STOP PICKING AT YOUR FACE!

We are all guilty of picking at our faces at some point or another. Whether we’re popping blackheads or zits, or picking at acne scabs or flaky skin – we've all done it. It’s a dirty little habit and it needs to stop for the sake of our skin.

Generally popping zits is unnecessary and can cause more damage to the skin than we think. Most individuals pop pimples in an incorrect manner squeezing the zit only to further spread the bacteria deeper down into the epidermis. This results in larger, inflamed pimples, and prolonged healing time. Popping pimples can also result in unwanted scabs, scars, fingernail indention's, increased pore size, damaged collagen, and broken capillaries. When we do pop a pimple improperly, this triggers the emergence of blood, followed by a sanguineous crust, also known as a scab. Many of us are inclined to pick at our scabs and in doing so this can result in an even longer healing process, as well as deeper, darker scars.

Popping that pimple on your chin really isn't worth it after examining the skin damaging consequences, is it?! If we want to have beautiful, glowing skin we have to stop picking at our skin! Below are some valuable tips to stop picking at your face:

o   Stop touching your face! – Touching your face will only encourage you to pick at your skin when you discover a new blemish or flaw. Touching your face can also spread bacteria from your fingers and cause additional acne to emerge.

§  Every time you catch yourself touching your face tell yourself, “NO!”, and find something else to distract yourself. (For example: exercise, clean etc.)

o   Stop looking in the mirror every chance you get! – Looking at your face up-close in a mirror only makes matters worse. You’ll catch yourself popping tiny, insignificant zits that truthfully didn't need to be popped, and picking at scabs that were in the process of healing.  After you’re done damaging your skin, your former insignificant blemishes won’t look so insignificant afterwards. So stop looking in the magnifying mirror!

o   Use natural, skin healing products on your face to prevent acne, blackheads, flaky skin and scars. – You won’t be inclined to pick at your face if you have flawless skin, so nurture it with organic, skin healing products:

§  Use a plant-based skin care product, such as moringa oil, and apply daily to your face. Moringa seed oil has several beneficial, skin healing properties and is naturally capable of detoxifying and cleansing the skin. It is capable of improving acne and scars, is a great lightweight moisturizer, and is suitable for all skin types.

§  Aloe Vera gel is another terrific, natural skin topical. Aloe Vera applied directly to the skin can promote the healing of acne, skin abrasions, and scars.

o   If you feel like you must pop a zit, purchase a blemish extractor and learn how to use it properly to avoid damaging your skin.

 If we can follow these tips to stop picking at our skin, we will be on our way flawless, beautiful, glowing skin! 

Do We Really Need a Moisturizer?

No matter what your skin's condition is, you need a moisturizer,which serves more purposes than simply keeping your skin hydrated.

For oily, blemish-prone skin, moisturizers deliver antibacterial and soothing agents.For mature skin they add an extra dose of softening and antioxidant ingredients.

All of us benefit from sun shielding mineral components and antioxidants enzymes, vitamins and oils that protect our skin frrom a less-than-pure environment

How do moisturizers help? They form a film on your skin that reinforces he barrier ability of the epidermis, helping to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.They contain certain ingredients that attract moisture from the environment, and they contain healing substances that soothe irritations and neutralize free radicals .

Every day we lose up to one pint of water through the pores!The higher the water content in the epidermis, the more pliable and wrinkle free the skin will be.

Moisturizer is the most important anti-aging step and must have,no matter how old you are,"Take care of the skin you have; its meant to last you a lifetime.

HAIR POWER

Coloring hair can cause it to become dry, dull and brittle, but certain antioxidants may offer substantial protection.

 A study done at Dong-Eui university in South Korea, exposed hair samples to hydrogen peroxide or ammonia ingredients found in many permanent hair dyes.

By treating the hair with procyanidins-flavanoid reduced the surface damage and protien breakdown and increased hair strength.

Some of the most powerful  procyanidins are found in, moringa oil,grape seed oil, cocoa seeds,acai oil, elm green tea and blueberry extract.

Procyanidins have been found to promote hair growth in cases of balding, they may also protect hair against oxidative stress from straighting treatments,sunlight and aging
Antioxidants are extremely beneficial in the prevention of hair loss as well as stimulating new, healthy hair growth,” says Kosia of Kosia Naturals.

