Adolescent skin problems: Hope for my skin at last!

Many young people can identify with the frustration of adolescent acne problems and the endless search for a skin care line that actually works. I was one of those girls who could never find what she was looking for. I tried everything, from over-the-counter to prescription face cleansers. And with each new attempt, I went in with renewed hope for my skin. And because of this optimism, I convinced myself that each product was working; that is, until a week later when I looked in the mirror to find my skin dry and flaky. To counter-act this, I would put on whatever face moisturizer I could find. But my skin never stopped feeling tight and uncomfortable. I went through this song and dance more times than I can count on my fingers, until I realized that I was harming my skin and not listening to the messages that my face was trying to send me. Our faces are a lot more delicate and specific than we think and should not be treated with harsh chemicals. Applying chemicals to one’s face may seem like the most powerful method to get rid of acne, but I have found that natural and holistic treatments have done more for my face than any chemical line has. Each skin type has specific needs that can easily be met if one knows where to look.

I had almost lost hope in my skin until Jackson & Hines started carrying the Éminence line. After hearing my managers and co-workers rave about the line, I thought I would give skin care products one more chance. Éminence struck me as being unique before I even started using it. I was inspired by the intricate routine and intrigued by the variety of product choices that I had. I also felt much more at-ease applying something natural to my skin. I was convinced that this line would be effective because there were products available for every specific skin type, not just one for all. Different types of skin have different needs and Éminence caters to all. And the line goes above and beyond. Many believe that a cleanser, toner and moisturizer are all one needs to take care of one’s skin. Éminence stresses the importance of using a serum. We never think about how our skin needs to be nourished. Serums are important because they provide our skin with nutrients and vitamins, giving it an extra healthy, youthful glow. They describe a serum as a “secret beauty elixir.” This new step was exciting and I immediately went home with some samples and, once again, newly renewed hope. Once I started using the products, my skin started to feel relieved within a matter of days. It felt moisturized, relaxed, and for once in my life it did not feel stretched or tight. It took a couple of weeks until I really started noticing visual changes in my complexion and skin condition. I literally woke up one morning and I did not have one pimple on my face. I had not been able to say that since I was twelve years old. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to finally trust a skin care line. My hope had not been in vain this time.

I have never felt enthusiastic about a face care product. When I saw advertisements on television I found myself not believing the ecstatic women raving about their skin-care lines. But that is because I had never had a positive experience. I can honestly say now that I am confident in and proud of my own skin. Many young people never find a solution to their skin problems. As a 19-year-old, I can confidently recommend Éminence to any young person dealing with mild or serious skin problems. And I speak for many others when I say that it has also proven to be effective for men and women of all ages. It’s time to finally give your skin the treatment it needs!

Have skin care issues? Check out our full-line of Eminence Organics products here. FREE SHIPPING on every order and always a little extra surprise in the box! ;-)

Written by Winona Brown at Jackson & Hines, Pittsford, NY 14534

Test your knowledge of cosmetics safety: 8 myths debunked

[originally posted at EnviroBlog]

The new Story of Cosmetics video explains why personal care products in the United States contain untested and downright dangerous ingredients.

The (very) good news is the U.S. House of Representatives just introduced a bill to fix all that. But in the meantime (until they pass it!), make sure you don't fall prey to these common myths:

1. Myth: If products are for sale at a supermarket, drugstore, or department store cosmetics counter, they must be safe.

Fact: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to assess ingredients or products for safety. FDA does not review or approve the vast majority of cosmetic products or ingredients before they go on the market. The agency conducts pre-market reviews only for certain color additives and active ingredients in cosmetics classified as over-the-counter drugs.

2. Myth: The cosmetics industry effectively polices itself, making sure all ingredients meet a strict standard of safety.

Fact: In its more than 30-year history, the industry's safety panel (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR) has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients and found only a handful of ingredients or chemical groups to be unsafe. Its recommendations are not binding on companies.

3. Myth: The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn't risk using them.

Fact: Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances (such as vinyl chloride and cow parts), without government review or approval.

• More than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union.


• Nearly 100 products contain ingredients considered unsafe by the International Fragrance Association.


• A wide range of nanomaterials whose safety is in question may be common in personal care products.


