Earth Science

I’ve got to be honest – I’m pretty lucky as far as my skin is concerned.

I break out here and there, but it’s usually just a single bump that’s easy to get rid of.  Since entering my 30s, I have noticed a few more lines around the eyes and forehead but they’re pretty faint so I’m probably the only one who even knows that they’re there.  I don’t have any major skin sensitivities and I don’t even have to deal with that much shine throughout the day.

Not much to complain about.

But with all that said, there’s nothing really special about my skin either.  I don’t have that healthy glow that gets compliments from friends and strangers. I don’t have that even tone that allows me the choice of going without makeup.  And I don’t have that smooth, even texture that makes foundation and concealer go on like a dream.

I just don’t have “wow” skin.

Well, strike that.

I *didn’t* have that kind of skin until the Earth Sciences Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel entered my life.

Now, I’ve tried at-home peels before.  They were usually two-step products that had me rubbing a scrub-like product all over my face and topping it with a gel that often produced a slight burning or vaguely uncomfortable tingling sensation.  These peels might have produced good results, but I could never use them regularly enough to see – if I applied them more than once a week, I’d wind up with dry, red skin that was tough to hide even under makeup.

The Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel is nothing like that.

It contains plenty of ingredients to help exfoliate the skin, but it’s an herbal formula that’s nice and gentle.  The peel’s papaya fruit extract contains the enzyme papain to help break down proteins in the skin that hold dead, dull cells on its surface, and the apricot kernel oil provides plenty of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance while firming and toning at the same time. The peel also contains glycolic and lactic acids, two alpha hydroxy acids that also help loosen dead skin cells to effectively exfoliate the skin.

That certainly sounds like a powerhouse line-up of ingredients, doesn’t it?

The Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel is also more convenient than other peel products. It’s a one-step treatment so it’s quick and easy to use.  All you do is apply a thin layer to your face and allow it to dry completely. Usually, I let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while I catch up on my DVR viewing or paint my nails.  Then wet your face with warm water and use a damp washcloth to remove the peel.

Now, there may be some confusion since the Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel  can seem more like a mask than a peel. But don’t get caught up in the terms — a peel doesn’t have to make your skin blister and literally peel to be effective.  Its job is to remove the outer layer of dead skin to reveal a fresh, smooth, glowing complexion below.

With all of the Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel’s ingredients, it definitely delivers those results. And because it’s so gentle, I can actually use it up to twice a week to really get the results that I want.

If I can’t convince you of the fabulousness of this product, maybe my mother can.

As much as I love my mom, she’s not exactly the most observant woman on the planet.  The morning after I’d used the peel for the third time, I had to stop by her house to pick up some mail.  I’d thought that my skin looked brighter and smoother in the mirror but I knew that I’d been using a new product and was hoping for results so I didn’t exactly trust my own eyes.

As soon as Mom saw me (without a single drop of foundation, concealer or powder on my face, mind you), she said, “Wow, your skin looks amazing.  What are you doing?”

Our best-selling, original, Gentle Apricot Facial Scrub is a winner!  Better Nutrition Magazine gives it award-winning glory in the Skin category.

Scrub away and exfoliate.  Leaves skin softer and smoother.  Cleans without drying for luminous skin!

There are many reasons why I’m not a morning person, but one of the biggest is the fact I’m cursed with awful bags and dark circles under my eyes whenever I don’t get a good night’s sleep. Even with some liberally applied concealer, I wind up looking completely worn out and not at all ready to face the day.

I’ve tried plenty of eye products designed to alleviate puffiness and banish dark circles, but I haven’t had any luck – some didn’t make any difference, some wound up irritating my eyes, and some just weren’t moisturizing enough for my taste.

Well, until I tried Earth Science’s Azulene Eye Cream – and let me say, it’s holy grail material.

Its star ingredient is blue chamomile flower extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, but it’s chock full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, Shea butter, and fruit extracts. What really sets the Azulene Eye Cream apart from other treatments for under eye bags and circles, though, is its rich, dense consistency. Most depuffing products are almost liquid-y, so not only do they wind up running down your cheeks, they don’t do much in the way of hydrating the under eye area.  The Azulene Eye Cream actually provides plenty of moisture, which means I didn’t just see improvement in my under eye puffiness and circles – the fine lines around my eyes that become so pronounced when that delicate skin is dehydrated actually appeared diminished too!  The natural formula is also gentle on my sensitive eyes, which are often irritated by the chemicals in other eye creams.

What’s great about the Azulene Eye Cream is that even though it’s nice and moisturizing, it absorbs into the skin quickly so there’s no film or residue left behind. That means I can use the cream at night *and* during the day without worrying about it making my under eye concealer or foundation look cakey.  To apply it, I just tap one of my ring fingers into the jar and gently pat it under and around both eyes. Because the cream absorbs so easily, I don’t have to worry about pulling or tugging on the skin either and I can quickly move on to the rest of my skin care routine.

