Embrace the Joy of Self-Care:
Amidst the twinkling lights and holiday cheer, take a moment to prioritize self-care. Treating your skin with a clay mask is not just a beauty routine; it's a mindful indulgence that allows you to unwind and recharge. So, set aside some 'me time' and let the magic of a clay mask transform your complexion. Do a spa night at home.
Detoxify and Revitalize:
Christmas break often comes with late nights and perhaps a few more indulgences than usual. A clay mask acts as a reset button for your skin, drawing out impurities, excess oils, and pollutants that may have accumulated during the festivities. Feel the detoxifying sensation as the mask goes to work, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized.
Winter Hydration Boost:
The winter air can be harsh on your skin, leading to dryness and dullness. Clay masks, especially those with added hydrating ingredients, offer a double benefit – they purify your skin while providing a much-needed moisture boost. This dual action leaves your skin feeling supple, soft, and ready to face the winter chill.
Creating a Spa-Like Atmosphere:
Enhance the pampering experience by creating a spa-like ambiance. Dim the lights, play some soothing music, and let the stress of the season melt away as you apply your chosen clay mask. Consider incorporating aromatherapy with scented candles or essential oils for an extra touch of relaxation.
Post-Mask Bliss:
After allowing the mask to work its wonders, gently rinse it off and revel in the post-mask glow. Follow up with your favourite moisturizer to lock in the benefits and keep your skin hydrated. Your complexion will thank you for the extra care with a newfound radiance.
This Christmas break, give the gift of indulgence to yourself. A clay mask is more than a skincare product; it's a self-care ritual that transforms your beauty routine into a moment of bliss. So, unwrap the joy of radiant, pampered skin and enter the new year with a glow that reflects the love and care you've invested in yourself. Cheers to a beautiful and pampered you!
Click here to discover the World’s Purest Clay Mask.
]]>What does being Environmental Working Group verified mean? When you see the EWG VERIFIED™ mark on a product, you can be sure it's free from EWG's chemicals of concern and meets the strictest standards for your health. Here’s our list of ten EWG Verified, green gift ideas that you can feel good about wrapping up for your loved ones this holiday season!
This holiday season, we have two glacial clay gift sets from NENA Skincare. The holiday edition of our NENA Natural Skincare Kit is a comprehensive 4-step daily routine that detoxifies, nourishes and hydrates the skin, while our Pamper Me Pouch has a full-sized Mineral Serum and a travel-friendly version of our Clay Mask and Cleansing Cream. The products in both of these gift sets will leave your skin soft, healthy and naturally glowing.
This brow gel is designed to add volume and groom brows into shape, while Castor Oil conditions and Red Clover and Mung Bean help to strengthen for healthy-looking brows.
Formulated for brittle or weak hair, this conditioner, containing a medley of Peppermint Essential Oil, Quinoa Protein, Calendula, Babassu Oil, Aloe and Vitamin E, helps smooth split ends and flyaways.
This lightweight, deeply hydrating clean sunscreen lotion blends in for all skin tones fast without leaving a trace. It calms and cools sun-stressed skin and leaves absolutely everyone with a soft, dewy finish.
All power, no plastic—these naked laundry tablets are free of PVA/PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol). The best step in caring for the planet while cleaning your clothes.
Henry Rose is the clean fragrance business started by Michelle Pfeiffer. The 'Fog' Eau de Parfum combines the lightness of vetiver wood, cut with a soft musk to create a perfectly balanced freshness. This scent is timeless.
One soap. Many uses. This Vanilla + Lavender 3 in1 Soap is a powerful do-it-all cleanser that will give you a refresh from head to toe. Whether as a body wash, shampoo, or bubble bath, the creamy sweetness of vanilla and the relaxing essence of lavender will swirl you and your senses into a nourishing clean for your hair and skin
Give eyes a wakeup call with this eye cream. Firm, brighten, de-puff and smooth fine lines with clean power ingredients like Bakuchiol, Peptide, Caffeine and Vitamin C.
Treat your skin to a deeply nourishing blend of naturally hydrating oils. Grapeseed oil contains omega fatty acids and Vitamin E that improve the skin’s moisture and softness. Manuka oil works to promote the regeneration of new skin while Coconut oil increases skin elasticity and protects from free radical damage.
Another long day? Soothe your tired legs and feet with the refreshing tingle of peppermint and the warmth of ginger. Generously apply this rich butter and feel it melt into a luxurious oil thanks to the perfect combination of cocoa butter and extra virgin olive oil.