• 22% of all personal care products may be contaminated with the cancer-causing impurity


• 1,4-dioxane, including many children's products.


• 60% of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans.


• 61% of tested lipstick brands contain residues of lead.

4. Myth: Cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin and rarely get into the body. When they do, levels are too low to matter.

Fact: People are exposed by breathing in sprays and powders, swallowing chemicals on the lips or hands or absorbing them through the skin. Studies find evidence of health risks. Biomonitoring studies have found cosmetics ingredients - like phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, the pesticide triclosan, synthetic musks, and sunscreens - inside the bodily fluids of men, women, children and even the cord blood of newborn babies.

Many of these chemicals are potential hormone disruptors that may increase cancer risk. Products commonly contain penetration enhancers to drive ingredients deeper into the skin. Studies find health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including elevated risk for sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system, and low birth weight in girls.

5. Myth: Products made for children or bearing claims like "hypoallergenic" are safer choices.

Fact: Most cosmetic marketing claims are unregulated, and companies are rarely if ever required to back them up, even for children's products. A company can use a claim like "hypoallergenic" or "natural" "to mean anything or nothing at all," and while "[m]ost of the terms have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers, dermatologists say they have very little medical meaning."

An investigation of more than 1,700 children's body care products found that 81 percent of those marked "gentle" or "hypoallergenic" contained allergens or skin and eye irritants.

6. Myth: FDA would promptly recall any product that injures people.

Fact: FDA has no authority to require recalls of harmful cosmetics. Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to report cosmetics-related injuries to the agency. FDA relies on companies to report injuries voluntarily.

7. Myth: Consumers can read ingredient labels and avoid products with hazardous chemicals.

Fact: Federal law allows companies to leave many chemicals off labels, including nanomaterials, contaminants, and components of fragrance. Fragrance may include any of 3,163 different chemicals, none of which are required to be listed on labels. Fragrance tests reveal an average of 14 hidden compounds per formulation, including potential hormone disruptors and diethyl phthalate, a compound linked to sperm damage.

8. Myth: Cosmetics safety is a concern for women only.

Fact: Surveys show that on average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients every day, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients, 35 and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients daily. The large majority of these chemicals have not been assessed for safety by the industry-funded CIR safety panel.

References are available when you download the pdf here.

At Jackson & Hines, ALL of the products we sell are FREE of unnatural chemical additives. We have specifically chosen the products we sell very carefully and all of them are "All Natural" and/or "Organic" products.

Right now, use the promo code carolsd20 at online checkout and SAVE 20% on purchases of $50 or more!

How Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Performed

Laser hair removal treatments are increasingly the choice for many people want to get rid of unwanted hair. As a beauty treatment, laser hair removal can give people more confidence and allow them to get on with their lives. Endorsed by a range of celebrities, hair removal of this kind can be a cheap and effective remedy. But before going for this cosmetic treatment it is important to know how laser removal works, and why so many people choose this over other types of treatment for removing unwanted hair.

First introduced to the beauty treatment market in 1998, laser hair removal procedures offered people the first ever non-invasive type of hair reduction, with safe and permanent results in the removal of hair. Laser hair removal has reported to be so effective that is now a commonly accepted and standard form of cosmetic treatment for a range of hair removal needs. The laser treatment for getting rid of unwanted hair is very much a straightforward process.

Firstly, if a patient wants a laser treatment they must have a consultation. This is because people don't always have the same type of skin, and that certain skin conditions will need a certain type of laser hair removal to avoid any problems. Specific medical conditions, hair colors, and other restrictions will affect how the laser hair treatment will have to be applied to the patient in getting rid of unwanted hair. Broadly speaking, the darker the skin color then the lesser the effect of the laser treatment could be.

Further to that, different areas of the body can react differently to the laser treatment, so it is important to have a consultation before any treatment starts so as to best determine what type of laser treatment to use. More treatment for certain areas of women, like the upper lip to the chin, could take longer as there could be more hormonal activity there, whereas the laser hair removal treatment on the legs could see a rapid effect in getting rid of unwanted body hair.

