Wearing sunscreen year-round may seem odd, but doing-so could prevent you from premature aging and sun damage. There are two types of UV light, both harmful to your skin. Here's the rundown:

UVA has a longer wavelength, and is associated with skin aging.

UVB has a shorter wavelength, and is associated with skin burning.

It seems rather obvious that wearing sunscreen while by the pool, or just in extreme heat is a must. However, it is often forgotten that the suns exposure could be equally as harmful in the colder seasons. In winter, UVB rays are weaker and are blocked by glass and clouds, but 50-60% of UVA rays go right through windows. UVA will also reflect off of snow and nearly double your sun exposure...yikes!

Be cautious this winter and wear your sunscreen underneath your makeup, there are a ton of healthy options that include priming affects (at affordable price points)! The Biossance Mineral SPF is a great option. Check out our guide and let us know if you try any! 

 

 

Sources:
goddessgarden.com 
skincancer.org

Here's the truth. The beauty industry can be frustrating. In America, the ingredient regulations are pitiful. Companies are able to load up their products with whatever they want, with little to no restrictions. Beauty companies are popping up left and right - and their main mission isn't always, err, genuine. Their focus may primarily be monetary gain. You might be thinking, "duh!", and while money is just about as important as the air we breathe...so is our health.

Skincare and makeup companies are far from scarce, but honest, informative, and health-centered skincare companies very much are. Before you buy what a company is selling, I encourage you to look into their mission, their passion, their beginning. It should be prevalent that their intention is people first, and money second. 

The foundation of Native Atlas was and still is, to help. We are honest. We are informative. We are motivated by helping people. It's important that we silence the greedy corner of this industry and highlight the community on the other side. The community that cares about your health, the community that doesn't hide harmful ingredients in your products, the community that practices transparency. 

And so, here's our beginning.  

Misuli Recover Balm started as a one-time cure for achy and dry hands. Hands that worked hard everyday, hands that had tried a plethora of creams and oils yet ended each day worse than the one before. Then came Alexia, with a magic concoction to rid her husbands hands of flakes and aches. After two weeks of using her products, his hands stopped drying out and peeling altogether. Each day her Husband handed out more and more to his achy clients, and eventually the demand spoke for itself. Several products later, Native Atlas still stands true to its beginning. We're here to help. We're a company whose mission in the beginning will not waiver in the future. 

 

 

According to Byrdie Beauty...

It's Official: These Are the 7 Biggest Clean Beauty Trends of 2019

We're not the only ones that love our Rewind Tonic! Read on to see snippets of Byrdie Beauty's Rewind Review.

 

"The Newest generation of clean beauty products are just as luxurious, potent, and sleek-looking as their high-end counterparts, minus any sketchy ingredients."

"The Latest crop of liquid exfoliators opt for gentle fruit acids and botanicals to slough away dead skin cells, instead of any harsher ingredients. "Exfoliating serums, toners, and masks that offer that instant gratification glow are having a moment," says Gaillard. He calls out the Native Atlas Zahara Rewind Tonic (exclusive to The Detox Market) that uses aha's, salicylic, plus colloidal silver to powerfully smooth, and replace more conventional acid toners that might be full of more synesthetic ingredients. It's a gentle serum with natural fruit acids and hydrators to regenerate and brighten."

If you've been on the verge of trying a new exfoliator...look no further. 

Rewind Tonic is among the most favorited all-natural liquid exfoliants. With its key ingredients being black willow bark, and botanical AHA's from pineapple, grape and lemon...you'll never feel brighter. 

Here's what others are saying about Rewind Tonic...

Jane Larkworthy of 'The Cut' writes, 

"Clean-beauty superstar: an alpha-hydroxy and salicylic-acid exfoliant that uses plant-based ingredients to shoo away dead skin cells. Its consistency reminds me of Biologique Recherche's wildly successful P50 Lotion, except the aroma isn't powerful. (It definitely has a medicinal smell, but I don't mind these kinds of aromas. They make me feel like something is happening! Twice a day, after cleansing, I saturate about a dime-size area of a cotton pad with the liquid and wipe it over my face. It dries instantly and makes my skin feel super clean and cool in a way that I imagine aftershave does. And after I use it, my skin looks smoother, with a translucent quality to it. Native Atlas is a line of sustainable, plant-based beauty products created by Kansas City-based aesthetician Alexia Wambua and her husband. (I found it through Romain Gaillard, the owner of clean-beauty destination Detox Market, who has never steered me wrong.) Of them, I've only tried this tonic and Zahara Enzyme Mask, but if the other seven are as effective as these two, we are going to be hearing a lot more about this brand."

 

Blogger Chris Pond writes,

"It's got everything you want in a resurfacing toner: calming herbs, willow bark, silver, and fruit enzymes. The experience is quite mild, but certainly smoothing and clarifying. It leaves the perfect balance on the skin - not dry or tight, just moisturized enough. The level of tingle is super subtle, and I think this is one of those exfoliants that you could use every day and not overwhelm your skin. There is an ever-so-subtle herbal scent with this tonic, but it's pretty understated and doesn't linger. I do notice a very mild cooling effect when using this, which I personally love."