Always look for hair products that contain antioxidants like Growth & Repair Serum from Kosia Naturals which contains botanicals and  herbs, all rich in antioxidants to promote healthier scalp and hair.

Although the best option will be to skip coloring all together, that will leave a lot of us pulling the grey out, not recommended, or a bunch of women walking around feeling very unhappy and the world will not be able to handle that :).

So lets start by using products that help our stands!!. 

THE LOCKED REFRIGERATOR

Why is it so difficult to pass by this box without finding the urge to open it? In my opinion they all should come with a lock and key, or a constantly changing code. Because I feel if the refrigerator was more difficult to open, it will solve a lot of our yoyo diet issues.

But then again we should not blame it all on the fridge; it's us stocking it with all the contents we find in the supermarket, good and bad, but each time we pass by the items in the aisle it's like they hypnotize us into picking them up and bringing them home. We say things to ourselves like, this is the last time I will allow myself to have it, but we immediately forget the next time we're back in the aisle the following visit.

More research needs to go into the ingredients that are in these addicting products, as there are already scientific studies proving this formula exists, and should be stopped or at least brought to public awareness. Until further development on why we want to eat what we do comes to existence, we must take it into our hands and rely on our own will power. Global conglomerates will never fully be in our healthy favor if temptation convinces us to buy their product.

WILL POWER by definition means the ability to control one's own thoughts and behavior, especially in difficult situations. That includes the grocery aisle, where we face the attractive labels and yummy thought-provoking snacks. How best to assist this will power?

1. Make a list before you go grocery shopping; make sure you've researched and decided on healthier alternatives as to make the trip easier.

2. Look in your pantry and get rid of all those secret stashes - and fast! Don't make deals with yourself (I'll keep it for another time) - that won't help the OMG moment when you're back on the scale (whether you eat it now or "another time" won't make a difference).

3. If you happen to go out to eat, there is a lot of healthier alternatives on the menu; don't even look in the section of the no no's - don't even give your brain a second to contimplate.

4. Always carry water with you because sometimes when we are thirsty we equate that with hunger, if after the water you are still hungry eat some fruit. It's true that water can actually fill you up sometimes!

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5. Exercise! It doesn't mean sign up to the gym; take the stairs at work, go for a walk, ride a bicycle - get outside! Lets find daily things in our everyday life and use them as forms of exercise.

Take a moment to think about your life, and the people you love[ even though you are making these changes for yourself, in the long run it will be for them because you will be healthier, happy and be around to enjoy each other for a long time.  

Sample Grocery List
Cereal (healthy ones) 
Old Fashioned Quaker Oats oatmeal  
Brown rice Whole-wheat pastaTomato sauce (check the ingredients—you want a sauce made with only tomatoes, olive oil, and spices—no corn syrup or sugar added) Canned diced or whole peeled tomatoes Canned tuna and/or salmon packed in water Low-sodium canned soups (such as Campbell’s Healthy Request or Amy’s) Canned beans (chick peas, pinto, black, kidney, etc.) Basic seasonings: salt, pepper, brown sugar, Old Bay, taco seasoning, hot sauce like Tabasco, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce Healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, and nonfat cooking spray.Fruits and veggies galore (including staples of apples, oranges, lemons, lettuces, tomato, cucumber) Nonfat/low-fat milk Nonfat/low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese Calcium-fortified orange juice Eggs Nuts—almonds, walnuts, or cashews, roasted and unsalted (remember, nuts are fats and will go rancid if they are not stored in the refrigerator) Natural nut butters—almond or peanut Hummus Low-fat cheese: reduced-fat cheddar, part-skim mozzarella, or reduced-fat string cheese sticks A block of good Parmesan cheese  Firm tofu Extra-lean turkey bacon (approximately 20 calories per strip, 1 gram of fat or less, and 3+ grams of protein) Whole-wheat English muffins Butter alternative (non-hydrogenated and without trans fats) Mustard Salsa (try to buy fresh salsa whenever possible) For the FreezerWhole wheat sliced bread (with at least 2 grams of fiber per slice and less than 100 calories) Frozen veggies (broccoli, spinach, peas) Frozen fruit (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries) Ground turkey Skinless chicken breasts Frozen cooked shrimp 

