Written on March 12, 2010 by admin
All of us want hair that enhances our overall appearance and helps provide confidence and comfort with who we are. Just as seasons change, the condition of hair changes in response to our environment. Add to that personal lifestyle choices, and you have hair that may need some extra care or targeted treatment to address split ends, dryness, oiliness, chemical over-processing, and heat damage or product build-up. Some simple, basic tips will help improve the health and beauty of your hair:
• A healthy lifestyle has its many benefits. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is the foundation for great skin and hair. Smoking, stress, alcohol, lack of sleep and no exercise are all enemies of your natural beauty. The health of your skin and hair are directly connected to these factors.
• Hair products should be chosen specifically for your hair type. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol which dries out your hair. Shampoo with a gentle shampoo in warm (not hot) water so that natural oils won’t be stripped from the hair and scalp. Whenever possible, go a day without washing. Try a dry shampoo or put your hair up. Don’t forget regular deep conditioning (once a week) and consider a light, leave-in conditioner if your hair is particularly dry or brittle. If your hair is oily, condition just the ends. Alternating your regular shampoo with another beneficial one every few months will help remove product build-up.
• Before drying, gently detangle your hair with a smooth-tipped, wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Never brush wet hair, it’s apt to break. Start at the bottom and gently work your way up. Drying with a hot hair dryer can damage your hair. Allow a little more time to dry your hair using cooler settings. Let your hair air dry naturally when you can to give your hair a break from the heat. Same goes for curling and flat irons.
• Beware of too much chemical processing! Permanent highlights, lowlights and all-over color are generally achieved with the use of peroxide and bleach-based color formulas. Without regular conditioning and gentle shampoos for color-treated hair, you may find yourself with brittle, damaged hair. Perms or straighteners have a similar effect and should be used with great care or be applied professionally. When in doubt………wait and ask a professional for advice.
• Protect your hair from drying out in the sun and wind. A hat or scarf is your hair’s best friend when you are outdoors all day. You might check out some products that contain SPF’s for your hair.
• Don’t forget regular trims to keep you locks from sporting split ends and to keep your style fresh and easy for summer. Trends for the summer include: solid all-over color, easy carefree cuts that emphasize light layers that move, and shiny sexy, healthy hair.
With these tips, you can enjoy the summer without worrying about your hair. Check out Key West Aloe’s line of hair care products that offer the natural benefits of aloe vera delivered in shampoos and conditioners with fragrances of Lemon Eucalyptus, Mango, Coconut and other aromatic scents. Enjoy!
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Written on March 12, 2010 by admin
All of us want hair that enhances our overall appearance and helps provide confidence and comfort with who we are. Just as seasons change, the condition of hair changes in response to our environment. Add to that personal lifestyle choices, and you have hair that may need some extra care or targeted treatment to address split ends, dryness, oiliness, chemical over-processing, and heat damage or product build-up. Some simple, basic tips will help improve the health and beauty of your hair:
• A healthy lifestyle has its many benefits. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is the foundation for great skin and hair. Smoking, stress, alcohol, lack of sleep and no exercise are all enemies of your natural beauty. The health of your skin and hair are directly connected to these factors.
• Hair products should be chosen specifically for your hair type. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol which dries out your hair. Shampoo with a gentle shampoo in warm (not hot) water so that natural oils won’t be stripped from the hair and scalp. Whenever possible, go a day without washing. Try a dry shampoo or put your hair up. Don’t forget regular deep conditioning (once a week) and consider a light, leave-in conditioner if your hair is particularly dry or brittle. If your hair is oily, condition just the ends. Alternating your regular shampoo with another beneficial one every few months will help remove product build-up.
• Before drying, gently detangle your hair with a smooth-tipped, wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Never brush wet hair, it’s apt to break. Start at the bottom and gently work your way up. Drying with a hot hair dryer can damage your hair. Allow a little more time to dry your hair using cooler settings. Let your hair air dry naturally when you can to give your hair a break from the heat. Same goes for curling and flat irons.
• Beware of too much chemical processing! Permanent highlights, lowlights and all-over color are generally achieved with the use of peroxide and bleach-based color formulas. Without regular conditioning and gentle shampoos for color-treated hair, you may find yourself with brittle, damaged hair. Perms or straighteners have a similar effect and should be used with great care or be applied professionally. When in doubt………wait and ask a professional for advice.
• Protect your hair from drying out in the sun and wind. A hat or scarf is your hair’s best friend when you are outdoors all day. You might check out some products that contain SPF’s for your hair.
• Don’t forget regular trims to keep you locks from sporting split ends and to keep your style fresh and easy for summer. Trends for the summer include: solid all-over color, easy carefree cuts that emphasize light layers that move, and shiny sexy, healthy hair.
With these tips, you can enjoy the summer without worrying about your hair. Check out Key West Aloe’s line of hair care products that offer the natural benefits of aloe vera delivered in shampoos and conditioners with fragrances of Lemon Eucalyptus, Mango, Coconut and other aromatic scents. Enjoy!
