Valentine's Day Luxury "Me" Time Giveaway.

We are very excited to announce our first Giveaway this year. And what else can it be if not Valentine's day. The best day of love, to start the year the giving way. And certainly the best day to find "Me" Time to pamper yourself. Ultimate Valentine's Day Luxury giveaway contains:

V Celeste Ultimate Luxury Pink Himalayan Bath Salts with Rose & Jasmine, 1lbs
Pure luxury of relaxation and detoxification. This luxury bath salt is combined with the highest level of aromatherapy, using proprietary blend of rarest essential oils, like Moldovian Rose, Rose Damask, Rose Moroc, Bulgarian Rose, Frankincense, Jasmine Sambac and Jasmine Grandiflorum. All the luxury essential oils that are commonly used in high end natural perfumery.

V Decadence Organic Chocolate Body Polisher, 8oz
Pure luxury and decadent treatment for the most discriminating of tastes. Chocolate Decadence has been formulated with fine grind sugar granules and a host of therapeutic ingredients to stimulate your body and mind. Sunflower oil, Kukui nut, Macadamia, rich in Vitamins A,C, D, E and antioxidants penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture and delivers nutrients, regenerate the skin to make it velvet soft and smooth. Cocoa powder, cocoa absolute and Vanilla create just perfect look and scent of rich chocolate. Perfect to indulge in luxury home spa treatment.

V Lunari Velvet Silk Body Butter, 16oz
This rich, silky velvet and luxurious body butter will, sure, make you feel like a celebrity. Rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals it boosts levels of collagen and elastin to promote skin's elasticity and suppleness, strength and firmness. Unique formula increases circulation, cell hydration, repairs and tones the skin. A light moisture-retaining film protects the skin against external effects such as UV radiation, the climate, dehydration and pollution. This creme is made up of a powerful blend of antioxidants that fight against skin damage and prevents loss of elasticity and firmness. Reishi Mushroom Extract has the capability to increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis, improve firmness and hydration, and reduce appearance of fine lines and scars... Silk Amino Acids (18 types) aid in moisture loss, cellular renewal and collagen production as well as support cell energy giving you silky velvet, smooth glowing skin. Delicious aroma of proprietary essential oil blend of rare high end oils like Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood and White Lotus with uplifting citrus oils will give you almost hypnotic effect and, make you feel like a star.

All of these products are limited edition and will be available while stock last.
But we will reserve one for this Giveaway. To win, this is what you have to do. Some entries are mandatory and some are optional, so feel free to enter as many or as few times as you like.
If you like the products but don't not want to wait to see if you are the winner, all of these products can be purchased here.

1. Follow our Blog (mandatory)
2. Become Sweetation Therapy fan on Face Book
3. Become a fan of our sister company Skin QR Organics on Face Book.
4. Follow us on Twitter.
5. Visit Sweetsation Therapy and tell us what product you like the most and why. (mandatory)
6. Visit Skin QR Organics and tell us what product you like the most and why. (mandatory)
7. Sign up for our newsletters on our home pages of Sweetsation Therapy site or Skin QR Organics site.
8. Blog about this Giveaway and post the link. This can be done multiple times if you have multiple blogs.
9. Twit about this Giveaway and post the link. Also can be done multiple times.


That's at least 9 ways to win plus you can get a daily entry by Tweeting . Open to US Only. Giveaway ends February 8th at 11:59pm. Winner will be drawn by random.org and announced on this blog as well as emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. Good Luck!

What to expect from your skin, while expecting

Overview

Pregnant women need to take a careful approach to skin care regimens. Not only is the skin much more sensitive during pregnancy, but some products need to be avoided altogether. Just as food and drinks are consumed and can affect an unborn baby, skin care products can be absorbed and reach the baby as well. Pregnant women should be aware of the risks and speak to a dermatologist about any skin care issues.

Maternity Skin Problems

During pregnancy, skin is very sensitive due to the body's quickly changing hormones. Many women notice that breakouts, oily skin and dry skin are much more common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. The excess amount of hormones may also stimulate the body to produce too much melanin, a hormone that changes the skin's pigment. This can result in dark blotches on the skin.

Treatment

For dry skin during pregnancy, exfoliating can help to remove the dead and dry cells from the surface of the skin. Drinking water and using moisturizer can help as well, as can using a humidifier and taking showers that are not too hot or too long. For oily skin, blotting sheets help to soak up excess moisture.