For more gift ideas for this holiday season, check out our blog post on: Made In Canada Gift Ideas.
A secret to better skin? Meet superfoods. Basically beauty foods for the skin, superfoods are nutritionally dense foods that supply the skin with a broad mix of antioxidants. Some offer anti-ageing benefits, while others can naturally moisturize and calm the skin.
Applying and eating these superfoods can help give your skin the boost it needs. We’ve rounded up seven of the most well-researched superfoods that are sure to give your skin the nutrients it deserves this fall.
Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric helps to give skin a youthful vitality and firmness. Topical application is known to deliver a healthy glow thanks to its free radical-fighting properties.
An algae that’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Spirulina is a potent blue/green ingredient that helps detox the body when ingested and the skin when applied in your skincare routine. Overall, it can help give the skin a firmer feeling and help smooth out wrinkles.
Featuring powerful skin-boosting properties, pumpkin in skincare is a lycopene antioxidant that has the ability to brighten skin and prevent free-radical damage (like that caused by UV rays). The perfect fall ingredient, in your skincare and in your coffee, pumpkin is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids which help to exfoliate and renew the skin.
A natural ingredient that aids in the restoration of skin elasticity and has anti-ageing benefits, Chaga mushroom has been popular in drinks for centuries. It’s made its way into skincare, and for the first time can be found in our Mineral Serum.
Addressing the signs of ageing, green tea is a superfood ingredient that happens to be amongst the most researched. Reducing wrinkles and increasing skin’s firmness, it’s one of the most effective anti-ager ingredients on the market.
Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are especially great for having a pronounced moisturizing and calming action on the skin, so look for this superfood if your skin is feeling inflamed.
We all know that greens are good in our diet, but they’re also good when applied to our skin. Kale is packed full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that naturally hydrate and calm your skin, making it a great addition to your fall and winter skincare routines.
So sip on that PSL, cozy up in your fall knits, and add some superfood ingredients to your skincare routine, like Chaga mushroom in our Mineral Serum, and you’re ready for a season of happy and healthy skin.
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So here is our long list of ways to find beauty in the every day:
Try a new spin on your morning coffee: Do you usually gulp down your black coffee to get that caffeine rush in before your morning meeting? Wake up a little earlier next time and take a stroll to that local cafe you’ve been wanting to try but have never popped your head into. Maybe even allow yourself extra time to enjoy it on their patio instead of in a to-go cup.
Close your eyes and put your face up towards the sun (remember your SPF!): Think of your favourite place, or just enjoy this warm, quiet moment between just you and the sunshine.
Tour a museum: Spend a socially distanced afternoon in your favourite museum, or check out a new exhibit and take in the calm of the space. You might even leave feeling a burst of creative energy.
Be mindful during your skincare routine: Keep your skin quenched while out and about in summer weather with our Mineral Serum and Moisturizing Cream. Both beautifully lightweight, take a deep inhale and exhale before applying. Pat softly on your face, and enjoy these few seconds you have gifted yourself.
Buy a disposable film camera: Would we enjoy a moment a little more if we couldn’t re-snap, edit or perfectly compose the image of it? Purchase a disposable film camera and spend a sunny afternoon, or several afternoons, snapping pics of summer scenes that capture your eye. Food, birds, your best outfit, and then enjoy reliving all those moments when you get your film developed.
Find a view: Whether it’s to watch the sunrise, sunset, or just take in the time of day before you, find yourself a view that makes you giddy and set aside time to really enjoy it.
Sit in a park with a book: Ditch the couch for just a moment and take your book with you to your local park or beach. Set up underneath some shade and stay there as long as you like. Or until you run out of reading light.
Get your bike out of storage: No need to have a specific destination in mind, just grab that bicycle and head out. Maybe go to a neighbourhood you don’t tend to on foot and see what you find. You might stumble across your new favourite hangout.
Smile at strangers, even beneath your mask: While it can be a little difficult to show our neighbourliness these days, smiles hit our eyes, and also make us feel better, so keep on smiling to passing strangers, even with that mask on.
Have a good, old-fashioned picnic: Whether it’s solo, with your kids, or socially distanced with friends, splurge on your favourite snacks and head to a park or beach for a little sunshine and some good eats.
Whether it's basking in the heat outside or enjoying the sun's warm rays indoors, summer's the perfect time to pause and appreciate the beauty in everything. Take everything in and take it slow.
]]>There can be a lot of hesitation when deciding to go green, and some things that might come up are:
“Is it too late for me to make an impact?”
“What is the best way to go green?”
