Mysteries of Sandalwood - Ingredient highlight.

At Sweetsation Therapy we love Sandalwood. For the past 4,000 years it was and still is used globally for its ethereal scent. Sandalwood is a valuable and spiritual tree. In ancient times the precious wood and oil from the Sandalwood tree was exported all over the world.  

Sandalwood oil (Santalum Album ) that we use in a few product of our skincare is famous for its sweet, warm, rich and woody scent and used for aromatic and perfumery purposes and historically has been used in meditation practices for thousands of years. It is recorded that the Egyptians imported Sandalwood for use in the embalming of bodies, medicine and ritual.  Of the entire tree, the roots are the most valuable part of the tree from which the Sandalwood oil is  extracted.

 Sandalwood is a parasitic tree and obtains nutrients from several other plant species. While there are other species of sandalwood, including red sandalwood, Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) and New Caledonian Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum), these are quite different from true Santalum Aalbum and have very different properties and fragrances. There is another tree that yields an essential oil which is sometimes called West Indian sandalwood or Amyris (Amyris balsamifera) – it is from Haiti and other islands in the West Indies and is not related to true sandalwood. It is, however, sometimes used as a sandalwood substitute, especially in products such as sandalwood soap and candles, where using the true sandalwood would be too expensive and cost prohibitive for most consumers.

The cost of various kinds of Sandalwood oil varies greatly. For example:

Santalum Album that is used in our skin case, runs as high as $197-$270 per 1oz
Santalum paniculatum $229 per 1oz
Santalum austrocaledonicum $105 per 1oz
Santalum spicatum $91 per 1oz
Amyris balsamifera $11 per 1oz


So when you consider buying Sandalwood oil, don't be duped and research which one you are really getting.

We love to use it in our skin care for it's skin beautifying properties, such as healing of acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, oily skin...

   

 In Ayurveda medicine, Sandalwood has been used for the revitalization of the skin. The antiseptic properties of Sandalwood have been used in the restoration of skin for extreme burn victim cases.

Sandalwood is a sedative oil and induces a feeling of deep peace, calms the mind, enhances mental clarity, and aids in the opening of the Third Eye.

A study at South Dakota State University reported in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention suggests that the topical application of just 5% dilution of Sandalwood oil helps to prevent skin tumor development. That's good to know.

Sandalwood oil (Santalum Album) is present in: Lumi*Essence Organic Advanced Brightening Repair Treatment, Lumi'Essence Body Organic Advanced Brightening Repair Treatment,  I*Light Organic Advanced Brightening & Line Smoothing Eye Treatment, Svelte PRO Supercharged Organic Anti-Cellulite Treatment, Luxe Eternel Firming Luxury Body Creme, NuElle Triple Action Anti Cellulite Concentrate, Essential Daily Protective Moisturizer, Botanical Shaving Gel, Smoothing facial scrub.

Bye, bye Sweetsation Therapy.....

 

Well, not really.... Some great changes are coming to our Brand - Sweetsation Therapy.  Many already know that Sweetsation Therapy began as a “soon-to-be-mom” friendly company, since its inception back in 2008.  I myself was a brand new mom while having 20 years of beauty and skin care experience.  At the time of my pregnancy, I found it challenging to find products that were either Organic or naturally safe.  So I took my vision and created a product line of therapeutic (while safe) skin care products.  I created products that aligned with my interests to be Organic and Natural while being safe for, before, during, and after pregnancy.  That's how Sweetsation Therapy was created.  It’s been a great adventure and a pleasure to be able to share all of these wonderful products, that were formulated for my own personal use, with the rest of the world.  I had no idea there were so many other people searching for the same thing as I was.  Soon, Sweetsation Therapy’s brand of products attracted the attention of not only moms, but a much wider demographic of people made up of all ages.  Sweetsation Therapy has since became a huge success thanks to all our fantastic and loyal customers. 

At that point, we wanted to expand our product line and offer children enjoy our products too, like our Sun‘n Fun water resistant Sunscreen, that smells like a chocolate milkshake.  And then my husband wanted something special for him.  We then came out with our Men’s Facial line: Scrub, Shaving Gel, Moisturizer, and After Splash.  

