Inspired Beauty News
May 2013 - Gluten – Free and Celiac Awareness Month
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. An estimated 1 in 141 Americans has Celiac disease, yet 83% of those who have it are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Celiac Awareness Month
This event aims to bring awareness and education to those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and allergies, that by eating gluten free foods, they can eliminate their symptoms and improve their overall health. In addition, this event encourages appropriate labeling of food items, restaurant menus, and personal care products.
Andalou Naturals are verified Gluten-Free
Andalou Naturals products have been tested by the Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP) on behalf of Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) and are verified to be Gluten-Free. The CSA has evaluated Andalou Naturals base formulations, and confirmed they are gluten free, meaning they have been tested below the gluten limit of quantitation (BLQ) of 5 parts per million.
What about wheat derived ingredients in personal care?
This is an important factor for a person with Celiac disease, and also helps explain how wheat derived ingredients can be present in a formulation, and yet the finished product is verified gluten-free.
Wheat Germ Oil; the processing and refinement of wheat germ into oil, separates and dissolves the majority of gluten proteins making it essentially gluten free (per the limit of quantitation).
Vitamin E; D-alpha tocopherol is derived from highly refined vegetable oil, most often soybean oil. D-alpha tocopherol may also be derived from other oils, including wheat germ oil (see above).
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein; the ‘hydrolyzing” of wheat involves a fermentation process of the gluten (glutamic acid), where the wheat protein is naturally dissolved by enzymes making it essentially gluten free (per the limit of quantitation).
For more information and tool kits: www.csaceliacs.info, www.gluten.net, www.celiac.org, and www.celiaccentral.org.
April 2013 - Earth Day – Non-GMO is the new GREEN!
What is a GMO?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are "organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally" according to the World Health Organization. This technology is also referred to as "Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM)," and consists of randomly inserting genetic fragments of DNA from one organism to another, usually from a different species.
Are GMO’s proven safe?
No. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) doesn’t think so. The Academy reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods.
Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.
Do GMOs harm the environment?
Yes. “GM crops and their associated herbicides can harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems, and soil organisms. They reduce bio-diversity, pollute water resources, and are unsustainable. For example, GM crops are eliminating habitat for monarch butterflies, whose populations are down 50% in the US. Roundup herbicide has been shown to cause birth defects in amphibians, embryonic deaths and endocrine disruptions, and organ damage in animals even at very low doses. GM canola has been found growing wild in North Dakota and California, threatening to pass on its herbicide tolerant genes on to weeds,” says consumer advocate and author Jeffrey M. Smith, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating.
To learn more about the risks of GMO’s and what you can do, visit: Institute for Responsible Technology www.responsibletechnology.org and The Non-GMO Project www.nongmoproject.org.
February 2013, Andalou Naturals became the first 100% Non-GMO Project verified beauty brand. Find a complete list of Non-GMO Project verified food, beverage, and body care products in the Non-GMO Shopping Guide at www.nongmoshoppingguide.com.
April 2013 – Earth Month – 30 Days & Ways to Make a Difference
1. Shop farmer’s markets
2. Bring your own bag, everywhere
3. Buy local and sustainable goods
4. Grow your own organic fruits and vegetables
5. Use a compost bin for food scraps
6. Reduce and recycle your cans, bottles, and paper
7. Opt out of junk mail and catalogs
8. Read online newspapers and magazines
9. Shop at thrift stores
10. Get crafty and repurpose old items
11. Swap incandescent bulbs for compact florescent lights
12. Turn off the lights and unplug chargers, when not in use
13. Adjust your thermostat – up in summer, down in winter
14. Install water saving fixtures in bath and kitchen
15. Turn off the tap to brush teeth, wash face & shave
16. Time your shower, and reuse your towel
17. Do laundry at night, after peak electricity usage hours
18. Use only biodegradable cleaning products
19. Load the Non-GMO Project app for verified product lists
20. Carry a reusable water bottle
21. Have a picnic with reusable plates, utensils, and containers
22. Celebrate Earth Day and take a hike!
23. Use a travel mug for morning coffee
24. Walk, bike, use transit, and car share, as much as possible
25. Drive a fuel efficient vehicle, gently
26. Organize your work place recycle program
27. Plant a tree, or three
28. Try Non-GMO beauty products, like Andalou Naturals
29. Buy mom a green gift for Mother’s day
30. Be an over-achiever, and set a goal of zero waste
March 2013 - Wash away winter blues, and spring forward with beautiful, healthy hair
8 easy tips to renew, repair, and regenerate!
1. Regular cleansing of hair and scalp with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash away toxins, dirt, dust and sebum that can block follicles and normal hair growth, without drying or stripping color.
2. Rinsing thoroughly removes residue and allows hydration of the cortex layer for added strength and flexibility of individual strands.
3. Using a natural, nutrient rich conditioner helps moisturize and detangle, while providing a barrier against environmental pollutants, sun exposure, oxidation and static electricity, that can dry, fade and weaken strands, leaving them dull and brittle.
4. Gently towel dry without twisting, using a wide tooth comb, careful not to pull or tug when hair and roots are wet and most vulnerable to breakage. Prevent additional breakage by not over brushing dry hair.
5. Avoid high heat settings on blow dryers and styling appliances, apply a styling cream or gel with protein for additional protection and styling options.
6. If hair is dry, weak or brittle, avoid chemical treatments, which can further weaken fragile strands and damage hair follicles.