Don't do it all at once

Another consideration to take into account with laser treatments is the issue of timing. Since treatments need to be spaced out over time for the best effect in getting rid of unwanted body hair, it is a good idea to treat different areas of the body at the same time, rather than on their own at separate times. It can be an inconvenient process having to make frequent and multiple trips for laser hair removal if different areas of the body are treated at different times. If there are lots of areas of the body where there is unwanted hair and you need it to be removed, then it is important to know that no more than 50% of the body can be treated for laser hair removal at any one time. This is to minimize the risk of any adverse reaction. Although laser treatments are largely safe, it is best not to overdo it all at once; therefore a consultation can determine the best way to proceed.

Be sure to visit our Online Store for skin care, hair cair, makeup, and beauty products of all kinds. There's FREE SHIPPING on EVERY order and a little something extra in the package that will make you realize you'll never want to buy from anywhere but Jackson & Hines again!

Skin Care Tips Too Important to Overlook

Skin is the largest organ of our body. With proper skin care, we can, not only keep it healthy but also keep it looking young for a longer time. Healthy skin is the result of several factors: a healthy diet, right amount of exercise, good skin care practices, a positive outlook, and a relaxed mind. Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin. It helps strengthen the skin and repair tissues. It can be taken in foods, as a supplement or as a topical cream. Eating a healthy diet is also vital to having radiant skin. You should at least eat five servings of fruit and vegetable everyday to cleanse the body of toxins that may affect your metabolism. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to the skin.

Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin. To improve the practicability of vitamin C in skin care. Vitamin C will also help the immune system fight off illnesses. Drinking water is also important to keep the skin healthy, supple and soft. It helps a lot when the required amount of water, about eight glasses a day. Zinc helps the skin’s natural healing process. It is good in preventing the over-production of sebum, which will also help clear up acne. Drinking an herb based tea can help hydrate the skin and at the same time get your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation. Regular exercise enhances blood circulation necessary to maintain healthy skin.

Protein foods supply all the amino-acids essential for keeping your skin youthfu and prove helpful for skin care. Avocado oil used regularly is an excellent skin softener. It is in rich in vitamins and minerals, especially the skin vitamins A, C and E. Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. Always remember that your facial muscles are living elastic tissues and that they can be nourished and built up from inside only with a good and healthy diet. A mixture of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples. Leave this for 20 minutes and wash it with warm water. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples. Apply a mixture of turmeric and neem on the face.

Skin Care Tips

1. Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin.

2. Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin.

3. Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation.

4. Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy.

5. Vitamin B6 helps keep the immune system healthy.

6. Facial treatment that is very helpful for those with oily skin.

7. For Black Spots make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face

8. Drinking water is also important to keep the healthy Skin.

9. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples.

10. Avocado oil used regularly is an excellent skin softener.

Looking for skin care products that are organic or all-natural? Look no further than Jackson & Hines online boutique shop where you'll get the best prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care orders! Eminence Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Carol's Daughter & more...

Dr. Hauschka Body products – review

[originally posted by Lesley McCave on weheartthis.com]

Now, everyone knows about the love affair with British beauty products, but how about German ones? I can only name one Teutonic brand, but it’s a highly respected, holistic one – Dr. Hauschka, founded by the eponymous chemist more than 40 years ago.

We got an amazing mix of goodies to sample, including a Soothing Mask, Fresh Deodorant and their Neem Nail Oil Pen. But two products dominated the box, with multiples for a lucky few of us to try…

Intensive Treatments are a 28-day skin boot camp, recommended for use 4 times a year (seasonal, to help your skin adjust to the changing conditions) or for when your skin may need some extra care. Ranging from 01 (to calm and clarify acneic skin under 25) to 05 (to balance and fortify menopausal skin) they are a cross between a toner and a mist and are loaded with healthy ingredients.

Read the entire article.

Shop our online store for Dr. Hauschka skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all Dr. Hauschka orders!

Acne Sucks: Pimple Poppin'

[originally posted by Brittany on clumpsofmascara.com]

It wouldn't be an efficient "acne" series if I didn't talk about poppin' pimples.

That's right, I said it. I know dermatologists and estheticians would tell you NOT to pop pimples but I do it anyway.

I'm such a rebel, right?