“How much of my life should I overhaul?”
We believe that no matter when in your life and how far you decide to go, any small shift helps. We’re rounding up some of our favourite green advocates to prove that it truly doesn’t matter how old you are, you can go green at any age.
The author of the book, “No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference” Greta Thunberg fits into what we practice at NENA beautifully. A Swedish environmental activist, she works to address the problem of climate change. In recent years she inspired an international movement to fight climate change and has become a leading voice, inspiring millions to join protests around the world.
Greta works to reduce her carbon footprint in any way she can, including limiting air travel and being vegan. She also successfully had her parents switch over to a vegan diet after stating that eating animal products is stealing her generation’s future.
An indigenous climate activist, hip-hop artist, and powerful new voice on the frontlines of a global youth-led movement, Xiuhtezcatl and his group the Earth Guardians believe that today's youth will play an important role in shaping our future. He’s spoken to large crowds about the effects of fossil fuels on the indigenous and other marginalized communities.
Despite his age, Xiuhtezcatl is familiar with the spotlight, following in his activist parents’ footsteps and public speaking since the age of six.
An American urban revitalization strategist and public radio host from the South Bronx area of New York City, Carter founded and led the non-profit environmental justice solutions corporation Sustainable South Bronx from 2001 onward, before entering the private sector in 2008. She’s worked to integrate sustainable programs into the Bronx as she’s witnessed the effects of generations of neglect on this NYC borough.
The Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training Program was one of the first urban green-collar training programs in the nation. Majora fights to “green the ghetto,” encouraging urban renewal, green-collar jobs and environmental justice.
A Canadian academic, science broadcaster, and environmental activist, David Suzuki is best known for his ability to make scientific and environmental issues relatable to the public, especially through his television segments. He was chosen as one of 25 Transformational Canadians for his efforts to educate the public about climate change, overfishing and other looming catastrophes.
You may have heard about the David Suzuki Foundation, which he co-founded in 1990. The foundation’s focus? That respect for nature and interdependence with it must be our species’ top priority.
Best known for being the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, Jane Goodall is a British primatologist, anthropologist, ethologist, and UN Messenger of Peace. Having spent 50 years in the jungle before returning back to England, Jane is renowned for her findings that suggest many behaviors once thought to be exclusively human may have been inherited from common ancestors that we shared with chimpanzees millions of years ago.
“Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference,” are words up on the Jane Goodall Institute, an organization committed to continuing her trailblazing work to protect chimpanzees and inspire people to conserve the natural world we all share.
Have these advocates inspired you to go green, no matter your age? While you’re at it, check out our all inclusive skincare that's good for you and the planet.
At NENA, all our products are perfectly designed for every version of you. No matter your age, our simplified skincare line makes choosing clean products easy.
We're being told, and in some cases, forced to practice social distancing. However, it's not without cause. The Coronavirus is incredibly contagious and can lie dormant in carriers for up to two weeks, during which time they can spread the virus to everyone they come in contact with.
The question is, during these unprecedented times, how can you maintain a healthy mind and body? What can you do to keep it together while social distancing?
While we don't presume to be experts on health epidemics or the Coronavirus, we can help you stay healthy (and sane) while confined to your own home. Keep reading for our top tips.
At some point in their life, 25 percent of Canadians battle a major depressive episode that could constitute treatment. However, when it comes to minor depression, sun-downing, or simply feeling down on a daily basis, the numbers are much more devastating. One of the primary reasons behind this is our sedentary lifestyles.
People go to work and sit at a desk all day. Then, they come home and sit on their couch until bedtime. While some people have established good exercise habits, most people are rarely active throughout the week.
Exercising can help maintain a healthy mind and body because it reduces depression by releasing endorphins, a natural feel-good chemical in your body. However, exercise can also help boost your self-confidence and take your mind off of stress-inducing factors going on in your life (like social distancing).
Find the time to do your favourite workout at home.
While we understand that you can't go to the gym while social distancing, there are plenty of at-home exercises you can do. For example, you can do pushups, situps, squats, lunges, and leg levers and try to get a few more reps each day. Finally, as long as you aren't defying any regulations, it may also be beneficial to go for a walk around your neighborhood to get some fresh air and sunlight.
Pro tip: Being in the sun helps your body synthesize vitamin D. Both vitamin D and exercise are good for your skin.
Many of us complain that we're always "too busy" to take adequate time for ourselves. You may not truly enjoy exercising, but everybody has at least one hobby they enjoy at home. This could be anything from knitting to baking.