If all that’s not enough, you also get .8 fl. oz. of the Azulene Eye Cream, which is definitely more product than I’m used to from other eye creams. Talk about lots of bang for your buck!

Fresh, fun and newly redone, our new eye-catching hair care packaging has debuted on our web store! The same size and price as the previous bottle, it is designed to stay seated more easily on your bathroom or shower shelf. Check out our three different types to find the duo that best meets your hair care needs:

Citress Shampoo and Conditioner

This pair is best for fine and oily hair types. With a delightful fresh citrus fragrance, it will cleanse and condition without leaving a weighed down feeling or look.

Hair Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner

Moisturizing and protective, this duo is suited for hair that is color-treated, heat styled, dry or damaged. Imparts moisture, softness and manageability.

Fragrance Free Shampoo and Conditioner

This team provides an option to those who are sensitive to fragrance, or simply want a gentle line to care for hair and scalp. Nourishing, mild and one of our customers’ favorites, it is the best option for gentle care.

For a boost of softness, shine and manageability don’t forget our Olive and Avocado Deep Conditioning Shampoo and Hair Masque once or twice a week. An excellent compliment to any everyday use hair care duo!

Protect…Soothe…Heal…

What are Ceramides and What Do They Do?

Ceramides are lipid molecules (fatty acids) that are found in high concentrations in the membrane of skin cells.  Ceramides serve many important roles in the skin, including regulating the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis (death) of cells.  They are also essential components of the stratum corneum.  The stratum corneum is the primary barrier of the skin.  It has protective functions including keeping foreign substances out of the body, and keeping water (moisture) in.  The stratum corneum contains three types of lipids: ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids that together form glycophospholipids.  Healthy skin has the right balance and proportion of these lipids.

Why are Ceramides Important?

Studies show that dry and damaged skin is often linked to a reduction in ceramide levels in the skin.  Reduced ceramide levels make it difficult for the skin to retain moisture.  It has also been established that sufferers of certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis have reduced or imbalanced ceramide levels.  The successful healing effects of ceramides have been found in studies of eczema and psoriasis.

How Ceramide Healthy Skin Lotion Really Works

Ceramide Healthy Skin Lotion contains plant ceramides, lecithin and essential fatty acids that together create the glycophospholipids that help to restore skin to its optimum state.  With regular use it can improve the skin’s moisture-retaining capacity, actually returning the skin to a healthier condition.  It also contains other important ingredients that contribute to the effectiveness and wonderful texture of the formula, including shea butter (a rich moisturizer) and hemp oil, which has been shown to stimulate ceramide production in the skin.

With the start of a New Year, comes an opportunity to make a New Year’s Resolution. Some of us think resolutions are silly, but some of us see them as a chance to improve ourselves.  When it comes to taking care of your skin, a few easy changes to an already existing facial skin care regimen can significantly improve the skin you’re in.

Let’s start by re-evaluating the basics:

1.    Drinking Lots of Water

So this isn’t the most exciting reminder, but it is important!

Water keeps the skin hydrated so it can continue to look its best. Also, remember to avoid excess caffeine as it dehydrates and can leave your skin with a dry feeling or, worse, it can emphasize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

2.     Sleep

Ah, we all want more and can’t seem to get enough! Our bodies, namely our skin, regenerate while we sleep so it is important to relax, renew and restore with adequate sleep every evening.

3.    Treat Yourself: At Home Facials

An at home facial does not have to be fancy, it can be simple yet still very effective. Try adding a mask or peel once a month to draw out impurities on normal to oily/combination skin. Peels as well as scrubs work well for smoothing and softening dry or mature skin. Check out these excellent options:

http://earthsciencenaturals.com/product/241/Papaya-Glycolic-Gentle-Skin-Peel-4-oz.-.html

http://earthsciencenaturals.com/product/231/Mint-Tingle-Purifying-Facial-Masque-4-oz.-.html

http://earthsciencenaturals.com/product/220/Apricot-Gentle-Facial-Scrub-4-oz.-.html

4.    Be Consistent

Washing, toning and moisturizing the skin in the morning and evening before bed is an excellent habit to have! But, in reality, not all of us have the time to do so. A helpful idea is to pick a time, morning or evening, and commit to being consistent day after day. Wash, tone and moisturize the skin to keep it hydrated, smooth and free of impurities.

5.      Reevaluate Your Products

Just as we change from year to year our skin does, too! Many factors in our daily lives can influence how our skin will react to the world around us. Questions to consider: Does my facial cleanser feel like it “cleans” enough? Am I seeing a lot of residue or makeup after using my toner? Does my face feel tight or dry and it has not in the past?

A great all-purpose, family friendly cleanser is our Fragrance Free Clarifying Facial Wash:

http://earthsciencenaturals.com/product/226/Clarifying-Facial-Wash-Fragrance-Free-8-oz..html

This scent free version is also free of harsh ingredients and contains hyaluronic acid, a very effective moisture binder, which prevents this clarifying formula from over drying.