SOFT HANDS

Nothing gives away your age like your hands. Our hands tend to age quicker and show their age more than most other parts of our bodies. Why do hands age so fast? The skin on the backs of your hands has few oil glands so it shrivels and chaps easily upon exposure especially around the joints. Add to this the overall fragile structure of your hands and you can understand why the skin on our hands is especially vulnerable to aging. Not only that, our hands are constantly exposed to the environment, the sun and sun damage, gravity, age, and daily abuse inflicted by us, not to mention neglect, again by us. So basically, our aging hands are self-inflicted to some degree. Our hands do so much for us during the day, yet we seem to just forget about them when it comes to skin and body care. Is it really possible to renew hands once they start the aging process? Yes, you can rejuvenate the skin somewhat, plump it up with product and prevent additional aging. The rule of thumb is to treat your hands like you do for your face.The hands are overworked and unappreciated.Give them the attention they deserve with these tips.

*A FLATTERING NAIL SHAPE MAKES HANDS LOOK MORE REFINED. Trim nails to a quarter of an inch past the fingertip .File them into a rounded or oval shape,which mimics of the finger and cuticle line.

*RAGGED CUTICLES make everything around them look neglected.Work cuticle oil like cuticles & nail repair by kosia naturals at least once a week.Push back cuticles with an orange stick,no cutting!!!.Trim hangnails with small nippers,as close to the finger as u can get.

*SMOOTH HANDS WITH A NICKEL-SIZE DOT of an exfoliating scrub once every two weeks.

*DURING THE DAY, always follow up with a light moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

*FOR EMERGENCY DRY HANDS RELIEF, use a rich moisturizer like All butter'd up by Kosia Naturals

put cotton gloves or socks after applying and go to bed, your hands will thank you in the morning.

About

After being in the hair and skin care industry for many years, and noticing the effects of chemicals in a variety of products and their effects on her clients,Kosia decided to come out with a healthy alternative. After a trip home to Ghana Kosia rediscovered something that had been used by her family for generations and has been around since the Egyptian times ," the Moringa Tree" also known as the "tree of life "and the" miracle tree". The leaves and seeds are filled with a powerhouse of antioxidants,and have anti-aging and anti inflammatory benefits.

• Organic/ Natural
• Free of Synthetics, Parabens & Sulfates
• 100% Natural and Vegan

History

For healthy, lustrous, gorgeous beauty, Kosia Naturals incorporates cold pressed Moringa Seed Oil in all her skin and hair products. Kosia Naturals provides the greatest cosmetic ingredient to date. Moringa Seed Oil contains 1,700 antioxidants and is considered by experts to be on the greatest cosmetic oils ever discovered.Using well-Known methods combined with the latest innovations, Kosia Naturals assures the highest level of quality and efficacy,we avoid using harsh chemicals, artificial colors,and artificial fragrances which makes it safe for our bodies and the environment, we believe in cruelty free practices, and refuse to test ingredients and products on animals.

Philosophy

Love yourself; delight in every particular and uncommon aspect of you! Among many, you are one. Never forget it. Let satisfaction and pleasure stem from the fact that thoughts, dreams, pains, gains, bad days and the best moments of your life are yours and yours alone; no one else walks in your shoes. Life is tough, interesting, exhilarating and something to be treasured. Love the excitement of it all. Believe in your worth, Breathe. Make it count! Treat yourself. Loving yourself means celebrating who you are. Being confident is beautiful.

Remember no two people age the same. While genetics serves as the fundamental formula for how you will age, and at what rate, when other factors are added to the mix, you can dramatically, and unknowingly speed up the process. The best way to prevent the signs of aging, which are inevitable to some degree is to keep you weight sturdy, stay out of the sun, use the most natural products, and practice a healthy lifestyle.

Say No Thank You To These Ingredients In Skin/Hair Care Products !!!

Some of the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are toxic chemicals that may

 be hazardous to your health. In the US over 10,000 hazardous industrial chemicals are used as cosmetic ingredients, many of
 which are carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, plasticizers, degreasers, 
surfactants and these go directly onto your skin and into the environment. It has been estimated
 that only 20% of ingredients in cosmetics have been tested for their safety. It is suggested that
 each product only provides a small amount of these toxic chemicals but after daily use, multiple products, multiple times per day this certainly adds
 up and no studies have been done on the accumulative effect of all these chemicals.

