Wellness & Beauty Blog

How to Make the Switch to Toxin-Free Skincare

Wellness & Beauty Blog

How to Make the Switch to Toxin-Free Skincare

by Jennifer Keel on Jan 30 2025
Here are five ingredients to avoid in your skincare and cosmetics and how to spot them. 
Getting Ready for the Winter Season:  The Ultimate Gift Giving Guide.

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Getting Ready for the Winter Season: The Ultimate Gift Giving Guide.

by Jennifer Keel on Nov 08 2024
As the gift giving approach, it’s time to start thinking about how we’ll spend time with loved ones and, of course, finding that perfect gift for the special people in our lives. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or taking a quiet moment for yourself, this season is all about connection, warmth, and joy.  We know how important it is to find a meaningful gift that shows just how much you care. But we also know that holiday shopping can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when you want something thoughtful and natural. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever this year by offering curated holiday kits filled with our most loved products. These kits are designed to bring a little slice of the farm to your home, giving you a thoughtful solution to the gift-finding struggle.  Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone on Your List  Whether it's for your best friend who loves pampering herself, your partner who appreciates high-quality skincare, or your mom who deserves something special, our kits will cover it all. Packed with clean, natural ingredients sourced directly from our farm and others like it, each kit is crafted with care and purpose.  This time of year, always brings back memories of packing orders in my kitchen with my family, the scent of lavender drifting through the air, and the joy of sharing these handcrafted creations with you. Our gift kits are more than just skincare—they’re an invitation to slow down and find a moment of calm amidst the holiday action. Each kit is thoughtfully curated to deliver the gift of natural beauty, perfect for treating yourself or showing a loved one how much you care.  Whether you choose a soothing bundle like the Rest + Relax Deep Sleep Kit for someone looking for a peaceful night’s sleep, or the Youthful Radiance Set for that friend who loves a little glow, there’s something for everyone. These kits aren’t just gifts—they’re a way to share a piece of our farm, bringing a touch of the earth's goodness right into your home.  So, as you check off your list, remember that the best gifts come from the heart. With every Pretty Farm Girl kit, you’re sharing the warmth and care that goes into each product, crafted for the season of giving. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with meaningful moments, natural beauty, and the joy of connecting to what truly matters.  My Favorite Kits  Lavender Farm - $33.00 Today Body Care Kit - $58.00 All the Blue's - $82.00         
Best Natural Lip Care Tips and DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Best Natural Lip Care Tips and DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

by Jennifer Keel on Oct 24 2024
If you're constantly battling dry, uncomfortable lips, don't worry—there are simple remedies to keep your lips nourished and hydrated. Plus, I'll share a DIY lip mask you can whip up at home for some added moisture.     Lip Care Remedies for Every Day  When it comes to treating your lips, it’s all about keeping them moisturized and protected, and sometimes giving them a little exfoliation to remove dead skin. Let’s talk about a few products that can help:     Vanilla Bean Tallow Lip Butter  If you're looking for a deeply nourishing treatment, our Vanilla Bean Tallow Lip Butter is perfect. Tallow is rich in vitamins and nutrients that closely mimic the natural oils in your skin, making it incredibly effective at moisturizing and protecting your lips. Plus, the natural vanilla scent adds a touch of indulgence to your skincare routine. Use it daily to keep your lips soft and smooth throughout the winter.     Good Flower Farm Lip Balms  For those who love a more traditional lip balm, Good Flower Farm Lip Balms are a must-try. These handcrafted balms, available in delightful flavors like Raspberry, Vanilla Mint, Lavender, and Lemon, are made with a base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. This combination deeply moisturizes without feeling greasy, making it a perfect everyday balm to keep your lips hydrated and smooth.    Ruby Juice Ozone Lip Gloss by Living Libations  When you want a little color while nourishing your lips, the Ruby Juice Ozone Lip Gloss is a great choice. This botanical-based gloss not only gives your lips a rosy tint but also provides nourishment with a blend of botanicals, essential oils, and ozone. It’s a one-of-a-kind lip gloss that hydrates and rejuvenates, making it a perfect addition to your lip care routine.    DIY Lip Mask for Extra Nourishment: Winter Glow Honey & Rose Lip Scrub  This simple DIY lip mask can be made with ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s perfect for soothing and hydrating chapped lips, especially during winter.    This soothing lip scrub combines the natural exfoliating properties of brown sugar with the deep hydration of honey and castor oil. The optional addition of rose petals or essential oil adds a beautiful, calming touch, perfect for a winter skincare ritual.     Ingredients:  - 1 teaspoon raw honey  - 1 teaspoon castor oil (or jojoba oil for a lighter option)  - 1 teaspoon organic brown sugar  - A pinch of dried rose petals, finely crushed (optional) or 1 drop of rose essential oil     Instructions:  In a small bowl, mix the raw honey and castor oil until well blended. Add the brown sugar and stir until you have a scrub-like texture. If you're using dried rose petals, crush them finely and mix them into the scrub. Alternatively, add a drop of rose essential oil for a gentle, floral scent. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips using small circular motions for about 1-2 minutes to slough away dead skin and promote circulation. Let the scrub sit on your lips for an additional minute to allow the honey and oils to deeply nourish. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Follow up with Vanilla Bean Tallow Lip Butter or Good Flower Farm Lip Balm to lock in moisture and keep your lips soft and hydrated throughout the day. The castor oil provides a protective barrier, while the honey naturally soothes and hydrates. The optional rose petals or essential oil add a luxurious, calming touch, making this scrub a lovely addition to your winter self-care routine.     Final Thoughts  By incorporating nourishing products like tallow-based balms, natural exfoliators, and hydrating lip glosses, you can keep them soft and healthy all season long.     
Beginner's Guide to Going Natural: Your Journey to Holistic Skincare