Here is to you, the New Year and your new and improved skin!

It can happen in a matter of hours or sometimes it seems like minutes, the dreaded blemish popping up to taunt you! And doesn’t it seem to happen right before an important event? …Like a meeting, a date or a special event where you will have to make an impression or photos will be taken? Most of us aren’t sure what to do, from popping the darn thing to covering it up with mounds of make up, we struggle to find the best solution to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

With Earth Science, you can take the natural approach to getting rid of blemishes. Bacteria on the skin causes breakouts, so in order to clear the skin we must make sure to keep it clean and get rid of existing bacteria. Our effective and gentle products diminish blemishes without the harsh, dry after effects that typical acne fighting lines can have.

Here is my favorite way to get rid new or stubborn blemishes:

Step 1:        In the evening, wash affected area with Clarifying Facial Wash.  (I usually use A-D-E Creamy Cleanser, but for zapping blemishes I keep Clarifying Facial Wash on hand).

Step 2:        Apply Mint Tingle Purifying Facial Masque directly to blemish.  Let the mask dry for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3:        Remove during shower, or if you prefer, remove with mostly water and a dark colored washcloth.  (As marked on the tube of Mint Tingle, azulene can stain fabric.)

Step 4:        Tone the skin and moisturize as usual.  If your regular moisturizer is emollient or on the heavy side, don’t use too much as this isn’t helpful in getting rid of the blemish.

Our Almond Aloe Moisturizers and AAD Ginsium C Skin Lightening Cream are both excellent choices to gently pat over the area.

*Make sure not to skip the moisturizing step. A lot of people try to “dry out” their blemishes, but this usually slows down the healing process and often prolongs the life of the blemish.

The Mint Tingle Masque can be used as a spot treatment overnight once it has dried on the face. Make sure to cover your pillow/sleeping area with a towel, as the product can stain fabric.

Once the blemished area is under control, use Mint Tingle Masque about once a week to keep skin clear!

Laughing, smiling and being happy are an essential part of my day. The only downside of this positive habit are the sneaky little lines and wrinkles that seem ever too eager to pop up around my eyes! I used to think eye care was only about the eye cream until I started working for Earth Science. I soon realized that my eye makeup remover could make quite a difference, too.

Once I tried Earth Science’s Chamomile & Green Tea Eye Makeup Remover, I realized what I had been missing! Jam-packed with nourishing and gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and green tea, it actually seemed to help visibly improve the skin around and near my eyes.

For best results with this product (note that it has a more gel like consistency as opposed to liquid), apply it somewhat evenly on a cotton round. Close your eyes and leave the round gently pressed against the eyelid for a bit. You may need to swipe gently to remove excess makeup. Next, make sure to keep eye closed and rinse product and makeup off. Depending on the amount of makeup, you may reapply with another round.

Once you are finished, don’t forget your Active Age Defense i-cream!

We were recently asked about some product options that would be effective at brightening or lightening skin complexion. Our Active Age Defense Cellagen Renewal Serum is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to brighten their skin and minimize visible dark spots! Licorice root extract soothes mature skin and reduces the appearance of skin discoloration while powerful vitamin C brightens and aids in evening out skin tone. Many people know our Cellagen for its toning and firming properties but we wanted to share how it can perform in more ways than one!

This month marks 10 years since I acquired the Earth Science line, so I think it is fitting that we are inaugurating our new website to coincide with this anniversary.

The new site will help us keep in touch with you much better than in the past. It incorporates wonderful social media tools (like this blog) that will allow us to provide you with better and more in-depth information. As time goes on, we will add more and more features. Please let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to see us add to the site.

Two of the most exciting innovations on the new site are the Store Locator and the Recurring Order option. The Store Locator will allow you to better locate stores near you that sell Earth Science products. (If you are a retailer and want to be on the Store Locator, please let us know.) The Recurring Order option gives you the choice to have your favorite products shipped to you at regular intervals without having to place another order (and with free shipping with no minimum order).

If you would like to stay up-to-date on changes as they occur, please sign up for our newsletter. That way, we can let you know when new products or features are added. We also encourage you to keep in touch with us via email, which can be sent through the Customer Service tab. We also encourage you to write reviews about your favorite products to share your experiences with others.

So much has happened over the last 10 years, and so much has remained the same. We are much bigger than we were 10 years ago, but we still have the same priorities and core values that we started with: making great natural products that really work for you.

I want to take a second to thank the fantastic people who work here, some of whom have been with me since the beginning. A company is only as good as its people, and it is the great people who work here that make us what we are.

Ultimately, though, it is our customers who really matter. Without you, we do not exist, and we know this. Thank you so much for supporting us and allowing us to grow into the successful company we have become. We sincerely appreciate it!