After having our 2^nd son, just 4 months ago at a tender age of 42, I started to realize that I was no longer a spring chicken.  My thoughts shifted as to how could I preserve my youthful appearance for as long as I could.   All of our main facial care products were geared towards the ages of 15-40 (even though we served customers of all ages).  The wheels started spinning.

We initially created a sub-brand called - Skin QR Organics, that was added to our main website: www.sweetsationtherapy.com.   These products were not focused on pregnancy, so we created Skin QR Organics in order to have a visual distinction between products for Pregnancy and products for Anti-Aging purposes.  We later learned that this caused some confusion with brand recognition, and have recently decided to bring all our products under our larger  label of - Sweetsation Therapy.  We have started to re-design our labels to reflect such shift, and eventually all our products will share the Sweetsation Therapy Brand. While pregnancy safe products will enjoy their own category.

Over the past 6 years a lot of our products gained “best-selling” status, and found their prominent spot in the global market.  Some of our products were discovered to fill a smaller niche.  We love all of our products, but after long debate and with mixed emotions, we have decided to discontinue a small number of products as we shift our focus and energy to the needs of the majority of our customers.  We will be phasing out our Men’s line of products.  We had high hopes for our Men’s line when we created it.  As great as our Men’s formulations were, they did not prove to be as popular as our products for women/moms.  The better news is that we have some really fantastic products in our R&D pipeline which we are excited to bring to market very soon!  So stay tuned, and we will be announcing our new products in the very near future.

Thank you to all of our customers.  Without you, Sweetsation Therapy would not be the company it has grown to become today.  So Thank You from the bottom of my Heart.  God Bless, and we continue to look forward to serving each and every one of our customers.

Sweetsationally yours,

Natalia

           xoxo

Pop-up beauty stores in Europe are quite a hit.

We are blessed to have a fabulous Sweetsation Therapy ambassador in Hungary, Agnes. A few weeks ago in conversation with her I've learned that our Sweetsation Therapy products will be exhibited and sold in one of the pop-up temporary beauty stores, that are growing in popularity across Europe. Ha, who knew? This time it was to happen in Budapest. This was something new to me but intriguing indeed. 

 So, what is it, a pop-up beauty store? They get organized by a small beauty enthusiasts for the purpose of introducing new and little known brands from all over the world, to a local public. They rent a relatively small retail area on a busy street and showroom various types of organic and natural health and beauty products, introducing them to local customers. The design is simple and clear and all the products are easily accessible to visitors. And there are a lot to choose from.

They sell many brands already well known and many more that are seeking their recognition on worldly market. From what Agnes told, Sweetsation Therapy has been quite a success so far, and they have sold out of quite a few products, in those few days the store was up. Many people came back to make their purchases, after receiving samples the previous day. The organizers themselves have become an avid fans after trying the LaNouvel Cellular Hyaluronic acid Nutri Serum and the Very*Berry Organic Oxygen Masque & Scrub. They recommend Sweetsation products to the people coming in, and also mentioned that customers seemed to be drawn to them by some kind of magic too, even though there are  many other bottles and jars on the tables. :-) Maybe it's the inviting green labels? That remains to be unknown.

They had a cosmetician there to help customers with their choices and she loved the products also, for their top notch pure ingredients, performance and therapeutic qualities. There is a good chance that she will carry Sweetsation Therapy products at her salon. 
That was a great adventure in Budapest.

Christmas in July 30% OFF Event

www.sweetsationtherapy.com

7/21/14 -  7/31/14

Brag time. Our new sunscreens were picked up by EWG (Envoronmentsl Working Group) and recommended for their goodness, safety and awesomeness. Hooray!

Sun 'n Fun by Sweetsation Therapy. Best kid's sunscreen for the whole family. Demo.

It's mid-summer and most of us still taking vacations in the warm sunny places. Living in Florida all year round, sunscreen is not a choice, but necessity. Sweetsation Therapy has just re-launched two new sunscreen formulas. And we are happy to share demonstration of kid's Sun 'n Fun SPF 30 here.  It's been designed with delicate and sensitive baby's skin in mind and addresses not only protection from the harmful UVA and UVB sun rays but also helps to care for dry skin and eczema while hydrating and soothing. Can be used by adults indeed. Not greasy gentle formula blends really easily and smells delicious. 