Maintenance

New skin care products should be avoided during pregnancy to prevent unpleasant reactions from sensitive skin. To protect skin during pregnancy, sunscreen should be applied every two hours if the skin is being exposed to the sun. Sunlight should also be avoided during peak hours. Oil-free makeup and skin care products may help keep breakouts at bay, and gentle cleansers will get rid of dirt without the use of harsh chemicals.

Skin Care Products to Avoid

Pregnant women should avoid certain types of skin products that can be absorbed into the body, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone or retinoids, a type of vitamin A often found in anti-aging moisturizers and wrinkle creams. A high dosage of vitamin A can be harmful to an unborn baby. Skin care products containing soy can make the dark splotches that occur during pregnancy worse. Although there is no conclusive evidence that these items are dangerous when used topically, it is safest to avoid them if possible.

Acne Products to Avoid

Acne products, though tempting to use due to the pregnancy hormones that can cause breakouts, can actually be harmful. Salicylic acid, used to treat acne and found in cleansers and toners, has been proven to cause birth defects when taken orally. According to Babycenter.com, it is safe to use small amounts of salicylic acid topically a couple of times a day, but face and body peels that allow the salicylic acid to soak into the body should be avoided. A dermatologist can suggest a safe medication for acne.

Pregnancy doom - Stretchmarks. Why do we get them, and how to avoid them.

Stretch marks can be red, purple, brown or silver lines. Stretch Marks mainly occur on the breasts, hips and stomach and other areas such as the thighs and arms during pregnancy or rapid weight gain. Many young women develop Stretch Marks on breasts and hips during puberty. Stretch marks affect many women sometime during the last trimester of pregnancy, appearing between the hips and below the belly button.

Stretch marks occur when skin is stretched over the maximum capacity. Stretch marks appear when growth is so rapid that your skin's elastic fibres break. Although it occurs less often, stretch marks can also be caused by some hormonal problems, certain diseases and medications.

Stretch marks in Pregnancy occur when underlying skin tissue stretches to make room for a growing foetus but doesn't snap back to its original form without scarring after the baby is born. The stretching itself may damage elastic fibers and proteins called collagens, important pieces of the framework that hold skin cells together in the dermis, keeping this layer of tissues just below the skin surface smooth and strong.

Hydration is a very important factor in Stretch Mark treatment. Areas where stretch marks occur are particularly prone to wrinkles. Dehydration contributes to the development of wrinkles and hydration is one of the first suggestions that dermatologists make to patients who are concerned about aging.

Aloe Vera promotes the development of collagen, a substance that gives your skin its elasticity, resulting in firmer and toned skin, which is more able to prevent Stretch Marks.

To assist your skin with the intensity of stretch marks and prevent stretch marks by apply Organic Aloe Vera Repair Oil while you skin is still wet. You will see a fine sheen that forms on your skin - protecting, whilst the Aloe Vera re-hydrates your skin at the cell level. There should be no greasy residue once absorbed, just a real sense of enrichment. This will assist in promoting the elasticity of your skin and minimize dryness, which all helps to prevent Stretch Marks.

Our best Pregnancy skin care tip is Aloe Vera based Face and Body Cream, which contains Chamomile and Lavender, chosen to relieve muscular tightness and stress. Essential Lavender has a rich history with expectant and new mothers. In the 1600s midwives crushed and heated lavender flowers for women who had back pain during pregnancy. The flowers were also an important part of the birthing experience, and were said to raise the spirits of the new mother, baby, and their attending midwife. Chamomile is soothing and gentle in a time of sensitivity.

Developed to be used comfortably whilst trying to fall pregnant, as pregnancy skin care or for those who have given birth to enjoy with their newly born(s) and of course their partner. As your belly grows, you can't always see the areas in need of stretch mark treatment, a partner or friend can perhaps spoil the expecting mum with a massage and help the skin to relax and stay pliable as it stretches.

Stretch Mark Treatment and Pregnancy Skin Care without toxins or chemicals.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Anything special planned?

If you have a Valentine and even if you don't, we have something special just for you. Sweetsation Therapy has developed three, limited edition, absolutely and totally luxury products that will make your senses tickle and soul scream for more. Perfect gift for your loved one or just for yourself, also loved one. So if you have a special someone you can enjoy it together, and if you don't - who cares. You can be your own Valentine and you will like it quite a bit. I am thrilled to unveil......