While it may not be the way you wanted it to happen, now is a good time to indulge in your hobbies. Dive into your art or your music. Get back to writing that book you never have time for.
If you can't do your favorite hobbies right now because of our current situation, consider trying new hobbies. Subscribe to Masterclass and learn new skills from the best. You may find a talent in yourself you never knew existed.
No matter how strict the social distancing regulations are in your town, you can't avoid people entirely. Unless you're on total lockdown and aren't allowed to leave your home, you may still be going to the gas station, grocery stores, etc.
While these activities make you more vulnerable, you can maintain a healthy mind and body by practicing good hygiene habits. Make sure you wash your hands after being out in public (carry around hand sanitizer if possible). Additionally, try not to touch your face while out in public.
Stay safe, stay home, and stay healthy...and wash your hands!
However, even when you're staying in the comfort of your own home, it's important to keep up with your hygiene. Social distancing is not an excuse to stay in your pajamas all day or stop showering. Make sure you're keeping your body fresh and clean every day, even if you're not leaving the house, it will keep you healthier and happier.
Finally, try to get a little sun and fresh air every day. Sit on your porch or go for a walk. If it's too cold, bask in the sunlight coming in through a window and crack it just enough to bring in some outside air.
Many of us are procrastinators when it comes to nonessential tasks in our lives. If you're not a procrastinator, perhaps you're simply to busy during the average workweek. Regardless, if you're being forced to practice social distancing, now is a great time to check off a few items on your to-do list.
For example, consider going through your finances and setting yourself up on a budget. Did you know that nearly 50 percent of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck? If you're in that category, you're likely feeling a significant financial strain from social distancing.
Dig deep into your expenditures to see where your money goes each month. Odds are, there are plenty of areas where you can cut back and save money.
Here are some more ideas on how you can be productive:
Maintaining a healthy mind and body includes taking care of the body's biggest organ - your skin. Even though you're not going out during social distancing, now is a great time to indulge in or create healthy skincare practices.
For example, focus on treating your skin gently. Don't overdo your bath and shower times and be sure to pad yourself dry, rather than rubbing. Additionally, make sure you're moisturizing regularly, especially with the amount of handwashing and sanitizing going on right now.
Finally, take this time to do some extra facial cleansing and rejuvenating. Did you know that glacial clay masks will not only help moisturize your dry skin but also pull out impurities? Take a spa day and treat yourself to a clay mask, a manicure, and a pedicure.
However, just be sure not to make the common clay mask mistakes.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the various cultures and religions in the world. While people traditionally relate mediation to eastern religions, meditation doesn't have to be religious or spiritual at all.
Many people use mediation to help them slow down and improve their self-awareness. Meditation is a tool that helps us reduce depression, increase focus, improve attention span, lower anxiety, and more.
While practicing social distancing, one of the best ways to keep a healthy mind and body is by taking up a simple mediation routine. Start slow with 10 to 15 minutes a day. You may find it difficult to maintain focus initially.
Here are some simple steps:
Depending on your province and city, there may or may not be restaurants still serving takeout food. While this may be a tempting idea, it's not the wisest. Most restaurant foods are higher in calories and you should think twice about spending unnecessary money right now, unless you want to support your local business.
Instead, take an interest in promoting a healthy mind and body through nutrition. Over 60 percent of Canadians are overweight or obese and it's directly related to our diets. Take this time to practice your healthy cooking skills to better prepare yourself for the future.
Stay healthy, eat a variety of healthy foods each day. Take inspiration from Canada's Food Guide.
Play around with new recipes or flock to Pinterest for some inspiration. The majority of people don't get in enough fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. The vitamins and minerals in these foods are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, among many other things.
Just because you're practicing social distancing it doesn't mean you have to stop being social. While you shouldn't be going out of the house and meeting in public areas with your friends, we have state-of-the-art communicative technology right at our fingertips.
Spend some time each day video-chatting with your friends who you can't go out and see. Text messaging and emailing are not the same. You need to hear voices and see faces.
Additionally, social distancing may present a fantastic opportunity to spend more time with the members of your own household. Time goes by too fast. Our kids grow up and move out and we grow old in the blink of an eye.
Slow down and take a moment to be grateful for the people around you. Human beings are social creatures by design. We need human interaction to thrive and maintain a healthy mind and body.
We can't predict the future any better than you can. With each passing day, it seems harder to determine what's going to happen with the Coronavirus.
We'd like to encourage you to accept the things going on that you can't change. However, there are plenty of things, like maintaining a healthy mind and body, that you have total control over. Check out some of our other articles for more ideas on staying healthy and be sure to take a look at our skincare products before you go.
