tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61393685682999000992024-02-19T09:26:07.024-06:00Astrida Naturals ... the Blog.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-6977686656847295172013-01-02T15:12:00.002-06:002013-02-19T20:47:02.282-06:00Astrida Naturals Now on Pinterest!Follow Astrida Naturals, now on Pinterest<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/astridanaturals" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsb7_iVqRyJ8rTCu2fLfU7cw7XMHwzicqk7GaHcnmKKNbEtg16RjgdHykMQ4NXCmtUUScPNbFWsASGSyZCFk08i5kVMhfw6DNF4U3SZ9-WqVnh6c_-YBFDBez-nU_ZhUigRWP8sGaqsg/s1600/astridawidget.png" /></a></div>
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Some of our boards...<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/astridanaturals/natural-body-skincare/">Natural Body and Skincare</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/astridanaturals/naturally-healthy-foods/">Naturally Healthy Foods</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/astridanaturals/natural-beauties/">Natural Beauties</a><br />
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... see a theme here?
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Follow! <br />
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<b>Are you on Pinterest? Share your boards in the comments below.</b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-4258792453544089582012-08-31T10:00:00.000-05:002014-01-24T14:47:44.913-06:00New lotion, new labels, new branding!!For those who know me, you know I'm also a designer as well as a business owner. Being creative has helped my business a lot, especially being a creative graphic/web designer. Take a look at the new labels I created for Astrida Naturals <a href="http://www.astridanaturals.com/shea_body_lotion.html" target="_blank">shea body lotion</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx7bV-nLhpTJoBlxDFt4lGtgye_4PbzgA1GMnnr_inQIl0otikpDPfQzTl-V7Rx2iaZvqijQTivBAiTIqlZwLw9D0HPctn7SRNeo1YzqF90w21KVqr6K-4tNc2BsAbeh2YmyNvVjjodw/s1600/shea_butter_lotion" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx7bV-nLhpTJoBlxDFt4lGtgye_4PbzgA1GMnnr_inQIl0otikpDPfQzTl-V7Rx2iaZvqijQTivBAiTIqlZwLw9D0HPctn7SRNeo1YzqF90w21KVqr6K-4tNc2BsAbeh2YmyNvVjjodw/s320/shea_butter_lotion" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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When creating Astrida's new look. I wanted something clean, light and sophisticated! <br />
New photos coming to the website soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-25865369308631762372011-11-04T09:26:00.004-05:002014-01-24T14:46:47.281-06:00Solid Cologne - New Product For Men!<br />
For all the men out there, Astrida Naturals now has <a href="http://www.astridanaturals.com/men" target="_blank">solid cologne</a> created just for men.<br />
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The Haylaro Scent - This cologne is a spicy blend of oakmoss, sandalwood and musk.<br />
The Joronus Scent - This cologne is an earthy blend of sandalwood, bergamot and musk.<br />
The Wise Man Scent - This cologne is a spicy blend of patchouli, orange, and clove spice.<br />
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We also have a simple Masculine Musk and Spicy Bay Rum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVdEf72hpTaa7oguO3oLX26YXTBa6bA3LUwj8hZl9uobLjcVUUgkLZuWTKLDU4g5zQAHZe8YpqHWgUaBqdlLoAVSe5u3AK6IZRoL3CV4kWId9e-QSDgYJOSWPu-Idp3cW3WAZh3u9pnI/s1600/wiseman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVdEf72hpTaa7oguO3oLX26YXTBa6bA3LUwj8hZl9uobLjcVUUgkLZuWTKLDU4g5zQAHZe8YpqHWgUaBqdlLoAVSe5u3AK6IZRoL3CV4kWId9e-QSDgYJOSWPu-Idp3cW3WAZh3u9pnI/s200/wiseman.jpg" height="127" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYenMOrv6hcbxJjlLiY0HEdsO41HbLAQJyjKK5pthhuZ58xR7sJiHCsCfa-yIZbbgJatRk-m2vBrJV3z18j17XFDeFSJBRZgbhprP1NnoYuuhWR-ywfSwhE3zveQ_RvvWtJMDIUVgFI0/s1600/joronus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYenMOrv6hcbxJjlLiY0HEdsO41HbLAQJyjKK5pthhuZ58xR7sJiHCsCfa-yIZbbgJatRk-m2vBrJV3z18j17XFDeFSJBRZgbhprP1NnoYuuhWR-ywfSwhE3zveQ_RvvWtJMDIUVgFI0/s200/joronus.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-81005991350525880512011-03-23T09:00:00.002-05:002014-01-24T14:47:08.938-06:00New Product! Rhassoul Clay Dry Face Mask with Apple and Papaya Fruit Extracts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a long time I have wanted to add face and hair masks to my arsenal of products. Personally, I use masks on a weekly basis. I <i>love</i> the way they instantly make my face feel fresh and healthy and help my strands retain moisture. Recently, I started working on getting a hair mask together which is in the testing phase now... but, more on that later. Right now the face masks are rolling out in Astrida Naturals!<br />
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My first face mask for sale is the <a href="http://www.astridanaturals.com/apple-papaya-face-mask.html">Apple and Papaya Fruit Clay Face Mask</a>.<br />
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This mask is formulated with rhassoul clay, kaolin clay, and rejuvenating alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) rich apple and papaya extracts. Add your own wet ingredients to make this mask a customized and rejuvenating experience.<br />
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Use weekly after cleansing and exfoliating to help tone and rejuvenate your skin. <br />
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KEY INGREDIENTS:<br />