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Beginner's Guide to Going Natural: Your Journey to Holistic Skincare

by Jennifer Keel on Oct 02 2024
  The holistic approach to skincare is a gentle journey that reconnects you with time-honored practices, nurtures your skin with toxin-free goodness, and leaves you feeling more in tune with both your body and the environment.   People turn to holistic skincare for various reasons but some of the most popular are:  A desire for healthier, more natural alternatives to conventional products  Looking to avoid toxic, chemical ingredients that can irritate the skin and disrupt the body's natural balance.  Looking to soothe sensitive skin or allergies   A desire to decrease their toxin contribution to the earth  A desire for simplicity    Whatever the reason is that you're looking to transition to natural skincare, welcome! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch smoothly.     Step 1: Start Slowly—Don’t Overhaul Overnight  The transition to natural skincare doesn’t have to happen all at once. Begin by replacing one product at a time. Start with something simple like your cleanser. This gradual approach allows your skin to adjust and helps you learn what works best for you. Plus, it prevents waste since you can finish what you already have before introducing new products.     Step 2: Read Labels and Know What to Avoid  Learning to read labels is crucial when transitioning to natural skincare. Look for products that are free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and colors, PEGs, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Many find that this process can be overwhelming to do on their own, and like to use an app that scans labels for them and gives feedback on the ingredients found within. We like to use the Switch Natural App, found here.  Focus on finding products that list simple, recognizable ingredients—like pure oils, plant extracts, and essential oils.       Step 3: Expect a Transition Period  As your skin adjusts to natural skincare products, you might experience a short transition period. This is normal! Your skin may go through a phase of detoxing, especially if you’ve been using products with synthetic ingredients. You might notice new breakouts or changes in texture, but don’t worry—this usually subsides within 2-3 weeks as your skin starts to rebalance itself.     Step 4: Embrace Simple Routines  One of the joys of a holistic skincare routine is its simplicity. You don’t need a 10-step routine to achieve healthy skin. Often, less is more. A basic routine might include cleansing with a cleansing oil, toning with a hydrosol (like rose or lavender water), and moisturizing with a pure oil or a natural cream. You can always add treatments like masks or serums as needed, but the core routine should be straightforward and easy to maintain.      Step 5: Listen to Your Skin  The holistic approach to skincare is all about tuning in to what your skin needs. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch it up. It’s also important to remember that your skin's needs will change with the seasons, your environment, or even your diet. For example, you will likely need to exfoliate more and use a heavier moisturizer in the summer, and can likely use a oil or serum as a moisturizer in the summer. Be patient with yourself and your skin as you figure out what makes it feel its best.     Step 6: Extend the Holistic Approach Beyond Skincare  Holistic skincare is just one part of a broader, more natural lifestyle. Consider looking at other areas of your life where you can reduce your exposure to toxins—whether it’s through your diet, cleaning products, or even the way you manage stress. It’s all connected, and each small change supports the others. Holistic skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that considers your entire well-being.   Remember, every small step you take toward natural skincare is a step toward a healthier, more harmonious life. Embrace the process, trust in the power of nature, and give yourself grace as you make this beautiful transition. Your skin—and your soul—will thank you!    So, what can a holistic skincare routine look like?  Here’s a simple routine to get started with:  Morning Routine:   Cleanse – just rinse your skin with water.  Balance - mist on a pure toner. I recommend Clarifying for those with acne prone skin and Rose for all other skin types.  Treat – then apply an antioxidant rich serum, like our Pomegranate Serum  Protect - with Sun Zinc Oxide Makeup   Nighttime Routine:  Cleanse - try oil cleansing. We recommend our Farm Girl Cleansing Oil  Balance - follow with a toner- Pure Rose or Clarifying. Treat - use a Serum - Plum Glow Serum is a very versatile serum that is a great place to start. Here is a link to a guide for the rest of our serums.  Moisturize - use Fresh Face Cream for most skin, or Blue Beauty for acne skin or rosacea skin.   *I would first try using the serum as your moisturizer before gradually adding in our creams. The creams can be a little rich for some skin types and should be used in a small layer over a serum.      Natural Holistic Skin Care Product Recommendations: Farm Girl Cleansing Oil    Pure Rose Toner      Clarifying Toner       Pomegranate Glow Serum     Plum Glow Multipurpose Face Serum | 100% Pure Plum Oil      Fresh Face Cream       Blue Beauty Face Cream       
The Easiest Natural DIY Mask