Let us know you're out there! Take a selfie of yourself in a clay mask and tag us on Instagram @nenaclaymask. Share your story with us about how you're staying healthy during social distancing!
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Mineral water typically originates from an aquifer (an underground layer of porous rock or sediment), an underground reservoir, or a natural spring. As indicated by the name, mineral water also contains minerals which support biological functions and balance within the body. Some minerals commonly found in mineral water include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc.
At NENA Skincare, we formulate our products with glacial mineral water, which is the mineral essence extracted from glacial oceanic clay. This clay can be found only in pristine, isolated areas along British Columbia’s northern coastline, and began forming over 2.5 millions years ago through the convergence of glacier and ocean deposits.
Maturing for thousands of years in pristine ocean waters, our glacial oceanic clay and glacial mineral water contains more than 60 skin-benefiting minerals and rare earth elements unique to this part of the world.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these powerful minerals and their health benefits.
Calcium is the main mineral in our body; approximately 90% of a healthy human bone structure is made up of it. This mineral plays a major role in bone health, teeth and all cells and tissues, including the skin. Most calcium in the skin can be found in the epidermis (the outermost layer of our skin that make up the skin), where it contributes to skin firmness, elasticity and cell turnover (replacing old skin cells with new ones).
If your body doesn’t have enough calcium, a deficiency will result in thin, fragile skin, loss of hair, weak bones and brittle nails.
Source: https://www.lorealparisusa.com/ingredient-library/calcium.aspx
Calcium in skin care products:You can find this must-have mineral in all our NENA products, including the NENA Mineral Moisturizing Cream.
Sources of Calcium in food:
almonds, chia seeds, collard greens, kale, broccoli, beans, figs, oranges, chickpeas, soy.
Hydrated skin looks and feels healthy. Studies show that the mineral Magnesium contains effective water-binding molecules, helping with the retention of moisture in your skin. This leads to an improvement in your skin’s overall appearance and texture.
Magnesium in skin care products:
Magnesium is one of the top minerals in glacial clay and glacial mineral water, you can find both of these ingredients in our NENA Glacial Clay Cleansing Cream.
Sources of Magnesium in Food:
Green leafy vegetables, figs, avocado, nuts and seeds, black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, and peas.
Speaking of hydration, Potassium helps regulate the amount of water in your body's cells. As an electrolyte, Potassium holds an electric charge and is crucial to the proper function of our cells, tissues, and organs; the skin being our largest organ.
Sources of Potassium in Food:
Bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, fish, coconut water, watermelon.
If you have sensitive skin that easily gets red and irritated, copper can help calm skin inflammation and help with the healing of wounds with properties which help kill bacterial spores, fungi, viruses. Copper also helps play a role in the stabilization of skin proteins by regulating collagen.
Sources of Copper in Food:
Oysters, nuts, seeds, shitake mushrooms, lobster, liver, leafy greens and dark chocolate.
Similar to copper, Zinc has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps regulate oil. Zinc is especially effective for treating the symptoms of eczema. Also, you may have seen zinc as an active ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo, by preventing the re-occurence of flaking, itching, and irritation.
Sources of Zinc in Food:
Whole grains, tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts and seeds, fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products. Non-vegan sources include red meat, shellfish, dairy, and eggs.
So make yourself a cup of tea, put on a glacial clay mask and relax while listening to these inspiring well being podcasts. Here’s to 2020—may this be your best year yet!
Co-hosts, Jesse and Marni, teach and inspire you to reach your maximum potential through their interviews with world-class experts in the health and wellness community. This has been coined one of the best wellness podcasts. Each episode interviews a different expert, and the topics covered range from mental health to motherhood to yoga—it’s all here, friends! Listen here.
Becka and Rachael are two millennials trying their very best to live a healthier, happier life. Their everyday wellness podcast explores navigating the tricky terrain that is your twenties and how to handle its ups and downs. Covering everything from food, wellness, personal care and self-love. This podcast is like a warm hug from your big sister, you’ll immediately feel like you’re friends with Becka and Rachael. Listen here.
Health and Wellness Podcasts: Vibe Tribe Wellness
If you have been thinking about getting into meditation but haven't found the right guide, look no further. Tara Brach is all about radical acceptance. She's a leading western teacher of Buddhist (mindfulness) meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening. This natural health podcast will open your mind and effectively guide you through meditation so you can reap the benefits. Listen here.