When we put a fat soluble substance on the skin or scalp, it will absorb 10 times faster than 
when it is eaten.
 Eating protects you to some degree as the digestion provides detoxification pathways through
 the liver and digestive system which will reduce the chemical load while trans-dermal
 absorption bypasses these detoxification routes.
 Often people consider what they eat but do not consider what they put on their skin.

As our body’s biggest organ, your skin is your most important immune defense barrier as well
 as your largest organ for eliminating waste. Commercial products with harmful petroleum ingredients can plasticize and
 “constipate” your skin, making germs more likely to get in and toxins less likely to get out of your body. The result: Neither you nor your skin are as radiant or as healthy as you could be.

Every day we use products that we think are safe; but the truth is that products are NOT safe – 
and manufacturers don’t have to tell us so. Ever since 1938 – when the FDA granted 
self-regulation to the cosmetics industry – such products can be marketed without government approval of ingredients, regardless of what tests show. Most of the 25,000 chemicals used have not been tested for long-term toxic effects. In a typical day, you might be exposed to over 200
 different chemicals, many of which are suspected of causing cancer or  juggling hormones.
 EPA tests conclude that ingredients in shampoos, dyes, and other personal care products “may be playing havoc with hormones that control reproduction and development.”

Start checking all product labels.

 Here are only some of the known hazardous chemicals that are commonly found in many
 cosmetic products:

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your 
skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more venerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative and is found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial hand washes as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a “carrier” accelerating the penetration of other harmful chemicals into
 your skin. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin. A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic
 Ingredients says it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma. Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less.

3.) Paraben

Methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben are some of the most common parabens in cosmetics and
 anything else with ‘paraben’ in the name. A chemical found in underarm deodorants, 
moisturises and other cosmetics that has been shown to mimic the action of the female 
hormone estrogen and may drive the growth
 of breast tumors. A study publish in the Journal of Applied Toxicology has found that breast tumors commonly contain parabens and more research is needed. There is also some evidence that parabens may potentiate the damaging effects of UV radiation.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) & TEA  (triethanolamine): hormone-disrupting chemicals that 
can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. In the United States however, they are still used 
despite the fact that Americans may be exposed to them 10-20 times per day with products 
such as shampoos, shaving creams and bubble baths. Repeated skin applications…. of DEA-based detergents resulted in major increase in incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
 The FDA’s John Bailey says this is especially important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children”.

Triclosan

Triclosan is used mainly in commercial antibacterial liquid soaps, cleansers, deodorants, detergents, toothpastes, mouthwashes, antiperspirants, cleansers and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent.
 The EPA investigated Triclosan and classified it as a pesticide and it is not considered a
 cosmetic ingredient and it has given high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment.. Triclosan can pass through skin and 
is suspected of interfering with hormone function in humans.

DMDM Hydantion & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which 
may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic
 fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger
 heart palpitations or asthma, and aggravate coughs and colds. Other possible side effects include weakening  the immune system
 and cancer.

Toluene

Made from petroleum or coal tar, and found in most synthetic fragrances, nail polish and hair
 dye, this is used to improve adhesion and add gloss. Chronic exposure linked to anemia,
 lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney
 damage, and may affect a developing fetus.

FD&C Color Pigments: synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins into
 the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Fragrances: mostly synthetic ingredients can indicate the presence of up to four thousand 
separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes.

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

These are called DMDM Hydantoin, Diaxolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl, methenamine or 
Quarternium-15. These are commonly found in hair products and skin moisturisers. 
Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, which provides sufficient evidence that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in  humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These act as a carcinogen, causes allergic  reactions and contact dermatitis; headaches; irritates mucous membranes; eye damage; linked to joint and
 chest pain; depression; headaches; fatigue; dizziness and immune dysfunction.

Mineral Oil: petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. 
Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products such as
 baby oil which is 100% mineral oil!