Wellness & Beauty Blog

The Easiest Natural DIY Mask

by Jennifer Keel on Sep 04 2024
Ever had one of those days where your skin just feels off? Maybe it's looking a bit dull, or perhaps you notice some unexpected blemishes. We've all been there! You reach into your skincare stash, but nothing seems quite right. How about trying something straight from the kitchen instead? Yogurt is a simple kitchen staple that you may not have ever thought to use for skincare but it’s packed with benefits for your skin. It’s been used for centuries as a beauty secret, and there’s a good reason why it’s still so loved today.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Keel (@pretty_farmgirl)     The Ancient Secret of Yogurt Yogurt has been cherished for its health benefits since ancient times, not just as a nourishing food, but as a luxurious treatment for the skin. Women in ancient Egypt, Greece, and India would use yogurt in a variety of ways from cleansers, to masks and moisturizers. But what exactly makes yogurt so good for the skin? Let’s dive into the science behind this simple, yet powerful ingredient.   A Powerhouse of Nutrients Yogurt is packed with nutrients that your skin loves. Here’s a quick rundown:Lactic Acid: This natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) gently exfoliates the skin, sloughing off dead cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion underneath.  Probiotics: These “good bacteria” help to balance the skin’s microbiome, which can keep acne-causing bacteria in check and reduce inflammation.  Zinc: This mineral has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for soothing irritated skin and helping acne breakouts. Calcium: Important for healthy cell regeneration, calcium can help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it hydrated and protected from environmental stressors. B Vitamins: These vitamins help to maintain healthy, glowing skin by boosting hydration and supporting the skin’s natural healing processes.   Benefits of a Yogurt Mask When using yogurt as a mask or makeup remover, it delivers all these nutrients directly to where they’re needed most. Here are some of the top benefits:1. Natural Exfoliation: The lactic acid in yogurt gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and revealing fresh, new skin. This can help to even out skin tone and texture, making for brighter smoother complexions.2. Hydration Boost: Yogurt is deeply moisturizing, which makes it a great choice for those dealing with dry, flaky skin to try. It can help to lock in moisture and leave the skin feeling soft and supple. 3. Calming Effect: If your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation, yogurt’s soothing properties can help calm redness and discomfort. Thanks to the probiotics and zinc, yogurt may help to soothe inflamed skin. It’s particularly beneficial after sun exposure or during a harsh weather season.4. Anti-Aging: Regular use of yogurt as a mask can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its exfoliating and hydrating properties. The calcium and B vitamins also play a role in promoting skin elasticity and preventing premature aging.   How to Use Yogurt as a Face Mask Using yogurt as a face mask couldn’t be easier. Here’s a simple method:Choose the Right Yogurt: Opt for plain, unsweetened, unflavored yogurt with live cultures. Greek yogurt is also a good choice but is thicker to apply.Application: 1. Apply a thin layer of yogurt to clean, dry skin. You can use it on its own or mix it with other natural ingredients like honey, kaolin clay, or ground oats for added benefits.2.  Relax and let it work. Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes. 3. Rinse off: After the time is up, rinse the mask off with lukewarm water, and follow up with your favorite natural serum and / or moisturizer.   A Simple, Natural Solution Yogurt is a true gift from nature—simple, effective, and free from the chemicals and artificial fragrances found in many commercial skincare products. By incorporating yogurt into your skincare routine, you’re embracing a time-honored tradition of using nature’s bounty to nurture your skin.So next time your skin needs a little pick-me-up, reach for that tub of yogurt in your fridge. Your skin will thank you for it!
Protect Dry Winter Skin by Layering Your Routine

