To help you maximize your skin’s health and keep it soft, fresh, and unblemished, we’ve put together a list of eight foods that will help you look and feel great!

1. Water – Ok, maybe water isn’t a “food” but it still belongs at the top of the list.  Nothing else can do as much for your skin as staying properly hydrated, inside and out.  Water takes care of the inside, while our aloe products are hydrating the skin’s surface and sub-surface.

2. Fish – With oils to help nourish your skin, fish (especially salmon) at least weekly will help add luster and softness to your complexion.  Also, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in fish have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.

3. Dark Orange and Dark Green Vegetables – Whether it’s carrots, kale, broccoli, or sweet potatoes, these veggies contain copious amounts of vitamin A, and vitamin A is excellent for skin health!

4. Nuts – Nuts, especially hazelnuts and almonds, offer plenty of vitamin E, an essential ingredient for healthy skin.  They make a great snack, and when eaten in moderation won’t blow your low fat diet.

5. Flax Seed – Added to cereal (hot or cold), sprinkled on salads, or even added to your favorite smoothie, ground flax seed supplies a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for keeping your skin soft and smooth.

6. Whole Grains – This isn’t as much about adding something to your diet as it is about replacing.  White bread, pasta and other simple carbohydrates have been shown to promote breakouts and have other adverse affects on your skin.  So go for whole grains instead whenever possible.

7. Olive Oil – Adding a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and an avocado to your salad will add healthy fats to your diet, which is great for your skin.  Again, don’t worry about your low fat diet.  This isn’t the same as animal fats, and it’s definitely better than the fat in potato chips!

8. Eggs and Lean Meats – While egg yolks and fatty meats are high in cholesterol and other nasty stuff, your skin can benefit even if you just eat the egg whites and very lean meats. It’s the protein in these foods that your skin craves, and if you eat it, you’ll improve your skin’s elasticity, which is what keeps your skin looking young.

So, it turns out that beauty really is skin deep, and it really does come from the inside.  Of course the other side to the healthy skin equation is what you put on your skin.  And nothing’s better for that than aloe!  So while you’re here, take a look at some of our amazing line of aloe-based skin products.  Once we get through with you, you’re going to look and feel great – inside and out!

Aloe Vera has been trusted for centuries to alleviate skin conditions of all kinds and restore a radiant glow to your entire body. Cleopatra is said to have used it, the ancient Greek physicians touted it as a miracle plant, and back in the time of the pharaohs, the aloe plant was known as the “plant of immortality” and given as a burial gift to the Egyptian leaders.

Today, while just about everyone has heard of aloe, not everyone knows how amazing this natural plant substance is. A succulent desert plant from North Africa, called aloe vera by herbalists and Aloe barbadensis by botanists, aloe has become a popular house plant and a living medicine repository for everything from skin burns, and insect bites, to sunburn, rashes, and minor wounds.  Many people even clip off an aloe leaf from a plant they have at home and squeeze the inner gel right onto an injury. The gel then hardens into an airtight, natural bandage, instantly beginning the healing process.

Aloe heals by virtue of complex organic chemical compounds. The plant’s living tissues produce an arsenal of healing substances, most importantly complex sugars called mucopolysaccharides (MPS) that compose the internal gel. The MPS reduce inflammation, act as an antibacterial, and dilate the capillaries in the treated spot, increasing blood flow to the injury. The plant tissues also load the gel with other curative substances like salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin), sulfur compounds, and enzymes that act as an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, the gel contains vitamins C and E, which have healing properties and growth factors that stimulate the immune system.
Through the centuries, nothing has changed within the aloe plant itself or the benefits it provides, but what has changed is our skin.  These days more than ever, we exposed our skin to everything from harsh chemicals and pollution, to the drying effects of the sun and chlorine swimming pools.  All of these encounters can have seriously negative effects on your skin and create a need for some serious skin TLC.