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and 
reduce the skin’s natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and
 leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. 
Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products.
 Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: gaseous hydrocarbons which in a liquid state act as “surfactant” (wetting olagents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken
 protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong
 enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires 
workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of
 any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn’t even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): detergents and surfactants that pose serious
 health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers – and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experience eye damage,
 depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and even death. Young eyes
 may not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved. SLS may also damage the skins immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. 
When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent 
class of carcinogens.
 Your body may retain the SLS for up to five days, during which tie it may enter and maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs, and the brain.

There are so many wonderful natural skin care products that can be used in place of these 
chemical concoctions, if it is good for you to consume and is high in natural anti-oxidants and
 micro-nutrients then it certainly will be could for you to put on your skin such as moringa oil,
 avocado oil ,jojoba oil just to name a few . If you are familiar with the ingredients or can
 pronounce the name easily then this is certainly a good start to a good product.

Skin Our Largest Organ

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and whatever we put on it ends up in our system. So pay attention and read the ingredients in your products!!!

At Kosia Naturals, we take a dedicated approach to healthy living. More than just what we eat, it's also entrenched in what we do, the products we use and in general, the quality of lifestyle we seek to embody. On the topic of the products that we use, we wanted to share with you a list that we've compiled of all-natural oils that can be used for more than just beauty purposes, but for the health of your skin. Of course, what we eat, can counteract what we put on our skin. But if we get all elements in sync - what we eat, what products we use and how we live, day-to-day, we're all but guaranteed a much more fulfilling existence, comfortable in our skin! As always, these are suggestions. Ensure that you act with any allergies in mind, and always get the green light from your physician before integrating any new products into your regimen - be it topical or otherwise.

Moringa Oil

Derived from the wondrous Moringa plant, this oil is incredibly versatile.  Even though it is food-grade and can be consumed orally, you can actually enjoy many of its benefits topically. In the realm of hair care, commercial conditioners and moisturizers can be very expensive, with no real guarantee that they will work on your hair type, even if claiming to be made specifically for it. At the root of commercial products' ineffectiveness are two often main ingredients: alcohol and mineral oil. Both of these ingredients are extremely damaging to hair, stripping it of natural oils, affecting the texture and sometimes the color, and can even be irritating to the scalp. Moringa oil removes all of these worries. It is quickly absorbed by the hair shaft, provides long-lasting moisture and increases the strength of the hair.

Jojoba Oil

Extracted from the jojoba seed, this oil (which is chemically more similar to a wax, but not in viscosity) is one of the closest in composition to human sebum. Sebum is the oil that our skin produces naturally. If you have oily skin, on your face or otherwise, use of this oil can actually trick your skin into producing less oil. Because jojoba oil has a very tiny cellular composition, it is quickly absorbed by the skin. Not only will you see a decrease in the oily appearance you may have grown to despise, but you won't have to wear the often skin-clogging makeup to try to blot the oil that surfaces. An added bonus, jojoba oil has natural sun screen properties.

Avocado Oil

For more mature skin, avocado oil is touted as a miracle. High in sterolins, this oil is reputed not only to heal, but to reduce the appearance of scars and age spots. Additionally, avocado oil increases the skins ability to produce collagen. Why is this important? As we grow older, not only is collagen depleted through life's wear and tear, but the body's ability to even produce it becomes stagnated. Use of this oil on a daily basis, will find your skin supple, soft and much younger than it actually is. 

Simplify your Blow Dry

The perfect Blow-out no longer need fall into the once-and-a-while category. Necessity or treat, it can seem difficult nonetheless but with the right magic touch you, too can be a master of the trick, creating the illusion of flawless fairy tale locks.

Having the right tools are important. A professional hair dryer is a must, it will cut your drying time in half. Also some round brushes and hair clips

Having the right product is crucial. If you’re lacking a smooth, lustrous finish so sought after when it comes to your coiffed do, or perhaps the health element appears to be wearing thin as you fear the heat is frying away the shine blow by blow, your hair and scalp are crying out for some Moringa Oil!

This hidden secret of a liquid pumps out of a tiny bottle with a nutty and natural, earthy yet yummy scent and glides along the strand and soaks into the follicle for a healing, perfecting effect this is the oil that is infused in De-Puff "the name saids it all". Turning to this product brought to you from the ends of the earth and into your home – originally derived from the Moringa Tree in Africa and packaged just outside of New York City, it can now be yours forever – what a find. Visit www.kosianaturals.com as well as opensky.com and amazon.com to peruse the product and other brand selection.