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Protect Dry Winter Skin by Layering Your Routine

by Jennifer Keel on Jan 03 2024
In the winter months your skin is exposed to elements that can cause excessive drying and or irritation. To protect and restore dry, dull, or flaky skin- try layering your skincare routine! Layering skincare could be likened to layering clothes as the weather turns colder in winter. It allows allows you to address specific skin concerns with targeted products. If you need extra hydration, you can add a hydrating serum to your routine. If you’re experiencing acne prone skin you can target flareups with an acne targeting serum. When it comes to a skin care routine for dry skin, keep the five tips listed below in mind: Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the outer skin layer. Tone with an alcohol-free toner to restore skin pH. Target specific skin concerns with a serum. Moisturize with a nourishing cream to lock in hydration. Protect from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent sun damage. Let’s get into how you can get the best skincare routine with natural ingredients! Layer 1: A good layering routine all starts with how we cleanse our skin. Many commercial cleansers can be harsh and strip the skin of its natural protective barrier. This can cause a variety of reactions to the skin including over-drying out the skin, acne flareups, irritated skin, more sensitive skin, dermatitis, rashes, or it leads to an overproduction of oil in the skin as the skin tries to compensate. To deeply cleanse the surface of the skin without stripping the skin barrier, try oil cleansing with natural gentle oils. Many oils such as organic jojoba oil can can protect the skin, balance oil production, moisturize and nourishing the skin while cleansing it.  Many people are hesitant to try oil cleansing because they fear it will make their skin oily. However, when done correctly, oil cleansing can actually help to regulate oil production and balances the skin's natural pH levels. As oil attracts oil, oil cleansing can help to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The resulting clean, soft, and glowing complexion has inspired many people to switch from traditional cleansers to oil cleansing. Oil cleansing simply involves massaging pure oils into the skin and then rinsing with a clean damp washcloth or cotton round.  Check out our natural cleansing oils here.   Layer 2: After oil cleansing, gently mist the skin with a gentle alcohol free toner. Alcohol based toners can dry out and irritate the skin. One of my favorite ways to tone the face is using pure organic rose water. Rose water is balancing for all skin types and has been used for centuries. As an antioxidant with additional antibacterial properties, it can also improve the skin’s barrier and reduce transdermal water loss thus maintaining hydration for the skin. Browse our gentle toners.   Layer 3: Now that the base of the skin is prepared, next apply a lightweight, nutrient-rich serum. This extra layer maximizes skincare benefits and targets your specific concerns. For anti-aging benefits, try our blend of rosehip, carrot seed oil, and the tamanu oil in Rose Glow Serum. To fade discoloration and promote an even skin tone, try our Vitamin C serum, Brightening. To target acne spots, our Clarifying serum has black cumin seed oil, broccoli seed oil, and cajeput. Our other serums like Plum Glow, Blue Balance, and Emerald Glow all provide moisture while targeting age spots, mild acne flareups, and dry sensitive skin.  Choose your natural + skin nourishing serum.   Layer 4: A good cream not only adds moisture to the skin, but locks in hydration from escaping as well. Unlike synthetic ingredients, organic grass-fed tallow is bio-compatible with the skin. This means that tallow can prevent dryness at the cellular level without disrupting the skin's barrier and causing irritation. As it also contains high levels of linoleic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and keep the skin barrier intact, it is an ideal choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. It also is rich in essential fatty acids. Fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin and can help reduce dryness and flaking. These fatty acids help to attract moisture while also locking it in for lasting hydration.  We recommend trying a tallow based cream from our collection as follows: Sensitive, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis prone skin: Fragrance Free Tallow + Honey Cream Mature skin, or skin looking for anti-aging benefits: Fresh Face Cream Acne prone, or irritated skin: Blue Balance Cream   Layer 5: While the sun’s rays may not feel as strong in the winter, that doesn’t mean they aren’t working just as hard! The sun’s UV rays are a big factor in creating premature signs of aging such as discoloration, sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles. To protect yourself from these UV rays, sun protection should be worn all year long.  For natural solutions for sun proaction many turn to zinc oxide. Non-nanoparticle zinc oxide effectively and safely blocks and reflects the sun's rays. It can be mixed with natural plant oils that are shown to provide a range of protection for added benefits. We have a range of natural zinc oxide creams and lotions that can be used at the end of your skincare routine.  Check them out here.
Benefits of Honey in Skincare