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Written on March 4, 2010 by admin
Not so long ago, many men believed that the idea of a skincare routine was reserved strictly for women, and shaving was all they needed to do. As science has developed new techniques and products to protect our skin from aging and to promote health and well-being, more men than ever are interested in taking better care of their skin.
Our skin is our first line of defense in fighting disease, the effects of climate, and environmental pollutants. Lack of effective cleansing practices, daily shaving, larger pores, and more sweat and oil often lead to in-grown hairs, dehydration/razor burn, and clogged pores. Some men don’t want to be bothered with too many skincare products or a lengthy routine. Some simple, but effective skincare tips are in order:
- Because of increased oiliness and perspiration in male skin, cleansing before and after shaving is an essential first step for keeping skin healthy – pores will stay clear, skin irritations will diminish and breakouts will become a thing of the past.
- When shaving, allow steam to penetrate the skin and open up the hair follicles 30% more, producing a closer shave with less razor burn. A quick, cold-water rinse after shaving and then cleansing will close the pores. Follow with an aloe vera based post-shave moisturizer, or use water only. An alcohol-based after shave lotion will only dry out your skin.
- Sun protection for skin is not isolated to time spent at the beach. Daily sun protection for all skin types is essential in fighting the aging process as well as dehydration and skin cancer. Avoid dry, sun-damaged skin with aloe-based products containing SPF 15 or greater. Aloe is gentle, organic and highly effective, without irritation to the skin.
- In addition to an everyday skincare routine, a balanced diet rich in anti-oxidant foods (Watch out for the burgers, wings and nachos!), adequate daily hydration with 64oz. of water or more, and plenty of sweat-producing exercise to cleanse your body of toxins and increase blood flow to the skin, will have lasting effects on your entire body, not just your skin.
A simple, effective, daily routine yields big returns for a small amount of time and effort. Just try it for a month a see the results. You might be surprised about who notices the change!
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Written on February 25, 2010 by admin
As the snow begins to melt, winter winds subside and tree buds swell, the anticipation of spring and its promise of renewal is everywhere! All living things are in transition from the harshness of winter to the warmth of spring weather. Many women see their skin looking dull and pale during winter months due to the slowing of skin-cell turnover and find their hair dull and dry. With the advent of spring, it’s time to banish lackluster complexions and tresses with a few simple basics:
• Exfoliate – Once or twice a week, exfoliate so that your skin can reflect light. Watch out for grainy scrubs which can be too abrasive. Opt for a gentle, at-home peel which dissolves dead skin.
• Moisturize – Gentle aloe-based moisturizer will help keep your newly exfoliated skin soft and supple. Moisturizing under make-up in the morning, and on newly-cleansed skin before going to bed is essential to good, basic skincare.
• Update Your Bronzer – Bronzer will perk up sallow skin with a swirl of the brush! Make sure you adjust your color from winter to spring. The change of light in the spring will make some bronzers look too dark and artificial. Try a matte mineral powder bronzer slightly darker than your skin brushed lightly over your forehead, cheeks and nose. Then finish it off with a rosy pink blush on the apples of your cheeks to look sun-kissed and healthy.
• Adjust Your Eye – Give the skin around your eye a glow with a highlighter and products with a slight shimmer. Avoid silvery-white colors and go for warmer colors like taupe, nude or champagne. A dab of light-reflecting highlighter in champagne, golden or copper mixed with your daily moisturizer gives an all-over glow. Remember the goal is to look fresh and natural.
• Help Your Hair – It may be time to switch shampoo to rehydrate dull, dry hair. Try a moisturizing formula twice a week followed by a rich conditioner or a leave-in conditioner. Do a weekly deep-conditioner once a week to restore shine and bounce. Allow your hair to air dry and give it an occasional rest from the heat of dryers and irons. If static is a problem, lightly spray a static control product or a touch of hairspray to a natural-bristle hairbrush and brush to the ends.
• Spread The Lotion – Don’t just focus on your face! The rest of your body needs a boost of radiance, too. A rich body cream applied after showering will do the trick. And for a night out, apply a body moisturizer with a hint of glimmer for your arms, legs and décolleté’ area. You in your LBD will look like a million bucks! To finish the look, add a few drops of highlighter to your moisturizer before applying your makeup and you’re ready for a candlelit dinner.
Spring is just around the corner, and with these tips, you’ll be ready with a fresh face and healthy hair.
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Written on February 18, 2010 by admin
When we think of skincare, we often think “treatment” rather than “prevention”. The road to beautiful skin begins with good hygiene, proper diet and limiting sun exposure. Of course, good genes help, too!! A simple review of good skincare practices is a reminder of what we can do each day to prevent skin problems:
• A balanced diet filled with nutritious fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin A and anti-oxidants, such as carrots, leafy greens and berries, along with drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, is the foundation of a healthy body and great skin.
• Plenty of sleep to rebuild skin cells, along with stress-busting exercise can lead to fewer breakouts, but always remember to cleanse your face every morning, after exercising and before going to bed.