 

Health and Beauty Blogger @thegreenproductjunkie writes,

"This little guy is great and a bit less potent than some of the others and is good for all skin types. Use this 2-3 times a week after cleansing and it gives your skin a nice re-start. It has an AHA and salicylic acid blend plus (my favorite) colloidal silver for a healthy, fresh-looking complexion. I'm really enjoying this and it's a great one to start with if you're looking to get into these slowly." 

It may be too late to order your gifts online, but don't worry we've got you covered with our quick and easy local gift guide! We've got the perfect gifts for everyone on your list that you can pick up right here in Kansas City!  

 

 

A lesson in commitment I learned from my skin care routine: I’m an all in or all out kind of person. I go big or go home. But I’m learning these days that any big change requires baby steps. I think we can all agree that the baby steps are easier anyway, and that applies to your skin as well, and sometimes the small investments will show you if you are prepared and ready to make a bigger one. A little deep for skincare I know, but I always wonder how committed am I actually going to be to the health of my skin when I go to make a purchase. Do I really need to spend this money if I’m not going to follow through? So as for my personal testimony, I started small and bought an all natural cleanser. I used it everyday, and it felt great. Simple, but consistent. And I learned to value the process of taking care of your skin. I made it my ritual. Morning and night. It became less of a step in a routine and more of a self care endeavour. Overtime that step became something to look forward to. It felt good. It smelled good. It looked good- i noticed real results. I wanted more. I was ready for the next step. Start with one small thing, stay consistent and then in time you can graduate to new levels and products. That’s how growth and health happens- you start small and graduate to new levels. So if you’re out there, and you’re like me, and you’re struggling with committing to process that is taking care of your skin, and just want to reach for the quick and cheap products on the drugstore shelves, take heart. It’s okay. Start with just one all natural product. Of course, I believe Native Atlas's cleansing oil is the best way to start. Your skin will thank you. Once you've seen the real results that little baby step can produce, graduate to another product a little bit later. Perhaps a toner. Then an oil. Then an exfoliant. And throw in a mask because you deserve it (and take my word for it, you'll want it!) Take your time. You'll find they really are all better together. All natural skin care is for everyone. It truly makes all the difference. Take the first baby step. Then build your ritual.

 

For your motivated friend (or friend that needs motivating): Marie
Kondo’s book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up”. This book doesn’t just give step-by-step instructions for organizing, but enables you to simplify every area of your life.

 

For your on-the- go friend: The BKR glass water bottle. Inspired by
fashion trends, you’ll find plenty of sizes, colors, and options to choose from. www.mybkr.com

For your spa loving friend: Dry brush to go with your Native
Atlas oils. This gift will exfoliate, improve circulation, clean pores, minimize cellulite, stimulate the lymphatic system, and give a natural energy boost.

For your wellness loving always detoxing friend: Pursoma Minerals De Mar, with sea salt, chlorella, and kelp, this is a major detox and body
reboot. www.pursomalife.com

For the peace loving friend: Vital proteins Matcha Collagen, Vital Proteins
Matcha Collagen is sourced from high-quality Japanese matcha green tea and grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide to ensure top quality and maximum nutritional benefit. www.vitalproteins.com

For the artist: The Object Enthusiast x Native Atlas Vanity Trays. Limited edition beautiful and unique handcrafted pieces. 

 

As a makeup artist, I’m repeatedly asked the questions, ‘do you know anything that can help get rid of the dark circles, the bags, and wrinkles.’ These are not only from the mothers of the bride, but girls in their twenties and thirties that, like most, are realizing that perhaps commercial beauty standards have led us astray. They expectantly wait for me to share some industry secret, the one bottle of magic elixir that will photo-shop their faces for them. Their faces fall as I shoot a series of questions back at them, ‘are you drinking water? Eating sugar?’, sounding more like a nagging mother than the close girlfriend that will dish the dirt. Search online for a remedy of any beauty problem and you’ll be bombarded with advertisements promising to erase your blunders away. The problem is, they are offering temporary solutions, not to mention chemicals and toxins. That tiny 2 ounce eye crème that cost more than your mortgage payment is only skin deep, if you don’t have a lifestyle of wellness to support it.

Truth is, all the topical treatments are only a band-aid. Beauty begins on the inside. I’m not just talking about kindness and love, although they will definitely make you more attractive. I’m talking about your insides, your organs, and specifically your gut. How? Here are some key components to improve your inner beauty.