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Rhassoul Clay, also known as Moroccan Red Clay is considerably more absorbent than other cosmetic clays making it an effective detoxifying treatment. It contains a high amount of trace minerals which help to draw out impurities and excess oils on your skin.<br />
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White Kaolin Clay is one of the most gentle and fine of all cosmetic clays that help to draw impurities out of the skin. It is suitable to use for even the most sensitive skin types. Kaolin clay helps stimulate circulation to the skin while also gently exfoliating and cleansing it. <br />
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Apple Extract contains alpha-hydroxy acids. Often used for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties and is great for dry or mature skin.<br />
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Papaya Extract is rich in vitamin A and C and works to stabilize oily skin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.astridanaturals.com/apple-papaya-face-mask.html">Apple and Papaya Fruit Clay Face Mask</a> <br />
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Available at AstridaNaturals.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-56477258538522654822010-09-02T23:17:00.000-05:002013-02-19T22:38:26.366-06:00Awesome Customer Feedback for Astrida Naturals Oil Perfume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAAx-hl5c3DFdQdA4FrpzJb0fRD__JYO_FO9Sx_eUJAtXQM7VYJOeJtIpW_LQQby7nw6npsoGM_ArSWGGiqjTzuizdDCj8cjnO94y0VxrsaCnv0K5jdhwfz7SaJBOSCwVCvSSWWutEsw/s1600/apricotfreesia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAAx-hl5c3DFdQdA4FrpzJb0fRD__JYO_FO9Sx_eUJAtXQM7VYJOeJtIpW_LQQby7nw6npsoGM_ArSWGGiqjTzuizdDCj8cjnO94y0VxrsaCnv0K5jdhwfz7SaJBOSCwVCvSSWWutEsw/s320/apricotfreesia3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I received some great feedback from one of my customers and had to share!<br />
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<i>"I'm totally crazy about this roll on oil. I'm pregnant right now, and all my normal perfumes smell too much like alcohol, but your oil is just right! I may be a big ol' pregnant lady, but I wanna be a pretty smelling one.Lol. Thank you! I will surely be back!"</i><br />
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- Alexis in California<br />
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Awesome! I'm so happy that my products are being enjoyed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-17222543870389288722010-09-01T14:48:00.000-05:002010-09-01T14:48:50.257-05:00Best Food For Healthy SkinWant healthy skin? Well, what you eat can have a lot to do with a good complexion. <br />
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<span><span>Dr.</span> <span>David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery,</span> shares the 10 best foods for your skin. Most of these foods are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and good fats. </span>In addition to these foods I would also add water as an important food. OK, so water isn't really a food group, but adding an adequate amount of water daily to your diet will also help in keeping your skin at its healthiest. <br />
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<span>No. 1:</span> <strong><span>Avocados</span></strong><span>: The creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Avocados also contain a lot of Niacin (vitamin B3), which is important for healthy skin since it acts as an anti-inflammatory and soothes irritated or red/blotchy skin.</span><br />
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<span>No. 2: <strong>Mangoes</strong>: Mangoes contain more than 80 percent of your daily vitamin A requirements, which is essential for maintaining and repairing skin cells. A deficiency in vitamin A will result in a dry, flaky complexion. Mangoes also contain antioxidants, which fight free-radical damage that can prematurely age skin.</span><br />
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<span>No. <span>3:</span> <strong>Almonds<em>:</em></strong> Almonds contain 150 percent of your daily vitamin E needs and are rich in oils that moisturize your skin. They also contain antioxidants.</span><br />
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<span>No. <span>4:</span> <strong>Cottage Cheese</strong>: The selenium in cottage cheese teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free-radical-fighting antioxidant team. Selenium also protects against skin cancer and dandruff.</span><br />
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<span>No. 5: <strong>Acerola Cherries</strong>: Different from average cherries, Acerolas supply 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles and plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.</span><br />
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<span>No. <span>6:</span> <strong>Oysters:</strong> Oysters fight pimples because they’re rich in zinc. The mineral affects sebum production, which is a deficiency that contributes to acne.</span><br />
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<span>No. 7: <strong>Baked Potatoes</strong>: Trade French Fries for a steaming baked potato. One baked potato (with the skin) provides 75 percent of your daily copper needs. Copper when combined with vitamin C and zinc produce elastin fibers that support skin structure. Copper deficiency in your diet can reduce skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.</span><br />
