023

Hailey’s 32nd birthday weekend in February was filled with the kinds of things most people like to do on their birthdays — dinner and drink outings, celebrations with friends, and enjoying time with her fiancé.

But after that weekend, Hailey stepped onto the scale and quickly realized she had gained 5 pounds over those few days alone.

Find out how Diet-to-Go helped Hailey lose 10 pounds in 30 days!

10 Fun Fitness Ideas to Make Exercise Enjoyable

by Caitlin H,

Apr 10, 2023

Exercising can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you go to a gym and see what looks like elite athletes pumping weights or pounding out mile after mile on the treadmill.

It’s okay. We get it. And you are certainly not alone. Thankfully, exercising can take place anywhere, anytime, and in all sorts of fun formats.

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated and How Much Water to Drink

by Caitlin H,

Apr 3, 2023

Water is an essential part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. In fact, studies show that hydrating often may slow the aging process and help you live longer. In addition to adding years to your life, there are also a host of other benefits of drinking water and staying well-hydrated.

So, how much water should you drink each day? 

Here’s the thing, it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. But, we can help you figure out what amount is right for you!

5 Weight Loss Tips That Fit Into Your Hectic Schedule

by Caitlin H,

Mar 27, 2023

Remember when it was just before the new year, and you were highly motivated to lose weight and get healthy?

Between balancing things like work, kids, social events, and everything in between, our hectic schedules often mean there’s not much time left for self-care or healthy habits, and that resolution might have fallen to the wayside.

But here’s the thing: Taking care of yourself ensures everything, and everyone else will get the best, most productive version of yourself.

How do you make taking care of yourself a priority again though?

7 Scientific Reasons You Should Try Meatless Monday

by Caitlin H,

Mar 20, 2023

Burgers, steak, lamb chops — red meat is a staple of the American diet.

While it may be unreasonable to cut it out of your diet completely, going vegetarian at least one day a week can go a long way toward improving your health. That’s why we outlined seven scientific reasons why you should try Meatless Monday and reap all the benefits of reducing your meat consumption.

Reverse Your Prediabetes With These 5 Tips

by Caitlin H,

Mar 13, 2023

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It could be considered a blessing in disguise. Knowing that you have it allows you to make new, healthier choices to reverse the condition and hopefully help you avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Simple Ways to Tell if Your Food is Nutritious

by Caitlin H,

Mar 6, 2023

Proper nutrition is one of the most important ways to ensure you lead a healthy, happy, long life. In fact, studies show that eating a balanced diet plays a role in all sorts of things. 

It can be challenging to know whether your food is nutritious. Labels can be confusing if you’re not a nutrition expert, and honestly, how many of us are? But don’t stress! Check out our easy to follow beginner’s guide to deciphering food labels.

8 Essential Elements for a Healthier Heart

by Caitlin H,

Feb 27, 2023

February is American Heart Month, an annual observance of the importance of cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association and all health providers use the month to remind us to engage in healthy habits that reduce our heart disease risk.

That’s why the American Heart Association (AHA) identifies these eight essential elements to better heart health. Read on to learn more!

How To Make Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing

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