7. Massaging the scalp, using your fingertips for 10 minutes, every day improves circulation to your scalp, increasing oxygen and nutrient flow for healthy follicles.
8. Maintain a healthy style by trimming edges and removing split-end damage that can weaken hair strands, contributing to breakage, dull strands, and hair loss. Your hair will look thicker and fuller, with more body and shine.
To nourish and protect hair from root to tip, use Andalou Naturals Moisture Rich Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Cream with Argan and Sweet Orange. Uniquely formulated to revitalize hair follicles for increased circulation, deeply penetrate each strand to strengthen and moisturize, and improve hair texture and manageability.
March 2013 - Women's History Month
This month we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of women throughout history, the women whose names we recognize including, Helen Keller, Indira Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt. As well as women whose names are less familiar, but whose accomplishments are great, like Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Louise Arner Boyd, Artic explorer, and Jeannette Rankin, the 1st woman elected to the House of Representatives.
March is also an opportunity to celebrate all the women in your life who encourage and inspire you. Whether it’s your mother, daughter, aunt, friend, or colleague--- would you be who you are without their love and support? What if your help made the difference in a woman’s life AND what if you could help launch the next amazing business or discovery…you can!
The Women's Initiative for Self Employmentis on a mission to help build the entrepreneurial capacity of high potential low-income women in the United States who dream of business ownership.
By focusing on the needs of traditionally underserved groups including minorities, immigrants, and welfare recipients, Women's Initiative brings new resources into local communities to help low-income women overcome economic and social barriers and achieve self-sufficiency.
Women's Initiative for Self Employment has proven that women create jobs for themselves and others, increase their economic self-sufficiency, and directly contribute to the economic growth of their communities when given business planning and financial support to start a business.
Andalou Naturals champions these amazing women entrepreneurs who are choosing to redefine success by supporting their family, serving their community, and building a sustainable business future.
Women's Initiative for Self Employment
1398 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
p. (415) 641-3460
f. (415) 826-1885
February 2013 - Winter Skin Rescue
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin, causing dehydration, redness, and itchiness. Follow these 5 essential tips, along with Andalou Naturals bioactive skincare solutions for healthy winter skin:
1. Cleanse with care, as harsh soap, hot water, and excessive use of sonic brushes can strip the skin’s natural moisture and protective barriers leading to dryness, redness, and irritation.
Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk gently loosens impurities and make-up, nourishes and calms irritation, and stimulates cell turnover for improved dermal immunity.
2. Exfoliate and renew by removing dull, dry surface cells. Rotation of the blistery air and dry central heating creates confusion for the complexion. Exfoliation at least once per week will increase cell renewal for improved skin tone and texture. Chia + Omega Radiant Skin Polish gently buffs and stimulates for smooth, fresh and radiant skin.
3. Hydrate and replenish depleted, thirsty skin. Cooler climates call for increased hydration and nourishment inside and out to maintain even skin tone and texture. Fruit Stem Cell Revitalize Serum replenishes essential hydration and nutrients while repairing cellular damage for brighter, even skin tone and texture with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Moisturize and nourish to seal in hydration and protect the skin’s natural barriers. Like the body, our skin requires an extra layer to weather the elements during the winter. Super Goji Peptide Perfecting Cream delivers collagen and elastin building actives, boosting cellular repair and dramatically transforming for firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin.
5. Protect with sunscreen. On the go, or on the slopes, it’s important to apply sunscreen to shield from harmful UV rays. Although the air is chilly, the sun’s strength is still strong! Oil Control Beauty Balm Un-Tinted with SPF 30 provides mattifying hydration and broad spectrum protection to speed cellular renewal, diminish pores and defend against damaging UVA/UBA rays.
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”
- Victor Hugo
February 2013 - Andalou Is Non-GMO From Head to Toe
Plants have been hybrid since prehistoric times to enhance desirable characteristics. However, modern technology has taken the theory of botanical optimization to another level. Today, approximately 80% of conventional crops grown in the USA are GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms); plants or animals that have been genetically engineered to merge DNA with other plant, animal, bacterial or viral species.
Natural personal care ingredients and foods are sourced from the same farms. Whether topically applied and absorbed through the skin or ingested directly as food, GMO crop effects on human health and the environment are of great concern as they have not been properly tested for human safety. In over 60 countries around the world there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.
Committed to the consumers’ right to know what’s in their personal care products, Andalou Naturals joined forces with the Non-GMO Project to become the first complete beauty brand to have its entire line of products achieve Non-GMO Project verification. The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only third-party verification and labeling for non-GMO (genetically modified organism) food and products.
To learn more, visit: http://www.nongmoproject.org
“While we may not be able to
control all that happens to us,
we can control what happens inside us.”
- Benjamin Franklin
January 2013 – Age Defying… Really?
Yes! Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Science is real Age Defying innovation.
Clinically proven results in just 6 weeks!
100% experienced improved hydration*
87% showed more radiance and luminosity*
88% reported improved tone and texture*
62% confirmed fewer fine lines and wrinkles*
50% reduction in length and depth of facial lines*
87% witnessed improved elasticity of the skin*
0% experienced skin irritation*
Clinical results CONFIRMED brighter, younger-looking skin, while continuing treatment significantly improved the visible signs of aging.
*Based on six week independent clinical evaluation of Andalou Naturals Age Defying skin care regime, following FDA regulation guidelines for dermatological clinical testing and post treatment perception analysis, conducted by a Ph.D. Principal Investigator. Individual results may vary.