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<span>No.</span> <span>8:</span> <strong><span>Mushrooms</span></strong><span>: Essential to your skin, riboflavin is found in mushrooms and is involved in tissue maintenance, repair and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. The body uses large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or when undergoing surgery.</span><br />
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<span>No. 9: <strong>Flaxseed Oil</strong>: Flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acid. One teaspoon of flaxseed oil provides 2.5 grams of omega 3s, which hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores.</span><br />
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<span>No. 10: <strong>Wheat Germ:</strong> Super nutritious, wheat germ is the embryo within a grain of wheat. It is a good source of biotin, a vitamin C that’s crucial to skin health. A mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-4853989661019151522010-08-18T12:53:00.000-05:002010-08-18T12:53:59.757-05:0050 Best Skincare Tips - By InStyleInStyle has created an extremely comprehensive photo gallery list of skin care tips covering everything from the best ways to remove make-up to the best essential oils to nourish your skin. Check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20390988_20405617_20816328,00.html">Mist Moisturizer, Not Water - 50 Best Skin-Care Tips of All Time - Summer Skincare 2010 - Beauty - InStyle</a><br /><br />Because we can all stand to take a little better care of our skin!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-14207343104381341922008-07-22T10:59:00.008-05:002012-08-26T16:53:34.369-05:00A Natural Preservative?Ah, yes here we go again. More talk about preservatives. There are so many different views on the subject the more I research the more it makes my head spin! So, for today let's just talk about natural preservatives. Do they really exist? I recently came across a website the debunked a lot of the natural preservative myths, including one in particular, grapefruit seed extract.<br />
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News Flash - This is not really natural!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">"Grapefruit seed extract is <b>not</b> grapefruit juice. It is <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> simply ground up grapefruit seeds. It is <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> grapefruit essential oil. Chemical manufacturers take the leftover grapefruit pulp, a waste by-product from grapefruit juice production, and in an intensive, multi-step industrial chemical process, change the natural phenolic compounds into synthetic quaternary ammonium compounds... Grapefruit Seed Extract is not “natural”. It’s a chemically altered form of grapefruit seed. If you’re going to call it “Grapefruit Seed Extract”, you could by the same reasoning call Sodium Laurel Sulfate “Coconut Oil Extract”."</span></blockquote>
-Treasured Locks<br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Yikes. Okay so what is the conclusion? Extract is one of those funky words that can be thrown around to make people think something is really something it isn't. If we all knew Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLES) as "Coconut Oil Extract" then people would probably think it was good for your skin. Instead we know SLES as a chemical detergent and surfactant that might be a possible carcinogen. Names are important, choosing preservatives or any other cosmetic ingredients be sure you know the meaning of the name that you are looking at. It may not really be what you think it is. </span><br />
<span class="sense_break"><span class="sense_break"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930116300190509659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-86761495359373370362008-05-31T11:19:00.004-05:002008-05-31T14:39:53.395-05:00What is the Truth About Parabens?This morning I was reading an email that I received from on of my skin care groups about parabens. As many followers of natural skin care will tell you, parabens are bad. Parabens are chemical preservatives that are used in almost every mainstream personal care product on the market today. You will find then in deodorants, lotions, creams, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, and more. The reason why parabens are so widely used is because they are very effective in preventing bacterial growth and have a relatively low cost. Though the FDA says they are safe, they are believed, by some, to cause cancer. This fear has spawned a small movement of people to try natural skin care products preserved with other more natural alternatives to parabens. I myself have used Cosmocil CQ and Germall Plus in lotions and creams, both are paraben free preservatives.<br /><br />So, do they really cause cancer?<br /><br />According to the chemist who wrote the post, parabens have not been proven to cause cancer at all, and this whole paraben scare is really the result of misinterpretation of scientific findings. A study in the UK of 20 women with breast cancer found parabens in the tumors of 18 of the women. But... no other body tissues were sampled, no normal breast tissue was sampled, they could not identify the source of the parabens (we don't know that they came from skin care products because parabens are also present in food we eat), and they only sampled 20 women (a very small test group). Results from this study were found to be inconclusive.