Health and Wellness Podcasts: Tara Branch
As anyone who has ever tried to achieve something knows, the path to success is rarely — if ever — smooth. On How To Fail, author and journalist Elizabeth Day interviews woman at the top of their game — including Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Dame Kelly Holmes— about the important lessons they’ve learned from their failures. This is a great listen for all budding entrepreneurs and anyone who wishes to progress and achieve their dreams. Listen here.
Deliciously Ella made its name as a resource to help you live better and make vegetables cool—making this podcast a great tool for all the foodies out there. Hosted by Ella and Matthew Mills – husband and wife – this health and wellbeing podcast welcomes guests from business, health and nutrition backgrounds to share their stories and advice. They delve into the world of physical and mental health, well-being, the realities of building a business and a brand and staying positive in a busy world. Listen here. Health and Wellness Podcasts: Deliciously Ella
There they are, friends! We hope these podcasts on health and wellness will help you ring in the New Year with a happier, healthier approach to living.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This one is a no-brainer. We all know water is great for our bodies, but the effects also show on our skin. Dermatologists recommend 2.7 liters for adult women, and suggest drinking filtered water for best results. Buy yourself a large water bottle and refill it as many times as needed to help you keep on top of your intake. Bonus: there are many water-reminding apps available—if you’re forgetful, download one and let it do the work for you.
Skincare Resolution: Drink more water
If you do one thing in the new year, invest in a good sunscreen. Any dermatologist will tell you that wearing sunscreen everyday is the most important skincare step because it protects you from free radical damage that can cause skin cancer and early signs of aging. We recommend going for an EWG sunscreen as these are verified to not contain any ingredients of concern. Use Consumer Reports’ Sunscreen Ratings to find the best sun protection product for your skin type and needs. Don't forget sunscreen on your nose, ears, hairline, hands, and décolleté.
Spend one evening a week giving your skin some TLC. Why not try introducing the NENA Glacial Clay Mask to your skincare routine? It contains 99% clay, compared to many other clay mask products which only use around 15-20% and top up with fillers. It’s also clinically proven to tighten pores, increase collagen production (anti-aging benefits), reduce excess oils and contains anti-inflammatory properties, helping your skin look fresh all week long. Win, win!
For more benefits of Glacial Clay, click here.
Skincare Resolution: Use a clay mask at least once a week
Knowing what’s inside your skincare products is so important in helping you adopt a cleaner way of living. In 2020, we encourage you to become more educated about what goes into your skincare. All NENA products are EWG-verified, meaning none of our products contain any ingredients of concern. Our research and development team can explain every ingredient used in each skincare product. Got a question about the ingredients in our NENA Skincare products? Just ask!
Cleanse, Mask, Tone, and Moisturize. We have four products, each specifically designed to go with our four-step skincare routine. In the busyness of life, sometimes the bathroom is the only place you can get a moment of peaceful solitude. Make a cup of tea, turn on your favourite wellness podcast, tie your hair back with your favourite scrunchie...this is your time to unwind and relax at the end of a long day and focus on you. The more you love your daily skincare routine, the more likely you’ll follow it, and the better your results.
We know skincare resolutions can be hard to keep—on top of work and your life, things can get heavy. Adopting just one of these resolutions will improve your skin, trust us, your future self will thank you!
]]>To help our consumers understand common ingredients found in conventional skincare, bodycare, and beauty products, we’ve compiled a list of seven common ingredients we recommend avoiding. Note that none of these ingredients appear in NENA Skincare products.
Fragrance or Parfum
When you see the term fragrance or parfum listed on a cosmetic or skincare label, what that translates to is a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Manufacturers aren’t required to reveal the details of their “fragrance”, meaning consumers aren’t being shown the actual ingredients used in the final beauty or skincare product. These chemical blends are not tested for toxicity and are also known to be linked to allergies, migraines, and asthma-like symptoms.
At NENA Skincare, we scent our products with natural essential oils like lavender and bergamot.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (also known as SLES)
This ingredient is what makes your cleanser foam and your shampoo bubble. In some studies, sodium laureth sulfate has been composed of a known human carcinogen, ethylene oxide and has been linked to irritating the skin and eyes. While there isn’t a lot of research on SLES, it has been recently noted by Health Canada as a “moderate human health priority” and has been flagged to undergo further assessment.
BHA & BHTs
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant that can be found in an abundance of cosmetics and skincare products. Particularly, facial exfoliants. The usage of BHA is currently unrestricted within Canada but has been classified as a possible human carcinogen and has been noted to be linked to skin-based allergic reactions. Not something you want to see in your moisturizer or cleanser.