ELMINATE TOXINS:
We are taking in toxins left and right. Breathed in city air lately? How about showered inunfiltered water, ate processed food, used regular beauty products? Then you are encountering, perhaps unknowingly, toxins that build up in the body, stored in a variety of organs, and yes even your skin. One of the first steps towards wellness is eliminating the toxins you can see. Switching your household cleaners, detergents, soaps, toothpaste etc., will lighten your body’s workload. Also if you haven’t kicked smoking, at try to cut back as much as possible. This can be a long process, so making minor changes now can make major changes to your health.

HYDRATION: This is a big one. Everyone knows it, but not everyone does it. Drink plenty of water between meals, which will also curb cravings, but not just any water. Quality over quantity. As much as you can, drink pH balanced alkaline water. It’s not only what you drink that matters, its what you absorb. If you’re not ready to purchase an entire filtration system for your house, start small. I’ve switched out my shower heads to provide filtered water in the shower or bath, which was surprisingly easy and accessible thanks to Amazon Prime. Tap water
contains over 300 chemicals and pollutants including (but not limited to) Heavy metals, endocrine disrupting hormones, pesticides, and fluoride. Whether you choose a multi-filter system, reverse osmosis or distilled, do your research and find which is best for you. Try adding lemon or a tsp of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning to kick start your organs and flush out impurities. Need a mega boost of minerals and rehydration? Try coconut water and pink Himalayan Sea Salt.

LIMIT CAFFEINE: I was trapped in the caffeine fix myself until I went cold turkey. Within a week, my body adjusted and I haven’t looked back. Caffeine dehydrates you and stresses your adrenals. If you can’t quit, at least cut back. Also, watch what you’re putting in your caffeine, chances are its not helping to improve your health. Love that hot drink on a cold day? Switch to green tea, which also helps detox your body.

SUGAR, DAIRY, & GRAINS:
Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and heading into the holidays it can be tough to limit sugar, dairy, and grains, but your body will be relieved if you can. Sugar is one of the major causes of puffy eyes and breakouts, not to mention itching and dryness. Think you’re clear because you didn’t eat the cake at the party? Not so fast, sugar is hidden in unlikely places like salad dressings, and don’t forget at the end of the night, alcohol is sugar. Dairy and Grains are common allergens, along with eggs, nuts and shellfish, if you’re noticing rashes, skin irritations or red patches, you could have a mild food allergy and not know it. If you’re concerned, I recommend working with a functional doctor to test for allergens. If you’re curious try eliminating sugar (or any problematic food) for three weeks and see if you notice a difference.

PROBIOTICS:
Everyone knows that probiotics aid in digestion, but did you know they affect allergies and eczema? Not only that but they support a healthy heart and brain and boost your immune system. They are one of the first steps towards gut health and digestion and if you’re taking supplements, you want to be able to digest them.

ALOE VERA:
Thought it was only for cuts and burns? Think again. Ingestible Aloe Vera (gel or juice) balances the body’s pH level, improves circulation, heart health, and heals the gut lining. But it doesn’t stop there. Aloe Vera improves menstrual and uterine problems as well as skin health and bad breath. It’s blend of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes make it a power player in your wellness routine.

COLLAGEN:
The secrets out that bone broth heals a host of issues with your gut. But those of you that don’t love sipping broth everyday can turn to collagen peptides. By the time you’re 25, your body slows the production of collagen. Taking a minimally processed clean label collagen, like Vital Proteins, will supplement your diet and you guessed it, help with hair, skin, nails, bones, joints, and even healing the gut lining. Add it to your smoothies or tea. Bonus, it packs an extra 10g of protein with each scoop.

VITAMINS C, D, E, K:
This is an extensive category that deserves its own article. To give the short and sweet version, make sure you are taking quality vitamins. Most Americans consume a descent amount of vitamin C in their diet, but lack D, E, and K, all of which are incredibly beneficial to the skin. Besides taking vitamins orally, they can make a major difference when applied topically.

HEALTHY FATS:
Avocado oil, red palm oil, nuts and seeds all pack a power punch in the health department. Make sure you pick a good source of your Omega 3’s, a pollution free, highly sustainable, eco-friendly source. In addition to Fish and fish oils, it can be found in Chia seeds, Flax seed, and walnuts.

BALANCED LIFESTYLE:
Let’s face it, when you’re stressed, it shows. Getting plenty of rest at night and learning how to deal with stress during the day will help your entire body function better, not to mention lessen those worry lines in your forehead. Taking time for yourself each day to be reflective and find inner strength will set your body up for success. When you go to sleep at night, your body goes to work at healing itself. Don’t cut it short. Give yourself time to regenerate cells and restore hydration. Then when stress arises throughout the day use those well rested brain cells to problem solve in healthy ways instead of old habits of coping. This is not a comprehensive list, but a jumping off point. Making some of these changes, even if they’re small, will tip the dominos in your favor. Don’t shame yourself if you’re not doing these things. Start somewhere and take note. I guarantee the benefits won’t just be clearer skin, brighter eyes, and shinier hair. You will begin to feel better. After all, that’s what your after. An inner glow is irresistible. Support your inner self before your outer self because beauty really does start from the inside out.