So how to best use the wonder drug? First things first, try washing out the dirt and sealing in nutrients to create a great base to work with before going into your style.

Keep in mind if you start it off right and proceed with caution, a good blow out incorporating the correct ingredients – such as helpful product that isn’t cheaply stocked with junky contents that just clog up and coat your strands (simply adding more to the mess to combat!) well, a good blow out can actually last quite a few days. If oil does build up, keep in mind this is good! And patting a tiny amount of baby powder at the roots will not only solve the problem but also add extra body!

Here we go. For shampoo and conditioner, turn to the Growth & Repair line by Kosia Naturals. With a goal to preserve your natural oils and create a foundation for healthy hair, repairing  and encouraging healthy circulation while rebuilding with tea tree oil and increasing hair’s resistance to breakage is all composed in this bottle retailing for $18.99 each. There is also a serum offered at $27.99 to amplify the moisture content, sustain follicles, prevent hair loss, and pump up shine.

Now, get out of the shower and get the water out; it will be easier to dry in an attempted professional manor if you start with hair that is not soaked and completely wet. Aim for a damp start by towel drying your hair. To prevent breakage, do not wring it out but do so in a more pat-like manor.

Now let’s coat the hair; start with the ends and work your way up the shaft. Be cautious as to apply a small amount – for serums think of a dime opposed to a handful of goop. You don’t need much but make sure to get every piece lightly coated. Comb it through and get ready to section.

Sectioning your hair is key. Divide and use clips and ponytails to keep wet pieces away from the area you are working on. One above the other helps manage the blow as you can release bit by bit from the bottom.

Shooting air at the root and working down, use your fingers to loosen hair and create ease. Pull it away from your neck and create a small amount of tension. Using your fingers will help you get closer to the root than a brush can.

Next, pull out another handy tool that should be in your styling kit: the round-barreled brush. With nozzle of dryer aimed downward onto brush, roll it through the hair applying heat directly to the brush.

Patience is a virtue and comes into play when drying your hair. This may sound tedious, but drying until all strands are completely dry is a must, otherwise the hair will succumb to the wavy, perhaps frizzy temptation and counteract all your hard work.

Finishing by weaving your fingers through your now-bounced hair with a very tiny amount of Growth & Repair Serum already on your fingers will add that perfect luster to the look. Pulling the hair together at the back, as if gathering it together while your hands still have a tad of oil remnant (location: where a low pony would fall) will slick any fly-aways down and smooth it all down. Release and it will softly fall back into place around your face.

And that’s that! Visit www.kosianaturals.com for more on the recommended product line and get blowing!

How to have healthy hair

Our hair and nails are very useful as "barometers of health".  Hair can become thin, dull and lifeless due to overuse of chemicals, heat and styles that cause tension and inadequate diet. The attention and money that is spent on our hair is a waste if we do not eat well and get enough sleep.

Hair only needs to be washed once or twice a week and not anymore. I know a lot of you are probably thinking there is no way I can do that. Many of you complain that your hair needs to be washed frequently to remove grease and other pollutants. But really the truth is too much washing makes dry hair drier and oily hair oilier.

One of the best way to to ensure thick, healthy hair is to use lukewarm water when shampooing and cold water for the final rinse. Follow these tips to help improve your hair's length, body and shine.

1. Find a natural or organic shampoo and conditioner that is free of sulphates and parabens.
2. Wash your hair once or twice a week (trust me just try)
3. While your hair is wet use a wide tooth comb and not a brush to comb your hair since hair is very elastic at this point and can be damaged by rough handling.
4. Use the best hair brushes you can afford. Pure bristle brushes are the best (remember to wash your brushes once a week).
5. Regularly massage your scalp. Thus increases blood flow to your hair follicles and greatly improves condition of your hair.
6. Brush your hair (30-40x) for normal to fine hair and (20-30x) if you have oily hair.
7. Find a great serum like kosia naturals growth and shine serum  which has a blend of  moringa , argan or camellia oils just to name a few) and give your hair a deep treatment once a week,or when you feel your hair needs it.

