Berry Beautiful

The most striking feature of a sea buckthorn bush is its berries. The bright orange and yellow fruit is shaped like a cherry tomato and filled with nutritional benefits for the skin and body.

As a snack, the berries are rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins. When used topically, they protect skin and moisturize in various ways. Native to Asia for centuries, sea buckthorn berry has since gained popularity in North America for a little over a decade, and the beauty industry has taken notice.

REN, Fresh, and Kiehl’s are some of the heavy hitter-brands that use sea buckthorn berry as an active ingredient in specific products.

REN’s Calendula and Arctic Berry Ultra Calm Cleansing Milk–for Sensitive Skin ($32.00) uses the berry in this cleanser to “preserve moisture levels” on the face.

Fresh’s Anise Day Serum ($85.00) includes the berry to boost the benefits of Vitamins A, C, E on the face.

Kiehl’s Imperial Body Balm ($42.00) focuses on the anti-oxidant protection from the berry, and repairs cell damage due to environmental factors.

Have you tried a skincare product with sea buckthorn berry? Do you use sea buckthorn berries in any recipes? If so, tell me about them–leave a comment with all the juicy details.

Going Green to Get Bronze

Advertisements for “Organic Tanning” practically hit me in the face at every turn as I walked around a popular shopping area in Downtown Delray Beach, Florida. Really, organic tanning–yes, such a thing does exist. These tanning salons were strictly referring to the products they use for spray tans–not the beds.

Traditional tanning solutions contain dyes, oils, alcohols, and perfumes (which tend to exacerbate that predisposed heinous smell).  Companies like Decleor and Chocolate Sun have paved the way for formulations that use 100% organic ingredients. To do so, they don’t over process Dihydroxyacetone (DHA, or glycerone).

DHA is the primary active ingredient used in self-tanners, and derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. Some are even derived from vegetables. When blended with various herbs, vitamins, and botanicals you can get a range of tones from tanning solutions. Add essential oils and you don’t have that pungent odor–letting everyone know you paid for your glow.