That’s why we use aloe in so many Key West Aloe products.  With 96% moisture content and the fantastic healing properties aloe provides, nothing else offers the moisturizing and repairing features like our aloe-containing lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, and other fine products.  So check out our online store, and treat your whole body to some ancient healing today.

If you are sending someone off to school, there are so many things to think about. Let’s take a look at a few basic items on that list and see what needs to be considered.

• Clothes – a big item to address. Take time to go through the basics: underwear, socks, t-shirts, jeans, shorts. Give away those that are stained, or ones that fit poorly. Fill in with new ones so that you have enough to last for a full week without washing. You don’t have to spend a bundle. Shop for these basics at volume discount stores or look for back to school specials at department stores. Save your money for a special item to wear with your jeans and t-shirt: a great sweater, jacket or purse. A good fleece jacket is a great investment: washable, warm, water repellent and practical. There are lots of styles to choose from. Remember that clothes have a way of disappearing from laundry rooms or becoming damaged by washers and dryers that receive high use, don’t buy clothes that you are afraid to lose (ie. expensive or one-of-a-kind) if you have to wash them in a dorm machine.
• Shoes –a very important part of your wardrobe and your “daily grind”.  Make sure you have shoes that will be comfortable as well as fashionable. They need to be able to survive the winter weather where you will be living. Everybody needs a great pair of athletic trainers as a basic item along with a pair of “flipflops” for hanging out at home and in the shower. Make sure you have one pair of shoes or boots that are waterproof. You can fill in the rest with other casual shoes for sporting events and weekend fun. Beware of bringing too much to school, as space is usually limited. You can always have a box of things sent later if you need extras.
• Room Essentials – You will want to add your own personal touch to your space to make it feel like home. Consider colorful bedding, a good reading light, some posters, a rug that can be washed, a bookshelf, and perhaps a corkboard/message board. If there’s room, a footlocker is a good idea for storage of valuable items.
• Personal Care – Taking good care of yourself is an important part of independent living. Carefully consider the products you choose for your skin, hair and sun protection. Choose products that are gentle and all natural. Skin rashes and/or dryness connected to perfumes and additives in skincare and hair care products are common. Avoid problems by selecting products that are all natural and skin-soothing. Key West Aloe has wonderful products with refreshing scents to give a perfect start to your busy day. There are great products for everyone. Order them from KeyWestAloe.com. It’s a time saver to go online, reorder and have them shipped directly to you. Create a first-aid kit with basic supplies for simple cuts and bruises. Don’t forget to include some 100% aloe vera for scrapes, scratches and minor skin irritations. It calms inflammation, sun burn and insect bites. Band-aids, gauze pads, athletic tape, anti-biotic cream, an ace bandage, cold pack, ibuprofen and tweezers, can all be put in a plastic lock box with other items you might want.

It’s that time of the year, and it’s time to get busy checking things off your list. Enjoy these last lazy days of summer and don’t forget to enjoy the great products from Key West Aloe!

Infants and young children have delicate skin that breaks down easily when certain bacteria or chemicals are in contact for prolonged periods. It is important to use diapering and bath products that are all natural and free of harsh chemical additives. Skin rashes are often related to contact with perfumes, preservatives or color additives in skincare products.

Bathe kids in tepid, not hot, water. Beware of bubble bath products. They are the leading cause of urinary tract problems in children. Never use detergent in children’s bath water as it can damage the ph balance of the skin. After bathing, moisturize with products containing soothing, healing properties to retain moisture in the skin. Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamins A, C, and E are all beneficial to keeping skin healthy, smooth and free of rashes. Test products on the inside of the wrist or arm and wait 24 hours before using. If your child develops a rash from any product, discontinue use and consult your pediatrician if it does not go away.