V Decadence Organic Chocolate Body Polisher

This product is for Valentine's Day only and is Limited Edition. Pure luxury and decadent treatment for the most discriminating of tastes. Chocolate Decadence has been formulated with fine grind sugar granules and a host of therapeutic ingredients to stimulate your body and mind. Sunflower oil, Kukui nut, Macadamia, rich in Vitamins A,C, D, E and antioxidants penetrate into the deepest skin layers, while creating a protective shield that locks in moisture and delivers nutrients, regenerate the skin to make it velvet soft and smooth. Concentrated blend of Cocoa powder, cocoa absolute and Vanilla create just perfect look and scent of rich chocolate while pampering your body. Perfect to indulge in luxury home spa treatment.

V Celeste Ultimate Luxury Pink Himalayan Bath Salts with Rose & Jasmine.

In fact there are much more then just Rose and Jasmine. Pink Himalayan Salt is mined from ancient sea beds inside the Himalayan mountains. It is completely unrefined and comes to you in its raw, natural form. This salt was formed over 200 million years ago in the primeval sea where the first signs of life formed in the mineral rich water. Because of its location and how it was formed it is extremely pure and free of contaminants or pollutants. It's gains are pink color from the high content of Iron. It also contains trace amounts of 84 minerals and elements including Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iodine, Zinc and Sodium. Himalayan salt has long been used in warm water as a holistic treatment for poor circulation, high blood pressure, dry, damaged or irritated skin, muscle soreness, joint pain and for detoxification. Pure luxury of relaxation and detoxification is combined with the highest level of aromatherapy, using proprietary blend of rarest essential oils, like Moldovian Rose, Rose Damask, Rose Moroc, Bulgarian Rose, Frankincense, Jasmine Sambac and Jasmine Grandiflorum... and rose petals. All the luxury essential oils that are commonly used in high end natural perfumery.

V Lunari Velvet Silk Body Butter.

This rich, silky velvet and luxurious body butter will, sure, make you feel like a celebrity. Rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals it boosts levels of collagen and elastin to promote skin's elasticity and suppleness, strength and firmness. Unique formula increases circulation, cell hydration, repairs and tones the skin. A light moisture-retaining film protects the skin against external effects such as UV radiation, the climate, dehydration and pollution. This creme is made up of a powerful blend of antioxidants that fight against skin damage and prevents loss of elasticity and firmness. Reishi Mushroom Extract has the capability to increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis, improve firmness and hydration, and reduce appearance of fine lines and scars... Silk Amino Acids (18 types) aid in moisture loss, cellular renewal and collagen production as well as support cell energy giving you silky velvet, smooth glowing skin. Delicious aroma of proprietary essential oil blend of rare high end oils like Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood and White Lotus with uplifting citrus oils will give you almost hypnotic effect and, make you feel like a star.
Intrigued, visit www.sweetsationtherapy.com for more details and sweet deals.

All the above mentioned products are Limited Edition and can be purchased here.

Organic Baby Balms Work Better

There are plenty of baby products on the market, many full of chemicals and artificial colors and perfumes to make them look and smell better. These chemicals tend to be harsh on delicate skin and parents in the know usually prefer organic baby skin care products such as organic baby balms.
Organic baby balms should be completely made of natural ingredients that are chemical free. Each ingredient has a specific purpose and its a good idea to understand which ingredient does what for your bab's skin so you can choose the perfect organic baby balm for his or her skin.

Usually Organic Baby Balm contain the following Ingredients:

Beeswax: This ingredient is one of the most commonly used in baby balms. Its a natural ingredient that smells heavenly and also works to seal and protect delicate skin. When used with moisturizing ingredients, it helps to seal them in, maximizing the moisturizing potential of any baby balm.
Calendula: This Mediterranean flower is a very useful natural ingredient. Used on its own, it can eliminate pain and when used in organic baby balms, calendula reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It also reduces the itching of insect bites.
Chamomile: A natural antiseptic, chamomile is soothing and great for use on sensitive skin. It boosts natural cell regeneration and helps reduce rashes and swelling. This herb is particularly useful in baby skin care products meant to treat diaper rashes. (is a main ingredient in Bum*Bum Balm and Chub*Stick)
Coconut Oil: An amazing oil that originates from the meat of the coconut, this natural ingredient has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it a very useful ingredient in organic baby balms.
Lavender: This aromatic herb is well known for its soporific effect on people and a little of its essence added to an organic baby balm will help calm and soothe a fussy baby and promote sleep.
Olive Oil: This natural moisturizer is just as healthy when applied to the skin as it is ingested. Rich in Vitamin E, olive oil helps promote healing and minimizes scarring. It is also excellent for treating skin problems like eczema and dandruff.
Shea Butter: An organic, heavy duty moisturizer, shea butter is also useful for protecting little faces from the wind and sun. It also promotes healing of small cuts and rashes, such as diaper rashes and can be used to prevent and treat blemishes and scars. Shea butter is also used to help reverse skin damage caused by harsh chemicals and can really soothe tender baby skin.
Zinc Oxide: One of the most common ingredients in diaper rash cream, zinc oxide eases inflammation and works as a natural astringent on the skin. Its gentle healing action is very useful for rashes and sores. It is also a natural sun block.
Organic baby balms are the natural way to treat your baby's skin. Not all of the above ingredients will be used in every balm, as each is specifically formulated to serve a particular purpose. For example, a healing balm might contain olive oil, zinc oxide and calendula, while a moisturizing balm would be more likely to have beeswax and shea butter in it.
The simpler organic baby skin products are, the less likely your child will have a reaction to any of the ingredients. Most baby balms have just 6-10 ingredients and all are recognizable, as opposed to chemical laden versions.

We have a winner for our latest contest for a new name to replace our Sun*Brella.

Very exciting. New year new name! Well, the product is the same, just name is new. We came to a decision to create a new name for our bestseller Sun*Brella SPF 30 and SPF 50. A while ago we have been notified that name Sunbrella is already in use by another company, that has been in business longer then us. Who knew? Researching this, we've actually discovered a few products with the same name, that probably created some confusion. Looks like we are not the only geniuses, who came up with this name. So to keep everyone happy we've decided to do a small "face-lift" on Sun*Brella and give it a new name, even better one, something that "rings" a luxury product, which it indeed is. Something that would represent the beauty and multiple functionality of this product. Since, it's not only a sunscreen, but also a moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated and also repairs existing sun damage. It is a product of total beauty. So, today I would like to thank everyone who participated in our contest. We loved many of the suggested names, some of them were already in use (That's where it gets tricky) and some were even trademarked. But in the end we did choose one that, we believe, encapsulates the perfect essence of our product, without crossing anyone's right. I would like an announcement to make. New name that is replacing Sun*Brella is Sun*Si'Belle. It's a derivative from the word "sensible" but has "Belle" in it which means "beautiful" and it has word "sun" in it. So together the meaning is Sun Sensible Beauty. We think it's very unique and descriptive at the same time.

So the winner of this contest is Debby Reed, who will be receiving our new 5oz jumbo bottle of Sun*Si'Belle ($67).

New 5oz Sun*Si'Belle will be available to everyone in February.

Again, thank you everyone for participation. Stay tuned for new awesome giveaways and exciting products.

Birth Defects Related to Depakote and Similar Drugs

Birth Defects Related to Depakote and Similar Drugs

FDA has notified health care professionals and patients about the increased risk of major birth defects in babies exposed to valproate sodium and related products during pregnancy.

The products are marketed under the following brand names:

• Depacon (valproate sodium)
• Depakote, Depakote CP, Depakote ER (dilvalproex sodium)
• Depakene (valproic acid)
• Stavzor (valproic acid)

Depending on the products, they may be used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.

The risk: There is an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as defects of the brain and spinal cord, and other major birth defects, such as craniofacial defects (abnormally formed face and skull enclosing the brain) and cardiovascular malformations (abnormally formed heart or blood vessels), in babies exposed to valproate sodium and related products during pregnancy.

The medication guide for valproate that is provided with each prescription explains the benefits and risks of valproate and encourages patients to discuss options with their health care professional.

Recommendations:

• Women who are planning a pregnancy or who become pregnant while taking valproate should contact their health care professionals immediately.
• Valproate should not be stopped without talking to a health care professional, even in pregnant women. Stopping valproate suddenly can cause serious problems.
• Women who may bear children should only use valproate if it is necessary to manage their medical condition. Talk to your health care professional about the risks and options if you use valproate and you may become pregnant.
• Women who use valproate and are not planning to get pregnant should use effective birth control.
• Pregnant women who use valproate or other drugs to treat epilepsy should consider enrolling in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or visiting www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.