Hope you fall in love with your hair again. xo

What Causes Hair Loss

What Causes Hair Loss

Hair is a filament-containing bio material that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Proteins, accounting for 91% of composition, raw  elements, amino acids and bonds work together in forming hair fiber and  make up chains found within the cortex of the hair.

Your hair says a lot about your overall health. When the body goes into crisis mode, hair growth is stunted to redirect energy to other cells throughout the body. So hair loss is often times the first sign of trouble. While age is definitely a factor of hair loss, other factors, such as hormonal imbalance, emotional stress, medications and hair care products can also lead to thinning of the hair and even male pattern baldness. The best way to get to the root of the problem is to determine the underlying cause.

Causes of Hair Loss

Emotional Stress.

This causes the body to produce an accelerated amount of adrenaline and testosterone, in addition to  DHT, a stronger variant of testosterone. The increased production of these hormones can sometimes cause the hair to fall out due to the resulting hormone imbalance. So Relax!!

Hair Loss after Pregnancy.

I get this question asked a lot: “Kosia, my hair is falling out in clumps in the shower and I have all these short pieces around my hairline; please tell me it will come back. Relax! of course it will - remember your hormones are in disarray after that precious baby you just had. Once everything is back to normal it will re-grow naturally after a few months.

Medications.

A variety of medications can result  in hair loss for women. Perhaps the most common is birth control so check the side effects of your medication to see if that is a contributing factor.

Extreme Hair care.

 We all take pride in our hair; coloring, blow drying, the usage of flat irons, curling irons and hot rollers, tight pony tails holders, etc.

If it can not be avoided make sure you give your hair a break from it and regularly give your hair a hot oil treatment or a conditioning treatment with natural products.

We should also stop or limit the use of aerosol sprays, styling gels, chemical straighteners and dyes that not only damage the hair follicles, but also cause irritation of the scalp. If you're experiencing hair loss as result of extreme hair care, your first order of business is to ditch the products that are damaging your hair. If hair growth is not restored within a few months, treatment may be necessary.

Healthy hair maintenance should be a proactive and not a reactive practice.  Do not wait until the hair is extremely damaged before seeking the help.

People that can help.

Endocrinologist : hormonal 

Dermatologist : scalp infections, auto immune conditions like alopecia. 

Nutritionist : adjusting an improper diet can prevent future problems and improve overall quality of hair.

Cosmetologist ( Stylist): hair and scalp conditions.

Homeopath: a homeopath will address any emotional stress leading to hair loss. Homeopathic remedies are noninvasive and have zero side effects. 

Acupuncturist: acupuncture will stimulate points of energy in the body; they will combine bodywork with herbal remedies to restore lost hair and prevent future loss.

Hair care 101.

I want you to stop reading now; go to wherever you keep your, brushes, combs, blow dryer… and all styling aids. Ok! Now let’s make sure they are clean. First make sure the vent at the back of your hair dryer is unclogged as when it is, it makes the dryer very hot which is not good. Cleaning your tools can prevent irritations caused by unclean items. In addition, cleaning your heated tools will prevent the hair from smelling like burned hair that often occurs during at home use.

Alright; next tip: massaging your scalp with shampoo and conditioner. Do this for about 40 seconds before washing it out. If you have oily hair, repeat the process once more (with the shampoo, not the conditioner). When you massage the top of your head, the circulation increases and it also helps prevent dandruff. Use a sulfate and paraben free shampoo.

Try to wash your hair on the coolest setting that is comfortable or at least try giving it a final rinse of cool water. This seals the hair cuticles (the outermost layer of the hair shaft) and locks in moisture, making it shinier. Hotter water may be used occasionally to wash hair – especially if you have very oily or dirty hair. Either way, try rinsing in the coolness for the finale.

Note: if you can, try not to wash your hair every day, as this will strip your hair of its natural oils. 

Pour conditioner into your hand and rub from the tips of your hair to the roots. If you want softer and silkier looking hair, leave the conditioner in your hair for a few minutes before you rinse it off.