But don't call me stupid just yet. There are methods to pimple popping. And they don't work for ALL pimples. Shoot...they don't even work for all skin types. Having said that, don't let this post motivate you to go around popping pimples aimlessly. I am simply showing you what I do. It has been successful for me for quite some time but I don't want any of y'all sending me hate mail if you end up with scars because my method didn't work for you.

Mmmkay?

Meet the pimples' best friend....

Read the rest of the article here.

To help prevent acne and maintain healthy skin, shop our online store for the best in all natural and organic skin care products. Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care products!

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics review

[originally posted by Stef on weheartthis.com]

For my first venture into Green Monday, I jumped at the chance to review Dr. Hauschka cosmetics. Because healthy makeup is something that I really support. Don’t get me wrong, I try to make green choices whenever I can. But I’ll be the first to admit, I find myself buying things from time to time that I know are not good; for either me or the environment! But as for cosmetics, think about it, you’re putting it on your face. Near your eyes, on your mouth. Doesn’t it make sense that you want it to be as pure as possible?

Dr. Hauschka are well known for their body line. As well they should be, they’ve been making it for over 40 years and are a leader in the field of natural, good-for-you products. (And popular with our testers too.) But I was less familiar with their cosmetics. I happily discovered that the same high, organic standards are met with their makeup as well.

With a botanical and natural mineral ingredient list that takes it’s cue more from the farm than a lab, the products not only enhance your beauty, they nurture your skin. Filled with extracts of biodynamic, organic and ethically wild-harvested botanicals, they don’t just cover your skin but help it glow at it’s natural potential. They advise “Live life naturally. Live life beautifully.” It’s easy to see how that’s possible with such high quality products as these!

Read the entire article here.

Shop our online store for Dr. Hauschka skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all Dr. Hauschka orders!

Interview with Christy Coleman, natural makeup artist

[originally posted by Stef on weheartthis.com]

When I was offered the chance to speak with the makeup artist Christy Coleman, I said absolutely. Because not only is her work amazing and her client list a who’s who in the entertainment industry, more importantly, she’s a makeup artist who only uses natural products. And you know we heart this loves a do-gooder! Personally, I try to make smart choices in my beauty products whenever I can. But to Christy, it was less of a choice than it was a calling.

When preparing for the interview I took a look around her site. It was obvious I was about to have a conversation with a true pro. Editorial work with just about every magazine in the business. Shooting with some of the best photographers on the planet (Mark Seliger, Irving Penn, Bruce Weber). And oh, the faces she’s worked on! But it was looking through the collection of personal images on her site that was a real peek into her life, and illustrated some of the things I was to learn in our conversation. Photos of Monks mingle next to ones of cowboys and Heidi Klum, an elephant pic a few rows away from a baby chicken, her feet in Havaianas rest on the edge of helicopter flying over a tropical locale and many of her trusty and beautiful dog Rider Pearl. I knew this was a woman who would have some tales to tell, and I couldn’t wait…

Read the entire article here, including why Christy decided to use only natural products on her skin, a Jackson & Hines mantra.

Shop our online store for all natural skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care products!

Fall and Winter Skincare Guide

As the seasons change we take special care to winterize our homes and yards. The dropping temperatures and harsh elements can also wreak havoc on our bodies, thus the need to “winterize” our routines is just as important. One of the most common beauty-related ailments in the fall and winter is dry, lackluster skin. Fortunately, with a few simple changes we can maintain a healthy glow even in the dreariest of days. As you reevaluate your routine, make sure that you include these easy fixes.

A morning cleanse is an essential way to begin the day. The warm water helps to awaken body and mind as it relaxes the skin and opens the pores, allowing a deeper cleaning. Using a gentle press-and-roll motion, you remove waste, not just on the surface of your face, but through your lymphatic system as well. Part of the Dr. Hauschka philosophy is that you should scrub your bathroom floor, not your face. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser like Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Milk. We now also carry several gentle organic cleansers from Eminence Organics, so stop by our store or website to find your perfect match. Finish your cleansing session with a cool compress to reduce heat-induced inflammation and to close your pores. Continue with toner and moisturizer. You can find your skin-type appropriate moisturizers on our website or by visiting our store. As you go through your daily skincare routine, be conscientious about what you are putting on your face; although outside might be white with snow, we can always find ways to live “green.” All of the lines that are carried by Jackson & Hines are striving to maintain and enhance our inner beauty and environment.