Do you know what skin care Ingredients to avoid when pregnant?

It finally happened. You are pregnant. So many things are running through your mind, what to eat and what not to eat, where to buy clothes for soon to be expanding figure, what baby essentials you will need, where to register and so on and so on... And while so many new things are running through your head, you may forget about the skin care products that you use every day as it feels like a second nature. Now is the time to start paying attention to the ingredient label more then ever. Chances are every skin care product you are using now, has at least 2-3 ingredients you would be advised to avoid, while you are pregnant. But don't worry, you don't have to throw them away, just put aside for the next 9 months. You would be surprised to learn that the more "famous" the skin care brand is - the more chemicals it uses in it's products. Don't believe me - research the ingredient label. If you have difficulty reading and understanding any particular ingredient, chances are - it is a chemical your body does not need, for a few months to come at least. Better safe then sorry. It is a proven fact that some ingredients may cause negative effect on developing fetus. And to help you out, we will go through all of them here, above and beyond.

1. Retinol. May also be stated on a label as Retinyl Palmitate or Vitamin A. Have been linked to birth defects. Even though Vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the fetus, we would suggest getting it from foods.
2. Salicylic Acid, also may be stated as Beta Hydroxy Acid. It is often used in astringent toners or anti-acne products. Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in aspirin and has caused some problems with some women.
3. Phthalates or often stated on the labels as "fragrance". Other names for it are: dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate or diethylhexyl phthalate. Companies are not required to list them, so they are conveniently masked as "fragrance" - Those also should be avoided when pregnant especially if you are having a boy. It can be carcinogenic and affect development of genital organs in boys. Using skin care products scented with essential oils is an alternative if you like scented products.
4. Parabens. There is no 100% proof that it affect a fetus but it has been linked to breast cancer and may affect reproductive system. It is a preservative widely used in skin care products to prevent growth of mold and prolong shelf life. While preservatives are essential for skin care (unless you are prepared to use up your new product within 3 weeks) parabens are best to be avoided. There are plenty of safer alternatives. Latest studies have shown that Parabens release 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde and those are known carcinogens.
5. Ethylene oxide - It is used in a process called ethoxylation. This is to make a harsh ingredient milder. Luckily it is not used often, but some baby wipes contain it. Be Cautious If you are unsure about a product or ingredients, don't use it. Or check what it is in Cosmetic Safety Database. Use Real Natural or even better Organic Skin Care Products. Synthetics may seem to work but they are chemical inventions that may have bad results and it's the last thing you need while responsible for little new life inside you.
6. Triethanolamine (TEA) - Human immune system toxicant.
7. Propylene Glycol. Very widely used. Known carcinogen in skin care. Propylene glycol is practically non-toxic when taken orally, i.e. added to food. However, it has been found to provoke skin irritation and sensitization in humans as low as 2% concentration, while the industry review panel recommends cosmetics can contain up to 50% of the substance. Do we need to take a chance? That's the question.
8. DMDM Hydantoin. Human immune system toxicant, restricted/banned in Japan. Here I have to add that this ingredient is present in one of the leading and very well known maternity skin care line, that claims to be very safe. Hmmm, really?
9. PEG-100 Stearate and Ceteareth compounds . Have evidence of sense organ toxicity, endocrine system disruption. Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin as well as has evidence of Dioxane contamination.
10. Iodopropynl Butylcarbamat. Human toxicant - strong evidence, restricted in Japan. Also present in the same well know maternity skin care line.

So here is a quick run-down of Top 10 to avoid. Is it hard to do? Not really. Just pay attention to the ingredients. Products that have the best and safest ingredients usually have them listed online so you can see what you are buying before you do it. That's the way to go.

One of the companies that offers Organic products that do not contain any of the ingredients listed above is Sweetsation Therapy.

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Heidi. She is the winner of our very last Giveaway of the last year.

Thank you everyone for participating. Unfortunately we couldn't arrange it that everyone wins. So please keep in touch and visit us often to find great Organic products for yourself and your little ones, and participate in our future Giveaways. But that's another story of 2010.

Happy New Year!