Witch Hazel

Posted on December 6, 2018July 16, 2019 by HollyBeth Anderson

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is finishing blooiming here in the mountains of North Georgia. A native plant it is a naturally powerful ingredient in HollyBeth Organics’ Marigold Toner and Pore Clarifying Mask.

Origins

Witch hazel is native to the US and used by Native Americans to treat colds, eye infections, kidney problems, skin conditions, stings and wounds. Today it is widely known as an astringent and effective acne treatment.

In the Wild

The plant is interesting for numerous reasons. As one of the few plants to go to full bloom in fall and winter, it is one of the only food sources for insect life (flies, midges, beetles) that tolerates the cold, thereby holding a monopoly over wintertime pollination—an interesting ecological niche! Witch hazel’s seeding mechanism is very unique. The previous year’s seed capsules mature at the same time as its current year’s flowers, and quite often one can hear an audible popping sound as the seeds are forcefully ejected up to 25 out from the tree like bullets.

Animal Favorite

Witch hazel is also a major part of animal life. It often grows in dense thickets, providing cover for birds and small mammals. The seeds provide food for insects, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, as well as gray squirrels. Furthermore, ruffed grouse and white tailed deer feed upon the buds and flowers.

Skin Care Benefits

Witch hazel is amazingly beneficial to the skin. Its natural astringent properties make it a great tool against acne, regulating oil production and reducing inflammation. It also helps reduce puffiness and tighten skin, making it a great defense against under eye bags. Feeling oily or grimy? Witch hazel is a great skin refresher. It cleanses and purifies, calming the pores and soothing the skin while gently hydrating and restoring natural balance. Suffering from razor burns or sun burns? Try a little witch hazel to calm the area and soothe irritation. Want a product that conquers all of these concerns? Click here to discover HollyBeth Organics’ witch hazel based Marigold Toner.

Organic Facial Cleansers

Posted on March 4, 2016March 21, 2016 by HollyBeth Anderson

So Many Facial Cleansers

Drug store shelves are full of many different facial cleansers, so how do you decide which one to try? Do you go for the exfoliating cleanser that clears your pores, should you try an acne-fighting face wash to combat breakouts, how about a hydrating cleanser that leaves your skin tingling? No matter what result a facial cleanser is promising, start by taking a look at the ingredients listed on the bottle and go for organic facial cleansers.

Pay Attention to Ingredients

A lot of those crazy words on the label are actually chemicals and alcohols, some of which can be very harmful to the skin – and even found in other household cleaning products. I don’t want to wash my face with the same chemicals used to deep clean bathroom tile! But what about “natural” face washes? Unfortunately, the term “natural” is not properly regulated and too easily utilized to sell an ideal. Once again, take a look at the ingredients to make sure you know what is going on your face.

Go Organic

Avoid unsavory chemicals and unrecognizable ingredients. Go for organic facial cleansers! Try products made with ingredients that come from plants, flowers, and trees, free of artificial ingredients and harmful chemicals. Keeping it simple will allow your skin to get back to its natural cycle, uninhibited by distracting chemicals that can throw off its balance. Bring your skin back to life!

Looking for a good organic cleanser? Try HollyBeth Organics Chamomile Foaming Cleanser (for normal to dry skin) or our Marigold Foaming Cleanser (for those of us with more oily skin). And remember, all of HollyBeth Organics’ products are 100% USDA certified organic, so we promise you will know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

squalene vs squalane

Posted on May 16, 2013 by HollyBeth Anderson

Camellia oil is rich in squalane which is important in maintaining smooth and supple skin and contains UV protection properties. Squalene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon that produces oxygen when combined with water. Squalene is a hydrogenated form of squalane and for decades was taken from deep sea shark liver oil and then hydrogenated to create squalane. A much better renewable source of squalane is derived from nut and fruit oil. Camellia oil is the richest in vitamins and anti-oxidants of all oils and is a dry oil; it sinks right into your skin. My favorite ingredient and in HollyBeth Organics products. This little beauty just bloomed, rather late for camellia blooms in Georgia.