Chilly weather pitfalls are upon us so it’s time to suit up to have a healthier season, armed with knowledge and healthy routines. Though many of us have dodged chronic skin conditions, much of the US population struggles with flare ups of Eczema, Psoriasis, and more, with cases on the rise. We know that environmental effects are the main culprits of these trends and believe a return to simplified, natural skin and internal care may serve to ease many of these troubling ailments. 

What happens to our skin during cooler weather?

Filaggrin, a crucial protein in our skin for maintaining barrier function and natural moisture decreases in winter as well as with age and hormonal changes. Dry, cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating, dehydrates skin further and worsens skin conditions for many. Environmental factors such as allergens and temperature extremes can affect filaggrin function, contributing to barrier loss, leaving skin more vulnerable to pathogens and irritants. 

Tis the season to be jolly so yes, cold weather equals celebratory events, and social occasions driving us to drink less water and draw us toward more dehydrating substances such as alcohol and caffeine. 

What skin conditions are triggered by cooler weather?

Rosacea - small, red, pus-filled bumps on face

• Affects approximately 16 million Americans
• People between 30-60 years of age
• Women, especially during menopause
• Those with family history
• People with fair skinned and features 

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) - itchy inflammation of the skin

• Affects approximately 31.6 million Americans
• Adolescents 

Psoriasis - skin cells build up to form scales and itchy, dry patches

• Affects approximately 7.5 million Americans
• Occurs in all age groups but highest in those between 45-64 years of age

Keratosis Pilaris - KP or chicken skin - rough patches with small acne-like bump

• Most common in teenagers (50-80%) and 40% of adults

Tips to for a feel good cold season

• Moisturize skin frequently and as a routine to maintain benefits
• Avoid harsh facial cleansers
• Avoid harsh scrubs and artificially scented products to prevent irritation, dryness and flare ups of skin conditions
• Contrary to our desire for the coziness, limit hot showers to 15 min and preferably use lukewarm water
• Limit alcohol and hydrate with water well
• Consider humidifiers, especially at night to combat dryness for skin as well as breathing
• Use healthy lip balm

Limit or avoid foods that cause inflammation (certain individuals are more sensitive to these than others)

• Fried food
• Processed food and sodas
• Artificial chemical additives, food coloring
• Trans fats
• Gluten
• Refined flour

Investment in total body care is a lifelong journey, one we are all-in with. We’re here to add to the tool kit, spreading empowerment and love this season. 

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺

Ingredient source transparency and integrity is a key issue in the skin care space, one with battles that lead companies large and small to cut corners and make sacrifices on their principles for profit. The tide of ignorant consumer decision-making is turning with more and more demand for clarity and accountability when it comes to ingredients and practices. The clean beauty movement whereby consumers make purchases that reflect their values, has sparked the need for reparation of the consumer/company relationship. 

The research

In 2020 Bazaarvoice, a consumer shopping network and Influenster, a social shopping platform interviewed 24,000 women worldwide about their shopping priorities for clean beauty products. They found that two thirds sought more transparency in their clean beauty products. 61% of participants felt products used “clean” vaguely and more interestingly, only 1% relied on brand advertising for information about clean beauty or product ingredients and sought out information elsewhere. In short, it’s clear that brand distrust is heightened and consumers seek reassurance in transparency.

While it’s true that the industry is nowhere near clearly defined standards and definitions of what is clean, natural, and organic, steps toward this shared goal can be taken by engaging authentically with consumers and staying true to stated principles. A key piece of this effort to move the industry in the right direction is the sense of relationship with consumers that forges trust and shared goals, upholding personal responsibility on both ends to invest in and create improvement in health and in the skin care industry.

To this end at Ellovi we keep to minimal ingredients and well-vetted suppliers, while maintaining a healthy connection from start to finish with every product we make. Integrity within ourselves, and our relationships infuses what we create and share with you.

What do we look for in our suppliers? Alignment in values

Our suppliers and their facilities conduct regular third party testing and hold certifications and technical documentation accessible for the below standards: 

• Certified Organic
• Certified Fair Trade
• Certified Kosher
• Certified Vegan
• Cruelty-Free
• ECOCERT Verified
• FDA-registered

Setting the bar high for responsible creation and consumption is a commitment that takes study and steadfastness, an undertaking of cause and effect, demonstrating interconnectedness. We’re here as a point in the evolving constellation of the clean beauty movement, we’re here for the journey toward health and peace of mind with you.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺

The scent of Frankincense brings forth images of ribbons of slowly ascending smoke, centered, deep breathing, flickering candle light and glowing skin.  This ancient ingredient, mentioned in ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual practice dating back thousands of years in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, has withstood the test of time as an ingredient widely lauded by dermatologists and consumers. 

A highly sought after luxury, Frankincense trade flourished, considered by ancient civilizations to be as expensive as gold. Through the years knowledge of its uses waxed and waned, buried under the passing of time. Of late, the oil has become more and more widely known once again, inspiring us to learn about origins, sources, and benefits. 

Benefits

• Aromatherapeutic - as a widely used oil for spiritual practices throughout history, the earthy, warm scent brings about a sense of groundedness and mindfulness. Many have reported an impact on anxiety as well as sleep quality.

• Skin Irritation - calming properties of boswellic acid, a natural ingredient in this oil, ease discomfort from itchy, red skin

• Muscle Recovery - when used as an after workout massage application or to alleviate aches and pains generally

• Skin Health - intensely hydrating and healing properties do wonders for skin elasticity, pigmentation, scarring, and stretch marks. As an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial promoter, this oil protects against pore clogging and oil build up. Frankincense promotes the creation of collagen in skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Hair Health - Frankincense combined with carrier oils can strengthen hair follicles to improve shine and bounce and promote scalp health to reduce hair loss. 

This mythological turned real essential oil has had a rich and varied reach throughout the ages. With safe application through carrier oils and responsible sourcing, the introduction to using Frankincense routinely for skin, hair, and aromatherapy can reconnect us to our internal health, to the natural world, and to the strong foundations of ancient wisdom.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