On a daily basis, make sure that your child has clean hands, well trimmed nails and clothes are not too tight on the skin. Do not use anti-bacterial soap or sanitizing products on infants. Little hands always end up in their mouths. Gentle soap and warm water will always do the trick. Check your baby wipes to see what is used in the cleaning agent. Stay away from harsh chemicals and keep your little one out of the sun. Babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature when they become too hot. Find a SPF 30 or higher sunscreen that is made specifically for young children and is paba free. Apply it every few hours when little ones are playing outside or in the water. Try to avoid exposure at the peak of the day. Always take clothes or an umbrella to cover kids up when they’ve begun to show signs of too much sun. Always keep them well hydrated.

For minor skin irritations, treatment with aloe vera is your first line of defense. It has healing, soothing and calming properties that give immediate relief from scrapes, rashes, and insect bites. Anti-biotic ointment along with a bandage is a good treatment for small scrapes and cuts. When skin irritations become an on-going problem, it’s time to see your pediatrician.

Check out Key West Aloe’s  all natural products for kids  that give you the confidence that you are doing something good for your children and giving them the best that Mother Nature has to offer:. gentle, natural healing.

Key West was originally discovered by the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon in 1521. By 1860, Key West was the largest and richest city in Florida due to fishing, shipwreck salvage and salt trade. Later, it became the center of the cigar making industry, producing over 100 million cigars a year.

The original residents were immigrants from the Bahamas and were known as “conchs” (pronounced conks) and residents today continue to use this term to refer to themselves. Spanish and English explorers along with pirates have all influenced the Key West culture. The largest cultural influences have come from Cuba and the people who immigrated across the Straits of Florida to Key West. By 1890, more than half of the 18,800 residents were of Cuban origin. Key West has had Cuban mayors and Cubans were an integral part of the success of the cigar industry.  Before the Cuban Revolution of 1959, there was regular ferry and plane service to and from Havana.

Key West is known for many things. It is the southernmost city in the continental United States as well as the home of two famous residents: author, Ernest Hemingway, and playwright, Tennessee Williams. Because Key West has always had a military garrison, it has also been called the “Gibraltar of the West”. Today, the Navy trains all its pilots at the Naval Air Station at Boca Chica in Key West.

The climate of Key West is a mild subtropical one with the average January temperature at a pleasant 70.3 degrees! Gentle trade winds blow steadily to keep the temperature moderate all year long. There is a rainy season from May through October where early morning rain is a daily occurrence. Even so, Key West is the driest city in Florida, and is seldom hit by hurricanes.

Most of all, Key West is known for its great sense of history, its natural beauty, an easy, laid back culture, fabulous local seafood and warm friendly people. It was here that Key West Aloe was born 40 years ago and has grown to become just one more wonderful thing that Key West can claim fame to. Come visit our store in charming Key West and stay a while.

It all starts with the right tools: a high quality razor, a good badger bristle brush and a good shave cream. There are several different kinds of good razors to choose from, but any high quality cartridge razor would be a good place to start. Some traditional “wet shavers” like to use a classic double-edged safety razor, much like the one your grandfather probably used. These are particularly good for men with heavy, coarse beards. A badger hair brush will help set up your shave cream into a lather which will, in turn, set up your whiskers for a close shave. If you choose a high quality glycerin-based shave cream, the badger hair brush is an essential part of your shave kit. Otherwise, choose a shave cream or gel that is thick and emollient with a skin softening agent like aloe vera. After wetting your face with hot water, dispense your shave cream into the palm of your hand and use your fingers to work it in circles before applying it to your warm, wet face. The warm water on your face, along with the lather, creates a barrier for your blade to skim over and sets up the whisker, cutting it off at its base rather than scraping the surface of the skin causing irritation and redness. Start your shaving routine AFTER your shower when your skin and whiskers are already softened. The combination of good preparation with a high quality shave cream and a good razor results in an effortless shaving experience. When finished, remove all traces of shave cream and splash cool water when you’ve completed shaving. Cool water will close the pores of your skin before applying any additional products to your face and neck. After shave products should help soften and soothe your freshly shaved face. Avoid products with alcohol or other skin-irritating ingredients. Aloe vera-based products are perfect for after shave because of their healing, soothing properties.