Avoid wringing your hair with a towel after you get out of a shower. Wet hair is more fragile, and wringing it could cause your hair strands to break of fall out. In addition, avoid brushing your hair while wet. Wet hair is stretchier and has a tendency to break for this reason as well. Also, don’t brush too much; get a wide tooth comb and use it lightly. When you do brush, try a natural bristle brush like a boar bristle brush. These brushes distribute oils throughout your hair to make it softer and shinier. 

An excellent idea is mixing in oils to your conditioner, such as Moringa Oil, or demo Kosia Naturals Growth and Repair serum which has a combination of oils best mixed to repair your hair with intensive treatment. Leave this serum on for 1 to 2 hours then rinse thoroughly; you can also light shampoo and condition afterwards. Your hair will thank you!

Don’t forget: go easy on styling products. Styling products can dry your scalp so try not to use often. If you must, make sure to apply product directly to the strand near the ends and not the scalp. Also limit styling to under four times a week.

Keep in mind: accessories are great. Clips and barrettes can compliment beautiful hair! Elastics come fabric covered as well, which prevent breakage and tangles.

Eat healthy foods that will kep your hair strong and lustrous; essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, promote healthy skin, hair and nails. You should eat some of these foods every day… salmon, tuna, mackerel – these fish fall into this category as well as flax seed oil, soybean oil, mustard oil and tofu. Sunflower sees, pine nuts, brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts and almonds are also great. Vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid are also important to your hair. You can always take a multivitamin to get more of these nutrients, but you can also add foods rich in these vitamins to your diet!

Vitamin B-6 can be found in bananas, potatoes, both white and sweet, and spinach; Vitamin B-12 can be found in meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Folic acid can be founds in citrus fruits, tomatoes, whole grain and fortified grain products, beans and lentils. Plant based oils, including evening primrose, borage and black currant seed oil, are good sources of gamma linolenic acid. Eating protein also promotes healthy hair, so include fish, chicken, eggs and/or soy into your meal.

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MORINGA OIL THE NEXT 'IT ' INGREDIENT

Moringa Oil also known as Ben oil is an exceptional oil that has been around for generations. It has a high concentration of unsaturated  fatty acids along with palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids.

With 1700 antioxidants it's considered by experts to be “one of the greatest cosmetic oils “ ever discovered, providing  great moisturizing,nourishing,anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

.Products formulated with a high concentration of fatty acids like Kosia Naturals Moringa Oil add luster, sheen and elasticity to the hair and are vital for the nourishment of hair follicles which aides in hair growth, sometimes preventing or reversing hair loss.

Unsaturated fatty acids increase membrane fluidity and bind water to the skin, keeping skin hydrated and help alleviate dryness.

These fatty acids gives a boost to cellular metabolism,prompting cells to generate more energy faster and giving skin that lovely, healthy glow.

Moringa Oleifera also known as the 'miracle tree' or the 'tree of life' holds the simple but powerful ingredient that should be part of our daily lives.

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Moringa Tea and It's Benefits

Moringa loose leaf tea is not only rich in protein containing all essential amino acids, it is a highly concentrated source of calcium, chlorophyll, iron, Vitamin K, fiber, vitamin B-12, vitamin B, and minerals.

Evident that there are many benefits to tea, its high content of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, scavenge forcell-damaging free radicals in the body and detoxify. Polyphenols are also known for their cancer-fighting effects and ability to protect.

In addition, tea antioxidants, protect your body from the ravages of aging and the effects of pollution. Boosting the immune system and strengthening teeth and bones. Aging successfully is the concept that although we cannot stop the sands of time and its subsequent effects, what we can be is proactive in our determination to do so in a wonderful process.

Assisting in digestion, the essential oils in the tea can even spur weight loss; holding zero calories unless milk or sweetener is added, it is the perfect satisfying beverage choice. Moringa loose leaf tea has shown to increase metabolic rate and, by drinking 5 cups a day, can result in burning an additional 70-80 calories. That’s 8 pounds in over one year’s time simply by choosing to drink tea! Also aiding in blocking LDL (bad) cholesterol, itincreases HDL (good) cholesterol improving artery function. Not to mention tea is a great way to relax, with health promoting substances for the heart, body and mind.

Keep in mind, three cups of tea a day contains eight times the antioxidants of one apple; enjoying a few cups a day will keep the doctor away!