Available at www.sweetsationtherapy.com
 Bullet points:
 * active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%
 * all natural with Organic ingredients
 * water resistant 80 min
 * moisturizing, hydrating & soothing
 * sunscreen & skin care in one
 * non-nano, no white cast
 * contains Vitamin C & antioxidants
 * chemical UV filters FREE, gluten FREE
 * yummy chocolate natural scent

Announcement

Practice safe sun

Having great skin is easy

OK, so you baked yourself silly in high school.Who didn't? What counts—at least in terms of looking younger—isn't so much what you used to do, but what you're doing right now. Studies show you can reverse the damage, and can actually take 10 to 15 years off your age.

You can reverse skin damage with three basic tenets, - Turn over skin cells, stimulate collagen, and add volume.

In the last 10 years, skin-care breakthroughs have made it possible to pull that off, repairing skins most vulnerable areas with targeted products and treatments.

So what gets results you can actually see at the best possible price? Many of the remedies are actually affordable and dont require a trip to the dermatologist. Get ready for smoother, softer, younger-looking skin—starting right now.

Rejuvenate your face
Its not your imagination: Your skin may still be willing, but its no longer able to bounce back quite the way it did even five years ago. With every birthday, your bodys production of collagen and elastin—two proteins responsible for skins structural support and elasticity—slows down. As a result, your skin begins to stretch, especially if youve spent a lot of time in the sun.

LaNouvel Cellular Hyaluronic acid Nutri Serum with Collagen / Elastin, Peptides, Dragon's Blood & Resveratrol

I*Lift Bio-Restorative Radiance Eye Essence

Bottom line: If you do nothing else to age-proof your skin, apply sunscreen each morning and a retinoid at night. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day—no matter the weather or season—isn't just about preventing sun damage.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that sunscreens also protect against free radicals—the molecules that cause aging—and the majority of the protection is thanks to the UV filters rather than antioxidants.

As for retinoids, research shows that they're the ultimate multitaskers, preventing the buildup of dead skin cells, diminishing wrinkles, and lightening sun spots. Not everyone can tolerate the vitamin-A derivative, so start with an over-the-counter retinol product and apply every other day till your skin ajusts. They move to every day use for the best results.

8 Do-It-Yourself Home Face Masks

Facials are a great way to keep your skin glowing and healthy, but they can be expensive if done at a salon.  But if you like to pumper yourself at home with a few kitchen ingredients, they can be very beneficial and fit a tight budget. And best of all, you can do it as often as you like without waiting for your next beauty appointment. Here are a few of our favorites:

For All Skin Types

Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish. 

Exfoliate: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize.

Cleanse: For this facial, combine 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel. You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area…[the mixture] tends to be very sticky.

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin

Lift & Tighten: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone.

Tone: This toning eye treatment helps to “de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin. It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices. After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores.

For Dry Skin

Soothe: Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.

Moisturize: Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

Brighten: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up.

What are the concepts in treating hyperpigmented skin?

The most important concept is to avoid sun and use a sunscreen on a daily basis. Ideally, this sunscreen should be built into a daily moisturizer that is individualized for the person’s skin type. The sunscreen should he broad-spectrum and have an SPF of at least 15, although SPF 30+ is often recommended for skin with hyperpigmentation.

The second concept is to remove dead surface cells that are already stained with melanin, most often accomplished with the use of a chemical exfoliant, such as Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Glycolic acid and Lactic acid are the most frequently used AHAs. Although Mandelic acid delivers the same results but fewer skin irritations. The acid is usually in the form of a serum, gel or lotion and may be used once or twice a day at home.

All AHA products must be used in conjunction with an SPF-15 or higher sunscreen, which is even more important when treating hyperpigmentation. Alpha hydroxyl acids work by dissolving the bond between dead cells, allowing surface cells to fall off the skin surface. Because these cells are already stained with pigment, removing them reveals cells underneath that may be non-stained, lighter in pigment content and color.

In many cases of minor splotchy mottling due to sun exposure, the use of an AHA containing product, along with sunscreen and sun avoidance, significantly lightens discolorations in a matter of weeks or months. Continued use of such products and sunscreen will result in further normalization of skin color.

Another helpful concept in hyperpigmentation treatment is the use of a product that contains a melanin suppressant.