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Benefits of Honey in Skincare

by Jennifer Keel on Feb 08 2023
Did you know that raw honey has natural healing properties? Unpasturaized Honey has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Several forms of honey, especially Manuka honey can be used to heal minor wounds, clear acne, fade scars, and more.   Here are 5 Benefits of Honey in Skincare: Soothes acne prone skin Keeps the skin hydrated Helps fade scars Balances your skin's pH levels May help keep psoriasis and eczema at bay Soothing Acne Prone Skin As Manuka honey is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and speeds up would healing, it is suggested to be a good natural aid in treating acne.  Bacteria can infect the pores and contribute to acne. Research indicates that Manuka honey may suppress about 60 species of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens. [1] Healthline states: "Honey speeds up your skin cells’ healing processes. If you have acne, unpasteurized honey could speed healing and reduce inflammation. Manuka honey is so effective at healing wounds quickly that it’s now used by doctors in clinical settings." [2] Raw honey helps balance the bacteria on your skin, which also makes it a great product to use for acne. Keeping Skin Hydrated Honey is a humectant. This means it has the unique quality of locking in moisture into the skin. Aa a humectant it helps to soothe, heal, protect and moisturize the skin. [3] Honey for Scar Fading As honey can speed up your skin cells' healing processes, it can also assist in scar healing. The antioxidant properties in honey nourish damaged skin, which helping the scar healing process. [2] Balances pH Manuka honey can help balance the pH of the skin,” states aesthetician Joshua Ross. “[A balanced pH] can help with inflamed, blotchy skin, redness, or stress-induced breakouts, which can be around the chin and the jaw.” [3][4] Learn more about skin pH levels here. Honey for Psoriasis and Eczema While studies do not show that honey can eliminate psoriasis or eczema, Manuka Honey's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties can contribute to soothing symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. [3] These elements can keep these skin issues at bay, or minimize swelling or redness when there is a flare up. [5] In one study, 14 adults with eczema applied Manuka honey overnight for 7 days and reported improvement in the area that the honey was applied as compared to the control area where it was not. [6]   Using Honey in Your Skincare Honey has a long history in skincare, even being mentioned amongst Cleopatra's famous beauty regime. Give it a try in your own routines! Here at pretty farm girl we use Manuka and local honey as one of our foundations in our handmade products. We use it in our soaps, facial toner, and body butters.  Clear Balance facial toner with Manuka honey Milk + Honey soap Sweet Almond + Honey soap Wild Rose + Honey soap Lemon + Honey soap Tallow Body Butter with honey Lip butter with raw honey and beeswax     Read more about studies on honey: Antibacterial Potential of Manuka Honey to benefit Eczema  
No Injections or Chemicals Needed - 15 Natural Anti-Aging Secrets That Work