<br /><br />So, why do we all believe parabens are bad? Well, another article I read stated, "studies began to expose the estrogen-like property of parabens. Twelve studies have confirmed estrogen-like activity in laboratory rats injected with parabens. The results indicate a weak form of estrogen, but it's there." I also found that, "scientific evidence suggests exposure to estrogen and substances that <em>behave like estrogen</em> may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer." Because of the wide use of parabens in personal care products, this may indicate some area for concern, but since there is no actual scientific proof, manufactures see no reason to stop using the preservative.<br /><br />Personally, I'd like to err on the side of caution.<br /><br />Sure, parabens may not have actually been proven to be harmful, but if there are more natural alternatives out there, then that's what I am going to use. It's not just about preventing cancer, it's also about preventing toxic buildup in our bodies in general. Spiritually, I'm getting closer to nature. I'd like that to be reflected in my skin care as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-45764547023542686252008-05-19T20:41:00.007-05:002013-02-19T22:42:07.683-06:00African Black SoapHave you ever used African black soap? Well if you haven't you don't know what you are missing. African black soap is one of the most gentle, deep cleansing, and non-drying natural soaps out there. Traditionally made in Africa, black soap has been shown to smooth skin, relieve acne, and treat skin irritations. It works for all skin types, from oily to dry, but because of its gentle nature, black soap is an excellent cleanser for sensitive skin, you can even use it on your face.<br />
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I was first introduced to black soap by a vendor at Chicago's African and Caribbean International Festival of Life and, I have to admit, when I saw it I was a bit skeptical, and totally against using any bar soap on my face. However, when I finally tried it, I loved it. The soap felt so gentle! I have combination skin, so the black soap turned out to be perfect for me by cleaning the oily spots and not over drying the dry areas. I never thought I'd be able to use a bar soap on my face, but with African black soap it is possible. Anyone looking for a mild cleanser with skin clearing benefits look no further, because black soap is definitely for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oVFaHLs_HUQGJXRyf1oWnntW_IvxleJAF6_oOb34gjOjbxlfr65JzA1BfBQZVrPYnhicUVMpqJWkvpQafUNM3MOmtnXmhkkSt0UWNftSVjkhCniKcG4V6g9qoBaRNQTfbef1j8WbY0qz/s1600-h/blacksoap2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202281588066224114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oVFaHLs_HUQGJXRyf1oWnntW_IvxleJAF6_oOb34gjOjbxlfr65JzA1BfBQZVrPYnhicUVMpqJWkvpQafUNM3MOmtnXmhkkSt0UWNftSVjkhCniKcG4V6g9qoBaRNQTfbef1j8WbY0qz/s200/blacksoap2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a>Varying by region, traditional African black soap can be made from a variety of natural oils in Africa such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and the ashes from plantain leaves, agow tree bark, and cocoa pods. When the plantain or cocoa pod ashes are combined with water they form a natural lye. Then the oils are added to the water and stirred to form soap. The black soap I sell contains unrefined shea butter, virgin palm kernel oil, plantain leaves and cocoa pod ashes.<br />
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African black soap is naturally a soft soap. It also has a high glycerin content. Because of this, black soap will readily absorb moisture from the air, and if it is left sitting in water, black soap will dissolve into it completely. On the bright side, you could bottle the watery leftovers and use it as a shampoo, or liquid face wash. That is, of course, up to you. To keep black soap a bar, store it in a dry place between uses.<br />
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Traditional African <a href="http://www.astridanaturals.com/african-black-soap.html">black soap</a> is available at Astrida Naturals. It's available unscented and scented with all natural <a href="http://astridanaturals.blogspot.com/p/ingredients.html">essential oils</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-62242458621129230082008-05-06T11:26:00.004-05:002013-02-19T21:14:59.275-06:00How to Heat A Jar Shea Butter To Prevent GraininessI've been getting a few questions from people about what the consistency of <a href="http://astridanaturals.blogspot.com/2011/03/unrefined-shea-butter-vs-refined-shea.html">unrefined shea butter </a>should be and how they can safely heat it.<br />
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At 65 - 75 degrees, approximately room temperature, your shea butter should be semi-soft or solid. This may be harder than you expected if you were envisioning a more buttery consistency. But don't worry! The melting point of shea butter is about 85 - 90 degrees. This is why when you rub a bit between your hands or on your skin, it will melt easily and absorb quickly into your skin or hair.<br />
