My discovery of Apple Cider Vinegar being an effective hair loss remedy came by chance.  I have been suffering from some form of acid reflux since last month. I cannot seem to take in anything without feeling nauseated. I have been eating small portions of food frequently since. Because I wanted to steer clear of having to go visit the doctor and be given tons of synthetic medications and antibiotics, I just thought I’d do my homework by searching for a natural way to cure my tummy issues. Apple cider vinegar or ACV as health forum people would have it, came up more than once. It kind of did not make sense to me at first since my issue is leaning towards hyperacidity and the cure for it is to treat it with another kind of acid? I know! My exact thoughts! But then again, it has been working and has kept me out of the doctor’s clinic.

I digress, I know. But I think that little backgrounder was necessary for me to let you lovely people know how I found out about this wonderful discovery. Another affirmation that the internet is more than just for people who are into free online dating. Aside from ACV treating a whole bunch of illnesses, aside from my acid reflux problem, I also learned from a friend that swears by it who had a grandmother lived till 104 years old!  Meanwhile, as I read through ACV forums, I also found out that it is also an effective remedy for hair loss. I squirmed at the thought at first of having to bathe my hair with vinegar. Repulsive, I know!  I tried it once, I did not last the whole 15 minute recommended time of keeping it in soaked in a hair cap.  But I was amazed enough that as I washed the ACV off my hair, my locks felt so smooth and dried out really shiny. And those are not even the benefits that I was looking for!

After doing the Apple Cider Vinegar treatment for hair loss for two weeks now, I am happy to report that from approximately 30 strands of hair in the tub every bath, I can only see less than ten! And it has been two weeks since I last pulled out a huge clump of hair from my hair brush. I know I’ve got to get them cleaned anyway. Haha!

I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. Although we have at least 4 bottles of ACV on our cupboard supplied by Heinz, I learned that raw and unfiltered, the one with “the mother” is best. I finally got hold of one from Healthy Options in Bonifacio Highstreet. But I also saw that it was also available in SM Supermarkets for five bucks less. As what I have gathered from the forums and what I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks. I do the ACV treatment once a week.

1. Pour one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar on a cup of distilled water (shake the bottle first before pouring).
2. Pour the mixed solution of ACV and water to clean and shampooed hair.
3. Put a shower cap over hair.
4. Wait 15 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water.

The first time I did the ACV treatment on my hair, I immediately shampooed my hair again after rinsing. I was too afraid the vinegar smell will stick. But the following week, I just rinsed my hair until the smell comes off. I think it is safe say that rinsing will be enough since there was no violent reaction from the hubby when we went to bed that night. Haha! And did I mention that my hair looks really shiny whenever I have this done? I think the ACV’s cleansing and clarifying properties are doing this to my hair and I’m really loving it! To think that I was already getting frustrated since my Keratin treated hair was starting to get out of sorts.

It’s just amazing how these all natural beauty treatments are made available to us straight from our cupboards. And who would have thought that the Apple Cider Vinegar have such lovely benefits!

With the abundance of good non-organic based makeup, I admit to having a hard time sticking to all natural ones. It is just sweet that as hard as it is to stick to all natural makeup, we can always try to compensate by using all natural stuff when it comes to facial cleansing.

One of the things that I use for removing makeup is jojoba oil. This oil does not contain synthetic chemicals and will actually nourish the skin as it cleanses. It can even prove friendlier even if you have some  existing breakouts. But for severe cases, it is better to first apply wound irrigation for any existing open wounds before applying even the most natural of products.  It is always best to check with your dermatologist. The clarifying effect it will have on the skin, we all can make use of. Just in time as we go get ourselves prepared to have smooth looking skin on for our holiday photo cards. The “ber” months are almost here and it will be Christmas before we know it.  ;-)