Wellness & Beauty Blog

No Injections or Chemicals Needed - 15 Natural Anti-Aging Secrets That Work

by Jennifer Keel on Jan 18 2023
There are several things both internal and external that cause our skin to age. Intrinsic aging is determined by our genes. It is part of the natural aging process that results in our skin becoming thinner and drier.  Extrinsic aging is aging that is caused by our environment and other factors. These factors are ones that we can influence, and by making changes we can prevent our skin from aging prematurely. [1] Some of these factors that can contrite to this premature aging include: exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, like sunlight smoking squinting, smiling, frowning lack of sleep pollution stress excessive cosmetics poor diet [2]  In this blog we will talk about 15 different adjustments that can assist in avoiding this premature aging. Keep in mind as you read these tips that as you age, your skin naturally becomes drier and more prone to flaking. This typically begins as you reach 40. When skin is dry, skin concerns like wrinkling, creping, sagging and flaking appear exaggerated because the skin lacks moisture.  That's why keeping your skin moisturized is important! Here are 5 Lifestyle adjustments to prevent premature aging:  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature aging. A diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. Limit intake of diuretics. Coffee and alcohol are diuretics that inhibit the absorption of water, making you thirstier, and your skin dryer. And as we know, dry skin leads to faster skin aging. You don’t have to cut them out completely, but enjoying them in moderation will play a major role in how fast your skin ages. A suggestion is to replace coffee with green tea as green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer, all of which can help give your skin a healthy glow Quit smoking. Substances in tobacco smoke can change the structure of your skin leading to premature aging. These substances break down collagen and elastic fibers in your skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles and a hollow, gaunt face. [reference] Get plenty of sleep. During sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason! Limit long, hot showers. Too much time in the sauna and hot showers causes skin to be excessively dry. This dryness is worsened if you are the type to rigorously wipe your body dry with a towel instead of patting it gently. https://navanskincare.com/blogs/news/10-surprising-habits-that-are-aging-your-skin Consider lowering the temperature and eventually work yourself down to a few minutes in the shower with the water as cold as it will go. When you become a pro- try an ice bath! These are cold-water plunges that are a form of cryotherapy, which involves using cold to treat various issues. When you get out of the cold plunge, your vessels dilate, giving your skin a glow. Because of this, Laura DeCesaris (a functional medicine expert) says it's theorized that ice baths can "reduce skin inflammation and wrinkle appearance over time.” They can help reduce inflammation and swelling, sore muscles, help your central nervous system. This can take a little bit of getting used to but it's well worth it! [3] 5 skincare routine adjustments to prevent premature aging: Avoid commercially made soaps. They contain many unnatural, harmful ingredients that can strip the oils from your skin. The FDA has stated that the majority of cleansers are actually made with synthetic detergent products.  Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. After a wash, pat dry your skin.  Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. Massage your face and neck daily. This can help to help promote blood flow, increase collagen production and prevent wrinkles from forming.  Try Gua Sha. This is an Ancient Chinese massage practice that involves using a jade or rose quartz stone and moving it across the skin. It helps to increase circulation, help drain lymphatic drainage, tone the skin, and give an overall lift to the skin. As you glide the stone across your skin, you are de-puffing it and bringing new blood into your skin. When new blood is present, cell regeneration happens more quickly, which makes it easier for your skin to repair itself. Our body has the heart to pump the blood throughout for our circulatory system however, our lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. So our skin needs to be manually massaged to get it moving! Many notice less puffiness and an overall face lift- it’s the cheapest face lift you’ll find. 5 natural remedies to incorporate into your skincare products: Use products with Vitamin E. Vitamin E is called a powerhouse for protecting against skin damage that may lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It is high in antioxidants, and it affects blood circulation. A 2013 study stated that Vitamin E works as an antioxidant delaying wrinkles.  Use moisturizers with organic tallow as the base. Tallow is believed to prevent dryness at the cellular level while being non-comedogenic meaning that it will not clog pores. It assists in protecting the skin's moisture barrier, and it also contains vitamin E, which as we learned previously is a hero for anti-aging.  Use products that contain Aloe vera. A 2009 study suggested that taking a daily aloe vera gel supplement significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles in just 90 days. And in a 2015 study researchers found that applying aloe gel to the skin significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and also added collagen and hydration. [resource] Use products that contain Green Tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants known as EGCG, which which helps battle wrinkles and increases cell turnover. [2014 study] Use products that act as carriers for anti-aging essential oils. Here are some essential oils that may help improve the appearance of wrinkles when used in different combinations with a carrier: frankincense geranium helichrysum jojoba lavender neroli pomegranate rose Try our anti-aging collections! We have designed our Fresh Face Cream with tallow, jojoba oil infused with rose, aloe, and lavender, as well as several drops of frankincense to combine in a face cream that is packed with anti-aging benefits and delicate for sensitive skin.  Our natural Rose Glow Serum is another anti-aging powerhouse. Rosehip oil is high in antioxidants and helps to repair cells and boost collagen all of which work to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains tamanu oil which is another anti-aging hero that reduces the appearance of age spots. To use, massage a few drops into clean skin. Apply in the morning or evening and enjoy the glow. We also have an entire Anti-Aging kit for you with the Rose Glow Serum mentioned above, a Wild Rose toner, and a Gua Sha for you to try so you too can benefit from that natural face lift. It all comes in a complimentary eco-friendly Pretty farm girl travel pouch. 
Benefits of Oil Cleansing and Cleansing Grains