Oxybenzone
A chemical that is found in face products but is actually quite hard on your skin is oxybenzone. Most commonly found in sunscreen, it has been seen to be associated with many health issues, including endometriosis in women. So the next time you stock up on SPF, check the ingredient list. Pro tip: opt for a sunscreen that is mineral based. These types of sunscreens are more likely to be oxybenzone-free.
Triclosan
Commonly found in lotions, deodorants, cosmetics, and other skin cleansers, triclosan doesn’t pose a serious risk to users. However, it is deemed by the Government of Canada to be harmful to the environment, particularly living organisms in the water. If you are looking to make eco-friendly choices as a consumer, avoid products that have triclosan as an ingredient.
Petrolatum
Commonly found within a variety of moisturizers and hair care products, petrolatum is a mineral oil gel-like substance used to lock in moisture. There have been studies that show traces of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within petrolatum and when these PAHs come into repeated contact with skin, it can be linked to cancer. Like BHA & BHTs, the usage of petrolatum isn’t restricted within Canada but has been flagged by the government for future assessment.
Siloxanes
Siloxanes are silicone-based and are often found in moisturizers, hair products and other various facial treatments. The purpose of this ingredient is to soften and smooth. While there are many types of siloxanes, D4 and D5 siloxanes are notably more harmful than others. Exposure to high doses of D5 have been linked to uterine tumours and harm to one’s reproductive and immune system. It was this and many other studies that led Environment Canada and Health Canada to regulate the use of such siloxanes within the cosmetic and skincare products in 2009.
With more skincare brands than ever, it can be overwhelming for shoppers to know what’s best for you, your skin, and the environment. You may not be able to always avoid all the ingredients in this list, but understanding the benefits and effects of these chemicals will help you better assess risk as a consumer and make smart and informed decisions.
If you’re the unfortunate victim of a mild suburn, our advice is to soothe your skin as quickly as possible. But before you head to your nearest drugstore in search of chemical-filled sunburn relief products, take a look at our list of natural remedies for treating a minor sunburn.
We wouldn’t be surprised if some of the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen pantry.
1. Aloe Vera
The gel within an aloe vera plant has a natural cooling factor. Once it comes into contact with your skin, it provides instant relief. Not only is it a good remedy to help relieve the soreness of a sunburn, but aloe vera is also an excellent moisturizing agent. In fact, we use it as one of the ingredients in our NENA Moisturizing Cream!
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers aren’t just for salads. Similar to aloe vera, this refreshing vegetable has natural antioxidant properties that provide a cool and refreshing feeling when applied on the skin. Cut a cucumber into slices (or make a paste by tossing them into a blender) and apply where needed.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Run a bath and add a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water. This will help balance the PH levels of your sunburnt skin and speed up the healing process. Plus, you get a nice relaxing bath to go with it -- a lovely way to relax after a long day out in the sun.
4. Oatmeal
One of the symptoms of a minor sunburn is redness of your skin. If you want to try to dull down that red hue, take some oatmeal and mix with warm water. Apply the paste to your skin as a natural anti-inflammatory product.
5. Black Tea
Pinkies up! Grab a few tea bags of black tea and soak them in cool water, then apply directly to your sunburnt skin. The natural tannic acid in black tea will aid in soothing your skin, speeding up recovery and reduce the peeling of your sunburnt skin.
6. Potatoes
Yes, you read that right. Potatoes are another unexpected option when it comes to sunburn remedies. With their high level of starch, they work great in drawing out the heat from a mild sunburn. All you do is cut up a raw potato and rub where needed.
7. Baking Soda
Sometimes your sunburn isn’t so much painful as it is itchy. If you’re experiencing dry, itchy skin after being out in the sun too long, baking soda mixed with bath water should take the ease off your skin.
8. Coconut Oil
Finally, after the initial pain of your sunburnt skin has waved off, you will want to moisturize as soon as possible. Coconut oil is an effective natural body moisturizer that will help aid your dry skin.
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We currently don’t offer an SPF product (yet!) so always remember to wear sunscreen with NENA Skincare products to help protect your skin.
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Make your bath time routine even more relaxing!
Photo credit: Meghan McNeer
Slice up citrus fruits, like lemon, lime, or grapefruit, and toss them into a hot bath to make your bathroom smell amazing and look totally Instagram worthy.