And because I have been experimenting much on different beauty products, I have almost forgotten the very killers that lurk around our bathroom. I seriously have to do some thorough checking and should stash away toiletries that contain these dangerous ingredients- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLE) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Before I move on and publish some fat burner reviews posts, I’m going to do this quick word as I got reminded by a newsletter that I just read from my inbox coming from Dr. Mercola.  In addition to some facts that I formerly shared on the SLS and SLES: The Killers in Your Bathroom post in July 2008, I hope to further influence Kikay Corner’s dear readers to consider cleaning up your bathroom from products that contain these ingredients. The reasons being:

The same ingredient (SLS) that produces all those foam and lather when you shampoo is the same ingredient used to wash your car and garages as a strong degreasing agent? Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews”, research studies on SLS have shown links to…

• Irritation of skin and eyes
• Organ toxicity
• Development / reproductive toxicity
• Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicological, and biochemical or cellular changes
• Possible mutations and cancer

Other names that SLS goes by are: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium salt sulfuric acid, A12-00356, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex ME, and Aquarex methyl.

The cosmetics industry has clearly placed profits ahead of public health by making use of substandard ingredients just for them to be assured of their profits. As much as I love some brands, I’m going to have to steer clear of beauty products that contain SLS and SLES from here on out.

Regular readers know that Kikay Corner’s leaning has always been towards all natural and organic products. This is why I couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to witness the AHAVA Launch and Boutique opening last February 25, 2010.

AHAVA originated in Israel on the rich mineral resource of the Dead Sea. AHAVA is the sole company that has the license to extract these rich resources from the Dead Sea.

AHAVA is the Hebrew word for “love.” AHAVA came to skincare out of love for our native magical environment. Living and working by the Dead Sea, it’s easy to fall in love with the area’s unique topography and mystical charm. AHAVA then began to discover impressive healing powers of its natural resources.

Since its inception, Ahava is developing fine plant and mineral based skincare products harvested from Dead Sea ingredients. Their products’ effectiveness has been validated in numerous studies conducted by renowned international skincare research institutes and universities.

Here are some of AHAVA’s product lines:

1. Source {cleanse.detoxify.treat}
Essential to all Source products is Ahava’s exlusive Mineral Skin Osmoter, a powerful natural complex that blends the best of the Dead Sea’s beauty boosting minerals. This exceptional combination draws moisture and nutrients form the depths of your skin to the outer layers of the epidermis, where you need it most.

2. Time Line {natural elixir o youth}

Represents the culmination of years of extensive scientific research in conjunction with leading universities throughout the world, in which Ahava studied the effects of minerals on skin hydration and renewal. The result: their patented 3D Complex, a breakthrough in moisture replenishment, skinprotection and anti-aging technology. This unique formula consists of powerful, natural nourishing ingredients, all harvested from the Dead Sea’s vast reservoir of minerals.

3. Men {effective skincare, powered by the Dead Sea}

A man’s skin follows different metabolic patterns than a woman’s and therefore requires different treatment. Ahava takes care of a man’s skin with clinically proven, high quality ingredients from the world’s most prolific source of minerals.

4. Pure {your spa rejuvenation system}
Combats the daily stress your body encounters, while providing the vital nutrients your skin needs for a glowing appearance, smoother feel and complete serenity, inside and out.

5. Mineral Suncare {eclipse sun-aging with mineral suncare}
Directly inspired by the unique phenomenon of eclipse, AHAVA has created Mineral Suncare line by combining quality sunscreens and special ingredients native to the Dead Sea region.

6. Dermud {reveal the radiance behind dry and sensitive skin}

Dermud for dry skin:
- normalizes dry skin cells’ natural functions
- dramatically increase the skin’s moisture level
- leaves dry skin looking and feeling healthier and softer

The last time I have had to deal with blackheads was during the peak of “my oily face days” in college. It was crazy how much oil control films I consume throughout the day then and I can never be thankful enough that my facial glands have since tamed in their oil production.