Our lives are hectic, but we are never too busy to take care of ourselves. Your schedule for the day is daunting so before you rush out of the house grab a reusable water bottle. Awakening Beauty: the Dr. Hauschka Way explains,
"You use a moisturizer to keep water inside your body, but you’ve got to replenish
that water regularly in order to support your body’s most essential needs. Bodies need water to conduct every biological function. Many people experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, and fatigue because of a lack of clean pure water. Water is one of the secrets to beautiful skin, in part because it helps eliminate waste from the body and thus removes a burden from the skin."
Our busy days often result in poor choices and the illusion of convenience; we rely on our sugar-packed beverages and caffeine-induced consciousness, while neglecting what our bodies and minds really need. Try introducing a few more water breaks into your day. Start a water stash; if it is readily available, we have no excuses. Keep a pitcher of filtered water with a few slices of lemon on an eye-level shelf in the refrigerator, while you move the sugar concoctions to the back. When you are running out of the house, grab your water bottle before you get your purse. It seems so simple, but it is a necessary lifestyle change. Maintain your healthy glow by regularly flushing toxins out of your system and continually replenishing your body’s water supply.

Although water is an important part of preventing seasonally dry skin, you must have the proper tools to combat the result of harsh weather conditions on our bodies. There are a few essentials that should be kept within reach at all times. Lip moisturizer that works with your body rather than temporarily coating the surface is one such tool. When you go through the checkout at the grocery store, you see a variety of lip care products. They are conveniently placed because we need more—we are constantly searching for the one. Unfortunately, in most balms and sticks, the common ingredients include camphor and alcohol, which over time dries skin. While the skin on the body is thicker with many layers, our lips are very thin with very few layers of natural protection, thus resulting in the need for more protection. Regular balms and sticks work, for a while, by coating the lip, but by merely coating the skin on our lips, the protection is short-lived. We eat something, drink something, pull on a sweater, wrap a scarf, and in an instant our protection is wiped off. For long-term relief, we look for something that works with the body and not on the body, like the Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Balm and Lip Care Stick. These products help your body by naturally promoting skin renewal and protecting without dependency. They are not going to dry the skin and are absorbed to prevent the need for constant reapplication. You can also find gently lip exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells, like Smahsbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant. If you exfoliate your lips, be sure to have the Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm to naturally assist the restoration of the skin.

Moisturizing for the new day is essential and should not be missed in your morning routine; however you should not use moisturizer at night. While we sleep our bodies are in a naturally healing and revitalizing state. If you are using a heavy moisturizer at night, you are preventing your body’s natural processes. Your nightly skincare routine should include cleansing and an occasional (weekly) mild mask. We have a wide variety of masks from Dr. Hauschka and Eminence Organics. When using a mask, apply after cleansing the face, leave on for the prescribed amount of time, and then gently rinse or wipe off. If you would like something to assist your nightly natural processes, you can safely use Dr. Hauschka’s Rhythmic Night Conditioners. The Rhythmic Night Conditioner helps your body’s natural healing and eliminating processes, and makes a difference after one use. By allowing your body to naturally manage oiliness, your skin will self-correct during these dry months. A heavy moisturizer is unnecessary and can shift your body’s natural balance.

Lastly, get plenty of restful sleep. The last little tip seems just as simple as drinking more water, but it is crucial for your health and healthy glow. It is not a surprise that your morning routine takes much longer when you have not received adequate sleep. You have to hide the signs of neglect; the dark circles and dull coloring are tell-tale signs that you did not allow your body enough time to recharge. During these winter months your health is of vital importance, especially with cold and flu seasons. It is not a coincidence that when you’re feeling under the weather, all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is nature’s remedy with no adverse side effects. So, it makes sense that we need adequate sleep to maintain our overall health and well-being. It should be easier to get a little more sleep with shortened days and colder temperatures; it is the perfect time of year to curl up in a warm blanket and rest.

For the perfect winter look, try healthy and vibrant skin. Incorporate a few of these changes at a time and begin to see a difference. For more information and products, check out our store (4 North Main Street in Pittsford) or our website.