I love natural products and brands, especially for skincare. I’d like to introduce you to M&C Naturals. Their philosophy is:
1. Natural skin care products made with the highest quality ingredients should be affordable for everyone.
2. Customers are entitled to know ALL of the ingredients in the products they buy.
3. Customers deserve a simple purchase experience and exceptional customer service.
4. A company has an obligation to take care of their employees and help better their community.
They offer skincare products hand-crafted in small-batches without synthetic preservatives personally tested by their team that are always gluten-free, non-GMO and never tested on animals.
Here are some tips to keep these natural products fresh, since they don’t have synthetic preservatives.
1. Avoid getting water inside the containers. Bacteria loves water and a wet environment. Use a clean, dry scoop to prevent bacteria from finding its way into your product.
2. Tighten all lids after use.
3. Avoid product exposure to light and heat, and keep the products in their original amber containers to protect the ingredients.
The first product I tried was the lavender bath salts, a blend containing pure lavender essential oil, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) and Dead Sea salt. To use it, make sure you shake well before each use. Add 2 tablespoons of salts to warm bath water. Soak for at least 12 minutes. Treat yourself to a soak three times weekly for best results. Store unused product in a cool, dry place. The aroma of the lavender was very soothing and calming. It is perfect aromatherapy for a relaxing evening. The quality of the salt was exquisite. The texture was great and it dissolved in the bath very easily. The container is recyclable (or upcyclable!) so that is also a plus! The natural exfoliating properties also made it perfect for an at-home pedicure session. Read my post about how to do your own at-home pedicure here: Going to the Beach? Do This First!
There are a multitude of remarkable health benefits of Epsom salt baths. From Naturalnews.com: “Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin and into the blood, but can be poorly absorbed through the stomach. The skin is a highly porous membrane that both takes in minerals and eliminates toxins every day. Using a powerful mineral base such as Epsom salts in a bathwater medium creates a process called reverse osmosis. This process pulls salt and harmful toxins out of the body and allows the magnesium and sulfates to enter into the body.
Magnesium plays a critical role in over 325 enzymes, helps to improve muscle and nerve function, reduces inflammation and improves blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. Sulfates are necessary building blocks for healthy joints, skin and nervous tissue. Epsom salts replenish the body’s magnesium levels and sulfates. This combination helps to flush toxins from the body and helps build key protein molecules in the brain tissue and joints.
“Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also help you relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.” From https://www.seasalt.com/salt-101/epsom-salt-uses-benefits
The use of regular Epsom salt baths has been shown to improve the symptoms of many health conditions including athlete’s foot, gout, toenail fungus, sprains, bruises and muscle soreness. It is also good for anyone dealing with chronic disease or chronic pain to do regular Epsom baths to help detoxify and de-inflame while improving mineral and sulfur balance in the body.
Contraindications to Epsom baths would be if you are pregnant, dehydrated or have open wounds or burns on your skin. Individuals who are suffering with cardiovascular disease (heart disease or circulation problems) should always consult with a natural health physician who is familiar with the health benefits of Epsom salt baths before starting.
How to take an Epsom salt bath:
The first step is to schedule yourself at least 40 minutes, as you need about 20 minutes to remove the toxins, and for the second 20 minutes, the body absorbs the minerals in the bath water.
Fill up your bath with warm water. It is best to have a water filtration system in your house, as you don’t want to bathe in tap water that has toxic chlorine, fluoride, dioxins and heavy metals. I recommend this 5 step filtrations system that’s only $29.99 on Amazon. Add in the Epsom salts in the following amounts:
Children under 60 lbs: Add 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard size bath
Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard size bath
For every 50lbs larger – add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts.
Additional strategies to apply with an Epsom salt bath
Adding in a 1/2 cup of olive oil is also very good for the skin, as the polyphenols soak into the skin and give extra antioxidant benefits. Adding ginger or cayenne can increase your heat levels, which will help you to sweat out toxins. You can add anywhere from 1 tbsp to 1/2 a cup to stimulate sweating, and these herbs are loaded with antioxidants that will enhance the detoxification process as well.
Do not use soap with an Epsom salt bath, as it will interfere with the action of the minerals and the detoxification process. Try to rest for an hour or two afterwards unless you have arthritic joints, in which case you will want to stay active as much as possible to prevent congestion in the joints.”
“Most of us know about the importance of iron and calcium for our bodies, but what about magnesium? It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
Most of us are deficient in magnesium, so I’m going to put on my wise-granny hat on here and tell you this: soaking in a bath with Epsom salt, which is high in magnesium, is one of the easiest ways to get a boost.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, American’s magnesium deficiency helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments. Who knew?!
Our magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. Industrial farming has depleted magnesium from soil and the typical American diet contains much less magnesium than that of our forefathers. And in fact, the modern American diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies.
Another factor in decreased magnesium levels has been our focus on getting enough calcium. It’s a delicate dance–calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present. Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium can increase the shortage of both nutrients. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one.
With such widespread magnesium deficiency one might think that magnesium supplements would be called upon, but studies show that magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive tract. The presence of specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person’s stomach acid can render magnesium supplements ineffective.
Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:
- Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
- Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
- Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
- Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
- Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
- Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
- Improved oxygen use.
- Improved absorption of nutrients.
- Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
- Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.” From http://www.care2.com/greenliving/health-benefits-of-epsom-salt-baths.html
The next product I tried was the Facial Cleanser (Eucalyptus Mint -for Oily / Acne-Prone Skin). This facial cleanser is perfect for problematic skin. It is infused with eucalyptus and spearmint pure essential oils to gently cleanse irritated skin and wash away excess oil while leaving skin fresh and clean. I found the aroma very refreshing and calming at the same time. I only needed one pump of the cleanser mixed with water to form a nice rich creamy lather that left my skin feeling balanced.
To use it, make sure you shake well before each use. Dampen your face, neck & décolleté , gently apply cleanser, rinse with water and pat dry.