While I might be enjoying better days, here is a post to help for those who need to get rid of blackheads naturally. It might be true that a lot of products are commercially available, there are still a bunch of us who would rather try solving problems, “the natural way.”

1. A mild cleanser should be used regularly. Cetaphil has worked for me then and have found considerable number of good consumer feedbacks on the product.

2. Use clay facial masques on a daily basis. I have used this particular mud clay from Origins during my “blackhead” days and it worked wonders. Clays absorb excess oils from face and leaves it supple.

3. Use facial steam to open up pores that are clogged if you need to get rid of blackheads. Make sure to add in drops of tea tree oil in the steam.

4. Go easy on the make up. Makeup, whether mineral or the conventional ones, can just about worsen your blackhead problem.

5. If all else fails then never hesitate to go visit a well recommended dermatologist. It is your best option. You’ll never know how long you will ever keep away from the temptation of helping yourself by pricking those little blackheads.

Body Flavors was one of the sponsors who provided bloggers some goodies during Blog4Reviews Christmas party last month and I couldn’t be more glad. Aside from my son’s supply of organic VCO soaps running out, it is always a delight for me to try out new organic stuff.

Why organic soaps, you ask?  I have tried other more commercialized brands especially made for babies but when you check out the ingredients, they contain SLS and other not very friendly chemicals.  While they might get its job to clean the body, I have noticed that my son does not remain clean smelling for long. Babies and toddlers are notorious for doning that sour smell (“maasim” in our vernacular) especially when all they do is play. It all came to an end when I switched to organic VCO soaps and shampoo on my kiddo.  Although organic soaps usually do not last very long, because of its all natural ingredients, I still choose this over other hyped commercial brands because aside from the guarantee that I’m not introducing anything harmful on my kid’s skin, he smells fresh longer.  

As I see it, Body Flavors’ market is not exactly targeted solely for babies or kids.  The “organic” branding was just the first thing that I got attracted to and that’s just the only thing I use for my son. Hence, my delight.

The soaps that are in the goody bag are:  Seaweed and Molasses wth Tea Tree, Guava and Orange, Pure Virgin Coconut Oil with Gugo Bark.  

Seaweed and Molasses with Tea Tree Body Bar  (Smoothening and Firming) - Seaweed and molasses gently exfoliates dead skin cells while tea tree oil is reconized as a strong anti-fungal, anti viral and anti-bacterial agent.  A combination of seaweed, molasses and tea tree oil used on a regular bais will nourish, enrich and moisturize while it helps tone and lighten your skin. The soap is ideal for cleansing and deodorizing the body. Ingredients: Seaweed, Molasses, Tea Tree oil, VDO and Special Body Flavors organic essences.

Guava and Orange Body Bar (Detoxifying and Cleansing) – The decoction of guava is a rich source of natural astringents while orange has antioxidants which will keep your skin glowing and free from aging and wrinkles.  This superb blend is a good soap for detoxifying the skin and treating skin problems. Ingredients: Guava, Orange extracts, Premium Coconut Oil and Special Body Flavors organic essences.

Pure Virgin Coconut Oil with Gugo Bark Body Soap (Anti-Aging and Moisturizing) – This soap is a rich blend of pure virgin coconut oil and gugo bark which is ideal for sensitive skin.  It has a good moisturizing effect restoring a more youthful looking skin. A natural soap for deodorizing the body.  Ingredients: Virgin Coconut Oil, Gugo Bark, Sandalwood essential oil and Special Body Flavors organic essences.  

Each soap has 100g net wt, retails for P100 and with packaging that is consistent –  they use recycled paper.  I still have to review the other two soaps Seaweed & Molasses wth Tea Tree and Guava & Orange.  But I am pretty  satisfied with the Pure Virgin Coconut Oil with Gugo Bark bar soap.   