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So, what do you do if you feel your shea butter is too solid? Well you have a few options, first you can leave it as is and use a finger to warm the area you want to scoop out of the jar when you want to use it (this is what I do). Another option is to simply leave the shea in a warm area of your house, such as under a lamp for about an hour or so to soften the entire jar. If you want more immediate gratification, then you can place the jar in the microwave and heat it GENTLY. I'm talking 10 seconds at a time at medium heat, people! You never want to heat unrefined shea butter too long or too fast or you will ruin it and cause it to go grainy. As long as you don't do that you should be fine and can heat your shea until it becomes oil (shea makes a wonderful hot oil treatment or massage oil). If you need to solidify your shea back up, then just place it in the fridge until it reaches the consistency you like.<br />
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<b>Do you have any other questions about shea butter? Ask in the comments section below. </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-34514695933438268532008-05-01T13:07:00.003-05:002013-02-19T22:45:41.858-06:00The Incredible, Edible . . . . Shea?The other day I was chatting with some people in an Etsy chat room, when one chatter exclaimed that her husband thought that shea butter was for cooking.<br />
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LOL's came rolling out on the screen until I informed the other chatters that shea butter can be eaten.<br />
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Of course, I can't really read any expressions through my computer, but I think some people may have been shocked. Someone said that was gross, but I said that in West Africa women have been cooking with shea for years, and it's also used in the US and Europe in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter. Rumor has it this is also a <i>healthy</i> butter/oil. I once read that it is similar to olive oil in the fact that it is a healthy cooking oil for frying foods, but I have yet to verify this. (If anyone finds out if this is true please let me know!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139368568299900099.post-82610330759105152202008-04-28T16:53:00.007-05:002013-02-19T21:07:21.822-06:00Many Uses for Unrefined Shea ButterI am fascinated with Shea Butter. When I first started making my own skin care products, I looked up a variety of ingredients and their benefits to determine what was best to use in my concoctions. When I discovered shea the benefits seemed to go on and on. I never really knew much about shea before. I mean, I knew it could help with scars and stretch marks, like most people do, but a few years ago if you would have asked me what was better, shea butter or cocoa butter, I would have said cocoa butter. Boy was I wrong! Shea is great for scars and stretch marks but that is only the beginning! Unrefined shea butter does so much more....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC_znuiKtksCB1sXHw4jCQY3sB2_w8mmma3E117WC_Vhwv5a1BmyNkpSaDkazpDqDAzpB_G7Xjax3i73f1uOqlU-w1pflSodUgFCoxlMjyAqsuqx7ct2qicCdfxprtMoE5ZKUz-2_qfY/s1600/bulkshea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC_znuiKtksCB1sXHw4jCQY3sB2_w8mmma3E117WC_Vhwv5a1BmyNkpSaDkazpDqDAzpB_G7Xjax3i73f1uOqlU-w1pflSodUgFCoxlMjyAqsuqx7ct2qicCdfxprtMoE5ZKUz-2_qfY/s320/bulkshea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Regular use of unrefined Shea Butter produces softer, smoother healthier skin and is safe for all skin types. Shea Butter is a natural source of vitamins A, E, and F. (It also contains cinnamic acid, but more on that in a later post!) These antioxidants help the skin to retain its natural elasticity, absorb moisture from the air, and help prevent premature wrinkles by boosting collagen production.<br />
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Shea Butter contains natural UV sun protection that is estimated to be around an SPF 6. Daily use of Shea Butter on the face and body reduces sun exposure, which in turn slows down the rate of aging. Shea Butter also acts as a natural mantle against elements of cigarette smoke, smog and chemical pollutants in the atmosphere.<br />
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Shea Butter can also help your hair. It provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair, and is an excellent treatment for dry scalp.<br />
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The benefits and uses of unrefined Shea Butter go on and on... here is a summary.<br />
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Use for increased healing:<br />
Sun damaged skin and burns<br />
Scars and blemishes<br />
Small wounds and scrapes<br />
Helps to prevent and relieve diaper rash<br />
Relieves itching insect bites & stings<br />
Relieves muscle fatigue, aches & tension<br />
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Use for skin care:<br />
Absorbs quickly into skin leaving it smooth and soft<br />
Increases elasticity<br />
Moisturizes dry and chapped skin and lips<br />
Helps to reduce wrinkles by boosting collagen production<br />
Helps to reduce and prevent stretch marks and fade scars<br />
Relieves eczema<br />
Minimizes razor bumps and can be used as a shave cream<br />
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Use for hair care:<br />
Heat slightly for a hot oil treatment<br />
Dread maintenance<br />
Scalp moisturizer<br />
Protects hair from environmental elements<br />
Prevents hair breakage<br />
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<a href="http://astridanaturals.etsy.com/">Now, you know you want some shea now!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2