Wellness & Beauty Blog

Benefits of Oil Cleansing and Cleansing Grains

by Jennifer Keel on Dec 20 2022
Many traditional face cleaners can strip away the natural oils that protect our skin. If your skin/moisture barrier has been stripped you will likely experience irritation, dryness, tightness in skin, sensitivity, and an increased risk of developing wrinkles. Many cleansers also are loaded with fragrances and other ingredients that can trigger allergies or sensitivities. If you are experiencing any of the above or are just looking for a more natural and gentle way to cleanse your face, try using a cleansing oil or cleansing grain.    Oil Cleansers Why oil cleanse? The top layer of skin is beneficial and contains the hydro-lipid-barrier and acid mantle. Meaning it is your skin's waterproof seal, helping the skin retain water and shielding you from foreign substances trying to enter your body. The acid mantle is the natural layer of acidic oils on the skin that fights acne. Good cleansing oils are made with blends of nourishing pure plant oils (like jojoba seed oil) that will leave your skin feeling soft and healthy. They also won't contain any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.  Oil cleansing simply involves using pure oils to thoroughly cleanse the face and then rinsing with a damp washcloth. It can help to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil without striping the skin of its natural barrier.  Many people are hesitant to try oil cleansing because they fear it will make their skin oily. However, when done correctly, oil cleansing can actually help to regulate oil production and balances the skin's natural pH levels. Our Farm Girl Cleansing Oil is crafted with multiple oils penetrate to dissolve congestion and deep clean, without drying skin. It hydrates and rejuvenates as it gently cleans away makeup. Farm Girl Cleansing oil contains sea buckthorn berry oil- which is packed with omega fatty acids 3,6,7, and 9, antioxidants, carotenoids, and vitamins. It helps to diminish imbalances. It also contains Jojoba Oil which nourishes and conditions thirsty skin, balances oil production and moisturizes the skin. Another oil in this blend is lavender essential oil which is a powerful skin tonic that is restorative and calms. And finally, White Grapefruit essential oil- this unique grapefruit variety is known for its cleansing properties.   Cleansing Grains / Grain Cleansers  Cleansing Grains are another gentle, natural alternative to face washing with harsh chemicals. They are ground from natural ingredients such as oats, almonds, or rice mixed with herbs and natural clays. They provide an opportunity to use a gentle and natural exfoliation that softens the skin’s texture, purifies its surface, and helps deeply nourish skin cells. With regular use of cleansing grains, you’ll quickly find it easier to keep your skin balanced and hydrated, leaving you with a more youthful appearance and inner glow. With a wide variety of active ingredients, each grain offers benefits tailored to its own unique blend. From the gentle exfoliation of oats and almonds to the detoxifying properties of bentonite clay, cleansing grains provide natural alternatives to chemical exfoliants that can be harsh on sensitive skin. Cleansing grains help unclog pores, reduce oil buildup, and address any number of skin issues while offering gentle exfoliation. Ideal for all skin types, when used correctly they can help reveal softer, smoother, healthier skin with fewer blemishes and imperfections. To use, you simply mix the grains (or powder) with a small amount of water before use. This creates a paste like  gentle exfoliating solution of minerals and antioxidants that you massage into the skin to cleanse.  We offer Wild Rose Cleansing Grains and Green Tea + Coconut Milk Cleansing Grains. Our Wild Rose Cleansing Grains contain organic oatmeal, white clay (Kaolin), rose petals, lavender buds, almonds, and poppy seeds. Our Green Tea + Coconut Milk Cleansing Grains contain organic green tea leaf, coconut milk, white clay (Kaolin), colloidal oats, pearl powder, and lactobacillus probiotic.  We chose these ingredients as: matcha green tea is a powerful source of antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin and make dull skin look healthier. It can soothe irritation and combat signs of aging. Coconut milk has vitamin c and copper that can help maintain the elasticity of the skin. It also combats dryness, soothes the skin, and promotes healthy glowing skin. Oatmeal is used to calm dry, inflamed, and sensitive skin. Kaolin clay gently cleanses and exfoliates. Pearl Powder is rich in minerals and antioxidants. Pearl Powder has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years as a staple to slow signs of aging and fight the appearance of wrinkles. Lactobacillus Probiotic helps soothe and balance your skin microbiome.   If you are looking to double cleanse, simply use a good quality oil cleanser first and then follow with a natural cleansing grain. Continue to moisturize after washing, especially in dry areas.
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