Body Flavors Enterprises
www.bodyflavors.net
info@bodyflavors.net
+63917-8589384

The Blog4Reviews Christmas Party was a fun filled night! Aside from learning about this new organic brand in town, we also got tl learn more about Yahoo! Meme, who sponsored the food during the event. It was just neat to learn that Meme has got a lot of potential. I remember signing in a few months back but never really got to tinker around it. I would so love to discover more of it, even as I learned that we could do a host of other things aside from just updating our timeline. Follow my meme here: http://meme.yahoo.com/jenaspacio/ Don’t be too surprised if my template is too pink. I love it that way.

We also got to meet the fine man of PAGCOR, represented by Mr. Gary Viray. Pagcor has been behind DigitalFilipino club since 2008 and has sponsored many events in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Bacolod City. Thanks to Ms. Janette Toral and all the organizers that made the Blog4Reviews Christmas Party last Dec. 17.  It was fun and we look forward to an even better 2010 year for Blog4Reviews!

Although my welcoming this kefir make-up remover did not exactly leave my favorite Clinique Take the Day off make up cleanser stashed away in my dresser drawer, it is still a great natural alternative I turn to every so often. The kefir make up remover recipe is pretty simple. All you need is a teaspoon of almond oil and 2 tbsps. of milk kefir and that’s it. Mix them together. Dip the cotton into the concoction, then cleanse your skin away naturally.

As for mask, what I usually do is simply apply whatever is left off the sides of the glass where I strained the milk kefir. More often than not, it is more than enough to treat my whole face. It has a tightening and moisturizing effect that leaves my skin refreshed. I leave the mask on my face for around 15 minutes. It was just neat that my everyday consumption of kefir does not just beat the best diet supplements I have tried in the past, I could also make use of it as a practical facial regimen that I need not spend for on a daily basis.

Now, there is this newfound place that got me really curious, a one stop shop of everything that I love - Sabon NYC (a bath & body store). From aromatherapy essential oils, scents, organic cream and bath products. I have been reading reviews about how good their scrubs are. The lavender apple products sounds really yummy. Check out for yourselves some real reviews from Yelp and you’ll see what I mean.

You can achieve a refreshingly rejuvenated skin with the new Organic Thanakha Soap. The amazing formula of this top-quality soap is an exceptional blend of 100% ORGANIC THANAKHA POWDER, as the main active ingredient combined with the unique skin whitening & anti-oxidant properties of Glutathione and Rose hip extract, respectively, which are both known to successfully diminish scars and blemishes. Retails for P150 or US$3.5/ bar.  Minimum of 2 bars per order.

Kindly proceed to KIKAY CORNER ONLINE STORE to order.

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2009/06/also-selling-organic-thanakha-soap-with-glutathione-rosehip-extract.html/feed 0 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2009/06/kikay-corner-reviews-all-organics-jojoba-oil.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2009/06/kikay-corner-reviews-all-organics-jojoba-oil.html#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 17:19:29 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=493 All Organics Jojoba Oil is a must have for every household. It repairs hair damage, can be used as an eye make-up remover, cuticle oil and an effective dry lip revitalizer. It can also relieve inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

It has been more than two months since I started using All Organics Jojoba Oil and I can only say good things about it. I was at first hesitant to buy a regular looking 50ml bottle of oil for close to 300 pesos. I only knew Jojoba oil as an ingredient to some of my organic based bath essentials and this was the first time I saw for myself Jojoba oil at its purest form.

The benefits of jojoba oil are countless. It provides all day moisture to problem skin. It does not evaporate like water based moisturizers. It balances the natural oil production of skin which is why it is said to control acne prone skin.

I especially love All Organic Jojoba oil on my hair right after bath. All tangles and frizzes are taken care off in a snap. A couple of drops are enough to cover my locks. You can also add a few drops of this organic oil to your favorite hair conditioner, if you cannot part All Organic Jojoba Oil is sold for less than P300 (approx.$7) with your current one and you can find them on the G/F Main Entrance Market! Market! Taguig.