Now that men are giving more attention to their appearance, shaving is once again returning to an important part of male grooming routines. Allowing time each morning for a professional quality shave will result in better looking skin and a better start to each day. Your skin will thank you for using high quality shaving products and men’s skin care products like the ones at Key West Aloe. The women in your life will thank you, too!!!

There are many myths and half-truths about sun screens and if you want to practice safe sun, it’s important to know the right product for the right day and your skin. Here are some common misconceptions about SPF and protection for your skin:

1. MYTH: Any SPF higher than 30 is overkill.

TRUTH: AN SPF of 15 filters out 93% of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 30 blocks 97% and an SPF of 50 blocks 98%. That assumes that the product is applied properly. The average person put on about 1/10^th of what she needs. Use about 1 teaspoon of broad-spectrum sunscreen (to shield from UVA and UVB rays) on your face and about 1 ounce on the rest of your body. Reapply every two hours for complete protection.

1. MYTH: Sunscreen must be felt on top of the skin in order to be effective.

TRUTH: Technology used in the manufacture of today’s products has micronized blocking ingredients like zinc into molecules that glide on smoothly. No more heavy white mask in the sun! No more mandatory pore-clogging grease!

1. MYTH: Sunscreens shut out every UV ray.

TRUTH: All sunscreens inevitably allow some UV rays to penetrate the skin. The FDA has called for the word “sunblock” to be replaced with something more accurate. The same goes for the word “waterproof”. These changes will find their way onto labels in future months. Reapplying often when you are in direct sunlight is the best protection.

1. MYTH: You don’t need sunscreen year-round, especially when the sun is not out

TRUTH: The damaging rays of the sun penetrate the windows of cars and offices. UVA rays are the ones that cause the most DNA damage, wrinkles and dark spots. Research shows that UVA and UVB are both linked to skin cancer. Check out your local UV index (www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html) to help you choose the appropriate SPF. Moderate (2-5) intensity calls for a SPF 15. If the index number is high (6-11 or more) reach for a minimum of SPF 30 and stay out of the direct sunlight.

1. MYTH: Sunscreen is all you need to ward off wrinkles, creases and unwanted freckles.

TRUTH: Sunscreen is essential to help slow aging, but a two pronged approach in addressing UV rays is best. Dermatologists suggest layering an anti-oxidant serum under sunscreen to fight free radicals or look for products that feature antioxidant-sunscreen combos to neutralize free radicals. Ingredients like green or white tea, pomegranate, or vitamins C and E all have beneficial effects in fighting free radicals.

When you consider the health of your skin and the aging process, smart strategies will pay off now and into the future. Healthy eating, plenty of hydration, adequate sleep and sun protection will keep you looking your best. Key West Aloe has sun protection products that will meet your needs. Check out Kwt Sports SPF 45 Spray for a broad- spectrum, anti-oxidant and aloe-vera enriched sunscreen……..no grease, no mess, great product!  Stay safe——and pretty!

So, how does one begin? It all starts with a commitment to yourself and the acknowledgement that you are “worth it”. Set a goal of making yourself a priority. Write down what you want to achieve for your inner self and visit it often to check your progress. Look at it as part of your “whole beauty” routine. Start by examining your weekly schedule and evaluate how you spend time when you are not at work. Are there things on your schedule that you can drop altogether, or save for a later time? Do you over-commit yourself? Learn to carefully evaluate taking on extra commitments that are non-essential and don’t build a life that crowds YOU out. Be selective with your precious personal time! Then look at where, in a busy schedule, you can create a regular gift of time for yourself, free of shopping, driving and other distractions. No multi-tasking allowed! Once you have done that, figure out what simple pleasures will calm you and allow you to totally relax and enjoy these precious minutes you have carved out for yourself, and DON’T let other people infringe on your “time away”. Alert your family members to this new approach to becoming less frazzled and a “better you”, then ask for their help and respect. Unplug yourself for a few minutes each day and be firm in your commitment to yourself. Let yourself go and enjoy being alone.