• A gentle PH-balanced cleanser does the trick in removing bacteria, unclogging pores and washing away other impurities. Don’t forget to wash your hands often to keep from transferring bacteria and other environmental pollutants to your face.
• Of course, we all have learned about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun’s damaging rays, and if healthy radiant skin is what you’re after, stay out of the sun between the hours of 10AM and 2PM, if possible. Regardless of where you are, ALWAYS wear a moisturizer or foundation with SPF 30 protection or you’ll be seeing changes in your skin you won’t like. Wrinkles, discoloration and collagen breakdown are all accelerated with exposure to the sun.
• And when the inevitable breakout occurs, soothing products like Key West Aloe’s Hydraclear helps cleanse, hydrate and reduce skin inflammation. Remember that when all else fails, a visit to a board certified dermatologist is a good idea.
Getting back to the basics………..a good place to start!
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Written on February 11, 2010 by admin
What exactly IS Aloe Vera?
We’ve heard about it, we’ve seen it listed on the back of the bottle, and we’ve seen it advertised, but just exactly what is Aloe Vera? Aloes come from the lily family, are subtropical, thick-skinned, spikey-looking succulent plants found in warmer regions around the world. Of the more than 250 species, Aloe Vera (or true aloe) is the most widely used because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, sugars and biological stimulators: all important to the rejuvenation and protection of our skin.
First used in ancient Greek and Persian cultures, Aloe Vera was introduced to the New World by the Spanish and quickly became a popular homeopathic remedy. Cleopatra was one of the earliest documented users of Aloe Vera for smoothing and protecting her skin. Through modern research, Aloe Vera has been well-established as a significant agent in providing moisture and healing effects to aging and sundamaged skin by penetrating deep into its layers. Aloe Vera is used clinically to treat burns, dermatitis and a variety of skin inflammations. In the recent move by many in the cosmetic and skin care industry to plant-based formulas and away from chemical ones, enthusiasm for Aloe Vera has soared. New skin care and treatment products are available for consumers looking to treat their skin and hair to this age-old beauty secret.
Natural, gentle and effective Aloe Vera-based skin care is for everyone……..every age, every gender! It’s all available to you in high-quality products from Key West Aloe. Our products represent the best of Aloe-based skin and hair care.
A Few Great Benefits of Aloe Vera
- Fades scars, and help even out skin tone
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Contains more than 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins.
- Relieves acne, as it contains Salicylic acid, acting as detoxifying and cell-cleansing agent
- Has been shown to reduce symptoms of psoriasis, shingles and other skin ailments
- Aids fast healing by dilating capillaries resulting in increased blood flow to infections, burns and damaged tissues
- Aloe penetrates skin up to seven layers deep, thereby bringing more oxygen to the skin, increasing the strength of the tissue, and stimulating cell rejuvenation making it an excellent anti-aging botanical, and a powerful cellular regenerator
- Reduces perspiration, and was used by African hunters for this purpose
- Aloe balances ph levels in the scalp, and acts as a healing agent helping prevent hair loss
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Written on February 2, 2010 by admin
Winter is still hanging around for a while and our skin and hair pays the price. Loss of moisture continues to be a big challenge in maintaining healthy skin and hair in winter months for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that skincare only becomes important when the sun shines and the clothes we wear cover less of our bodies! A small investment now in good moisturizers that protect and hydrate your skin, pays off with smooth supple skin when summer comes and you’re ready for your cutest summer dress or a great pair of shorts.
Increasing your water intake, along with using hydrating skincare products like Optimal Results from Key West Aloe, go a long way to making you look younger with fresh, glowing skin. Water is the single most important ingredient in combating winter dryness to skin, hair and nails. Products that help you retain, supplement and stop moisture loss will help you achieve a natural, youthful look that needs fewer products and less maintenance in the long run. Now that saves both time and money!
Key West’s aloe-based products have a proven record in providing all natural, plant-based hydration with no worries about skin irritation or harsh chemical residues.
In the fight against the effects of winter:
1. Don’t forget to moisturize immediately after showering with aloe-rich Spa Lotion in Sage and Sandalwood or one of our other refreshing scents. Moisturizing immediately after showering locks in much needed moisture while your skin is still wet.
2. Knock out dry brittle hair by wearing a hat whenever you’re out in the cold, and by using a leave-in conditioner. For serious deep conditioning, a monthly hot oil treatment with Leave In Conditioner with vitamin E restores shine to dull, lifeless hair.
3. For men, ease wind and razor burn with our aloe-based Aftershave and Moisturizer. Aloe’s healing properties work magic on skin irritation.
4. And finally, don’t forget DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. Eight glasses of water a day will help not only keep your skin hydrated, but also help with weight management.
A few simple steps now will easily carry you right into spring with radiant skin and shiny, healthy hair to go along with it!
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Written on January 29, 2010 by admin
Key West Aloe is pleased to announce the launch of our blog! Every week we will be posting a new article addressing skin and hair care tips and techniques for maintaining natural beauty.
We welcome your questions and comments about topics that pertain to your beauty, that of your pet, and our product line. Stay tuned for exciting articles aimed at helping you look and feel great!
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