For a luxurious spa-like experience, hang eucalyptus from your showerhead. The hot steam from your shower will help bring out the natural essential oils from within the plant. Eucalyptus is also known as a natural remedy to combat congestion and inflammation...an easy way to fight an oncoming cold. The minty fresh scent is also invigorating and will help wake you up in the morning. For those of you who shower in the evening, hanging lavender from your shower head will induce a relaxing scent that’ll help you wind down and get ready for bed.
Do you like to use an e-reader while you're relaxing in the bath? Put it in a Ziploc bag, so you don't have to worry about splashes. No stress!
Don’t want to splurge on one of those fancy bath caddies? A simple plank of wood, like from an old bookshelf, will do the trick. Saw to the right size, and voila, a simple and affordable bath caddy.
There are lots of green cleaners you can buy, but why not make your own for a fraction of the price? Baking soda, white vinegar, salt, and natural scented oils are the must-have ingredients for this DIY project. Apartment Therapy lists out several easy recipes on how to make your own bathroom cleaner.
Reuse old toothbrushes for cleaning jewelry or scrubbing hard-to-reach corners in your home.
Do your metal aerosol cans, like hairspray or shaving cream containers, leave circle-shaped rust stains on your bathroom counters? Paint the bottom rim with clear nail polish so it doesn't get rusty. Alternatively, if the can has a flat lid, store your metal canisters upside down. No more dealing with annoying rust stains!
Decrease clutter in your bathroom
Photo credit: HGTV
For an easy and creative way to store your colourful nail polishes, use a clear candy jar. You’ll be able to see most of the colours you have available in one glance, and it makes a cute countertop decor piece.
Store your make-up brushes upright and prevent the bristles from touching each other by placing them in a small jar of coffee beans, rice, or dried beans.
Re-use empty Altoid tins or Tic Tac containers for storing bobby pins.
Hang baskets sideways on your bathroom wall to create additional shelf space, for towels, toilet paper, or anything else you would like to keep within reach
Photo credit: https://abeautifulmess.com/2014/01/try-this-hanging-baskets-for-bathroom-storage.html
Do you use plastic grocery bags to line your bathroom trash bin? Keep things tidy and store your recycled grocery bags in an old tissue container.
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Do you have any bathroom hacks to share? Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/nenaclaymask and message us with your ideas!
]]>EWG stands for Environmental Working Group. You may have seen the term “EWG Verified” on some of your favourite natural beauty products -- including our entire line of NENA Skincare products!
The Environmental Working Group is an American non-profit organization that specializes in the research and advocacy for safer consumer products. With thousands of beauty and skincare products on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are safer and healthier for you and your family. To help consumers sort through the clutter, the EWG began a verification program where companies can apply for a stamp of approval, so consumers can quickly make informed decisions about the products they buy.
At NENA, we believe in an Earth-to-Skin skincare system, harnessing the natural benefits of glacial oceanic clay and glacial mineral water as the core ingredients in our line of skincare products. Similar to the values of the Environmental Working Group, we believe that the foundation for beauty is having good skin, and that beauty should never be harmful to us, or our environment. That’s why we’ve taken the extra step to ensure our products are third-party verified to meet the high standards of the EWG.
Having the EWG Vverified logo on NENA’s skincare products means three things:
When we use a natural ingredient as powerful as glacial oceanic clay, there’s no need to add in fillers or harsh chemicals to make our products great.
For an introduction to NENA products, try our best-selling clay product: the NENA Clay Mask.
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If you’ve looked on social media or opened a magazine recently, you will have encountered the term “self-care”, but you might be wondering what it really means. Responsibilities around family, work, eating well, exercising, domestic and social life leave many of us (especially us ladies) in last place on our “to-do” lists. Self-care is all about bringing your own well-being to the top of your list.
It turns out that the adage of taking care of yourself first, so that you can take care of the rest, remains as true as ever. So how can you incorporate this in your life? Read on, and here’s to more self-care!
The upcoming holidays can be a stressful time of year. Now is a great time to schedule some self-care so you don’t end the season with frayed nerves. Have a look through the hashtag #SelfCareSunday to get some ideas that appeal to you. We love the combination of a clay mask and a bath, to up the indulgence factor. Self-care can also be a daily practice; a walk in the park or even a five-minute skincare routine done morning and night can do wonders for your skin and your well-being.
Above all, incorporating elements of self-care into your days shouldn’t be stressful. Choose a time and kind of activity that most appeals to you, and don’t feel selfish about taking some Me-time.
The best part of the trend of self-care is that the options abound and can be different for each of us. Let us know how you incorporate self-care in your day, and don’t forget to tag us @NENAclaymask so we can all be inspired by your ideas!
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