Take a look at some of the following ideas or perhaps you will create your own tailor-made mini-retreat that will help suspend the busy world, even for a few minutes each day or week. Remember to engage as many of your senses as possible.

• Rise 30 minutes earlier than usual and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in your favorite spot where you can enjoy reading the newspaper, listening to the birds, reading a chapter in your favorite book or simply relish in the solitude of early morning before the activity begins. Remember…….no dishes, laundry or grocery lists. This is time for you!

Breathe deeply and dream a little while you’re at it.

• During your lunch break, find a park, a library or a quiet corner in a bookstore where you can get away from your workplace. Make a point of clearing your mind of work details. Read a travel magazine, walk for a few minutes or find a place to close your eyes and relax. Make a point of not having lunch every day with co-workers or staying in the employee lunchroom.
• If you can, find a salon where you can get a pedicure or a mini-massage during lunch or right after work. Find small ways to cut your expenses so you can afford the occasional indulgence.
• Create a specific time at home that is “off limits” to family members. Sit on the deck and enjoy a glass of wine, take a hot bath with scented oils or candles, and/ or listen to music with your headphones on and your feet up.
• Find a place that can be made clutter free. Go there with a cup of black tea ( a destressor) and a lavender scented candle or a bouquet of fresh lavender. Close your eyes for a few minutes and recall the last great place you visited. Make your clutter-free zone your “personal retreat”.
• Try creating a mini-vacation with a weekend away at: a spa, a friend’s cabin, a bed and breakfast in the country or a spectacular camp site. Enjoy a late breakfast, a nap and the beauty around you.
• Take a drive to beautiful spot to watch the sun set.

These ideas will hopefully get you focused on the art of nurturing yourself. Remember that Key West Aloe has wonderful, natural aloe vera-based products that will help you take better care of yourself and add a little indulgence to your daily life. It’s all part loving YOU first.

• Move your workout to the out of doors at a regular time each morning when it’s cooler.  You’ll start your day with a glow and more energized. Work out with a friend to socialize and above all, PLAY and have a good time……a walk, a swim, a bicycle ride, a hike, a game of volleyball……try something new for fun!

• Take a look at your makeup and your routine. Too much makeup and too much heat don’t mix. Try a lightweight tinted moisturizer or add a few drops of liquid foundation to your moisturizer and then choose a cheek stain that does double duty as a lip stain. Finish with a moisturizing lip gloss. Lengthening, black mascara and a good under eye concealer complete a natural, fresh look that matches the season.

• A great way to add a lift to your home is with color. Change out throw pillows and add a few coordinating accessories in the same color palette to give your tired digs a summery feel. Bright intense colors, cool pastels or pure white are great choices to achieve a lighter, brighter living space. Add lighter fabrics and texture with sheer curtains, a jute rug, and wicker or recycled glass accessories. Painting an accent wall is an inexpensive and quick way to brighten a room and add sophistication.

• Summertime is party time and casual is the way to entertain with ease. Be spontaneous. Invite friends for a pool party and have everyone bring something light and simple: fresh fruit, green salad, grilled veggies, chilled soup, olives, hummus and pita bread and healthy cookies for dessert. No pool? Take it to the beach or your nearest park. Bring the blankets, cooler and the kites. Make it festive with brightly colored plates and napkins. Don’t fuss; you’re there to enjoy the company of good friends. Make that the focus! Everyone will be grateful for your easy comfortable style. Remember that nature does the best job of decorating for a party.

Don’t forget that after workouts, before makeup, after painting and decorating, and before bedtime, your skin needs the benefits of hydration, treatment and protection with all-natural aloe vera-based sun and skin care products. Check out KeyWestAloe.com for lightened up and easy solutions to better skin.