Motherland Essentials Blog

Approximately 60%-70% of women and 50%-60% of men reported that they had some degree of skin sensitivity according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. With that information in mind, it's safe to assume that many people that use our products have some degree of skin sensitivity that they may have experienced in some form at some time in their skincare journey. The greatest thing about our products is that we create every formulation with the confidence that everyone in your household can use them - even the most sensitive skin. Here are some ways you can care for your sensitive skin.

Diet & Hydration

Give your sensitive skin some help with a healthy diet and hydration. Many of the essential vitamins, minerals, fats and oils your skin needs to maintain a healthy glow can be found in the foods you eat. Foods like salmon, walnuts and flaxseed are rich in omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential fatty acids for overall good health and skin. Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants are also helpful. Of course, always drink your water, but also treat yourself to some green tea. Green tea had anti-inflammatory properties and has also been known to reduce the risk of ultraviolet light (such as the burning rays of the sunlight.)

Don't Overheat

Getting your vitamin D from the sun is essential to mood boosting and your overall healthy, but don't overdo it. The rays from the sun can cause damage, especially to sensitive skin. Put on your sunscreen, even if it's not a hot day. You'll want to give your skin the protection it needs. Make sure you're also keeping cool with a hydrating mist if you're outside. Our Rosewater and Lavender Hydrating Mist provide skin cooling and restore moisture and essential hydration to the skin immediately.

Look for Skin-friendly Ingredients

Less is more when it comes to sensitive skin. You don't want to overwhelm your skin with too many fragrances or ingredients that are known to dry out the skin. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Stick with unscented options if you can. If you do opt to use products that have scent, make sure it's nothing too heavy. We recommend our Turmeric Kombucha, Oatmeal Honey, Lavender, Vanilla Coffee, and Activated Charcoal bars. Try them as a build your own bundle.

Stay Moisturized

Moisture is key element when it comes to skin healthy. Dry skin can cause irritations and we don't want that. One of mine and my kid's favorite thing is soaking with a bath bomb. It releases sunflower oil, which is a wonderful, light oil because it doesn't clog pores, it moisturizes the skin and provides some skin-loving vitamins. If you're on the go, lotion bars are the perfect addition for your bag, as they contain beeswax, which provides a protective barrier over your skin to prevent damage and helps to repair irritated skin. It also has a high melting point, so no mess. It activated ones it makes contact with your skin. During the cooler months, a thicker moisturizer such as our whipped body butter will also keep you moisturized.

Stress Less

Skin irritations are often triggered by stress. Breakouts, psoriasis flare-ups, eczema can all be triggered by the day to day stress we endure in life and for that reason, it is essential to take a moment and destress. Exercise, going for a walk, reading, journaling - even coloring in our Inspiration Self-Care Coloring Book, can bring the stress down and leave your skin vitalized.  

What do you do to care for sensitive skin? Let us know in the comments.

Lighting a candle has the power to set the tone for your space. As the aroma fills the room, the fragrance immediately has an effect on your entire mood. Why do you think we're so particular about our smells? Aromatherapy has the power to trigger memories, energize you and even calm and relax you after a stressful day. Something this powerful requires care. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your candle.

Tip 1: Trim Your Wick

Tip 2: Keep an Eye on Your Candle

 As relaxing as a candle can be, you're still dealing with a flame. Make sure your candle is out of reach of children and pets. You also don't want to burn your candle too close to something flammable or near a draft that can carry a flame to something flammable. Candles also shouldn't be lit for more than 3-4 hours at a time.

Tip 3: Keep Your Candle Clean

Debris, dust, and soot can make their way in your candle and you don't want that for several reasons. Before lighting your candle, make sure it's clear of any mess.

Tip 4:  Put Out Your Candle Carefully

When it's time to put out the candle, blowing it out is fine, but do so carefully. If your candle comes in a jar, place the lid back on the jar. You can also use a candle snuffer if you have one handy.

Tip 5: Store Your Candles in a Cool, Dark Place

Did you know that candles have an expiration date? While they're unlikely to spoil like food, your candles will lose their fragrance and experience discoloration over time. Temperature fluctuations and light can also have an effect on the lifespan of your candle. That pumpkin spice candle not in season yet? Put it in a cool, dark place until fall. It's best practice to burn your candles within 12 to 16 months of buying them.

**BONUS** Retire your candle & reuse your jar

Once you've enjoyed your candle, give it a new life. Clean out the remainder of the wax by placing the jar in the freezer (the wax will shrink and allow you to remove it more easily) or warming the jar and wiping out the rest of the wax with a dry towel. Repurpose your jar any way you' like.

Our Signature Candle Kit Has Everything You Need

Shop our signature candle kit for everything you need for your candle to last. Shop here > https://www.motherlandessentials.com/collections/candles/products/signature-candle-care-kit

Already have a candle? Shop our accessories here

So you've started a beauty business, or maybe you're in the idea phase, and you want your products to stand out. The problem is, funds are tight, but you still want that professional look. Hiring a professional graphic designer may not be in the budget yet, but that doesn't mean you can't have labels that catch the attention of potential customers.

My hope is that this tutorial helps you to learn of a new way to create beautiful labels on a budget. Everyone has to start somewhere, but the important thing is that you start. I hope this gives you the boost to start. Watch the tutorial below and don't forget to subscribe:

Did you find this helpful? Let me know if there are any other topics you'd like to chat about in the comments.

Starting a business can be one of the most exciting things to pursue in your life. Unfortunately, some people may not share in that same joy and enthusiasm. You may encounter many people in your immediate circle of family and friends that you would expect to find support, only to be met with rejection and discouragement. It's hard to overcome, but here are 5 ways to handle unsupportive family/friends should you find yourself in that situation:

1) Recognize Not Everyone Understands

The thought of someone starting a business is unheard of for some people. They are perfectly fine with finding a career they love, working their job and living their life, which is great. It's not that they don't want to support you. They may not see starting a business as a priority in life. That's ok. Don't make it your job to make them understand. Continue pursuing your endeavor with the understanding that the topic may not be interesting to them.

2) Treat Yourself Well

It all starts with you. Not everyone will see your vision, and that's ok. What you can't do is allow the negative feelings of a friend and/or family member disrupt your self-care practice. Continue to pour positivity into you.

3) Build Your Own Community

Family and friends may not be the people you need to reach with your endeavor. Start documenting your journey and sharing your passion on social media, community groups, etc. You will find all the support you need by taking a step and building your own community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Motherland Essentials (@motherlandessentials)

4) Include them in your business

I'm not saying make them an owner, but sometimes people don't understand what you do, so it comes out as unsupportive behavior. For example, my grandmother told me that starting a soapmaking business was not a good idea. Her mind changed once she came to visit and we made soap together. She never had the experience. Once she did, she understood why I was so passionate about what I do. She even told her entire church congregation about my business. Needless to say, she's proud and supportive now that she had the experience.

5) Cut out negative relationships.

If family and/or friends are going out of their way to show their lack of support for you, then it may be a situation where you have to set firm boundaries in terms of how they have access to you. I don't discuss certain things about my business to certain friends or family, and that's ok. I have a family member who I don't talk to at all because of the pain and trauma caused interacting with them. Yes, it can be deemed as extreme, but for me it's necessary in protecting my peace.

What are some other ways you can handle unsupportive Family/Friends? Drop your advice in the comments. Have questions? Place them in the comment section!

What really helped to mentally prepare me each day for the entrepreneurial journey was reciting mantras.

Our goal in creating this Autism Awareness Bundle was not only to remind yourselves to take a moment and practice self care, but to also be open to educating yourself about autism awareness and acceptance.