New! Green Tea Bath Soak

Green Tea Bath Soak

Tea leaves contain more than 700 chemicals, among which the compounds closely related to human health are flavanoides, amino acids, vitamins (C, E and K), caffeine and polysaccharides. 

Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.

While White Tea is presumed to produce approximately the same benefits, new studies also indicate potential advantages of white tea as a skin rejuvenation agent.

Green Tea Bath Soak contains several varieties of salts, organic green tea powder, white tea powder and japanese green tea extract to offer an antioxidant packed bath soak.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Tea-Based Skincare

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

In keeping with the Tea theme this week, did you know that BathBodySupply.com stocks tea-infused skincare and tea ingredients for manufacturing your own custom tea-inspired formulas?

Tea-Infused Skincare Bases:

• Botanical Facial Cleanser
• Lemongrass Tea Sugar Scrub  
• Omega-3 Hemp Body Lotion 
• Tropical Butter Cream
• Herbal Body Mist 

Tea Inspired Fragrance Oils:

• Bamboo & Green Tea Fragrance Oil  
• Chai Tea Fragrance Oil 
  
• Lemongrass Green Tea Fragrance Oil 
• Tea Leaf & Jasmine Fragrance Oil   
• White Tea & Ginger* Fragrance Oil

Tea Extracts:

• Japanese Green Tea Extract  
• White Tea Powder Extract, Kosher 

Bath Teas:

• Basic Bath Tea (Loose)  
• Clarity Sinus Bath Tea (Loose)
  
• Luxurious Bath Tea (Loose) 
• Muscle Relief Bath Tea (Loose)   
• Bath Tea Bag, Large 

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Limited Edition: Lemongrass Tea Sugar Scrub

Our NEW! Limited Edition Lemongrass Tea Sugar Scrub is fortified with natural botanical oils, skin softening shea butter, sugar and antioxidant rich, organic genmaicha green tea powder. Genmaicha, sometimes referred to as Japan's "accidental" tea, is a vegetable-flavored brew known for its high content of antioxidants. The tea is made from an infusion of green tea leaves, known as Bancha, toasted rice and water. The toasted rice gives the tea a pleasant, nutty scent.

This refreshing scrub has been emulsified for ease of use and to prevent leakage when packaging or shipping. Scented with a unisex, spa-inspired blend of fresh Lemongrass, Key Lime Zest, Verbena Leaf, Green Tea, Ginger, Vanilla Bean and Amber. A perfect addition to your spring spa menu! Additionally, all of our scrubs are preserved with a paraben-free preservation system!

Grab it while you can, this product is available for a limited time through the end of June!

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing.

Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly catechins, the most abundant of which is epigallocatechin gallate. Green tea also contains carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), minerals such as chromium, manganese, selenium or zinc, and certain phytochemical compounds. It is a more potent antioxidant than black tea.

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), also known as epigallocatechin 3-gallate, is the ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid, and is a type of catechin. EGCG is the most abundant catechin in most notably tea, among other plants, and is also a potent antioxidant that may have therapeutic properties for many disorders including cancer. It is found in green tea, but not black tea, as EGCG is converted into thearubigins in black teas.

• An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells.

• Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. Polyphenols can also block the action of enzymes that cancers need for growth and they can deactivate substances that promote the growth of cancers. The polyphenol most strongly associated with cancer prevention is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. 

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

New! Sea Mineral Soak

Sea Mineral Soak - © Allison Kontur | Smell No Evil, Ltd.

Seaweed is high in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 which is useful in protecting the skins surface and in the reduction of inflammation. Seaweed is used as an active ingredient in many modern skin care products because of it’s natural tendency to reduce excessive irritation and redness.

Continual use of natural seaweed skin care has been shown to increase levels of skin hydration and promote a healthy glowing complexion. Seaweed is full of lipids, proteins, minerals and vitamins, which are easy to absorb and deeply nourish the skin.

Sea Mineral Soak contains several varieties of salts and seaweed/algae to offer a broad spectrum sea mineral soak.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Algae Face & Body Masque

© Igor Gratzer | Dreamstime.com

Algae has long been used by European spas for its slimming, remineralizing, and detoxifying properties.

White Kaolin Clay helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Kaolin does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types.

Sea Clay has a high content of minerals and helps to draw oils while mineralizing the skin. It is perfect for clearing problem skin. This is a great combination for facial and body treatments!

You Will Need:

3 oz  Kaolin - White Clay

1 oz Sea Clay

0.5 oz Spirulina maxima (Organic Spirulina) Powder

Wetting Agent

Combine dry ingredients until thoroughly incorporated. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until use.

To Use: Combine 2 parts powder to 1 part suitable liquid to hydrate the masque. A thinner masque can be made by adding more liquid and a thicker masque can be created with less liquid. This masques is designed for immediate use after hydration. 

Note: Storing this masque with the wetting agent combined will lead to bacterial/microbial growth without proper preservation.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids (a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage). It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).

GLA in spirulina has been shown to improve allergic dermatitis condition. High content of beta carotene and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are important to maintain skin resiliency.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Limited Edition: Agave & Blue Algae Salt Scrub

Our NEW! Limited Edition Agave & Blue Algae Salt Scrub is fortified with natural botanical oils, skin softening shea butter, dead sea salt and antioxidant rich, organic spirulina powder. Spirulina's dark color comes from a rainbow of natural pigments including chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellow and orange) and phycocyanin (blue), the dominant color.

This revitalizing scrub has been emulsified for ease of use and to prevent leakage when packaging or shipping. Scented with a unisex, spa-inspired blend of Blue Agave, Dune Grass, Driftwood, Fuji Apple, Kaffir Lime, Cyclamen and Amber. A perfect addition to your spring spa menu! Additionally, all of our scrubs are preserved with a paraben-free preservation system!

Grab it while you can, this product is available for a limited time through the end of June!

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

The many faces of algae (video)

In this informative video from CNetTV.com, Jonathan Wolfson of Solazyme discusses the diverse versatility of algae. From a source of biodiesel, to its use in skincare and dietary supplements, to a possible replacement for cooking fats, algal extracts are a goldmine of a discovery.:

• Algae makes a material to protect itself from the sun and dryness, making it useful as a dietary supplement and an additive for skincare products. 
• Algae are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000 different known species.
• Most algae are beneficial for skin, either as emollients or antioxidants.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

New Fragrances

The following fragrances have been recently added to our online fragrance catalog:

Agave Nectar Fragrance Oil

Dewberry Fragrance Oil

Island Essence Fragrance Oil

Lemongrass Tea Fragrance Oil

Tobacco Flower Fragrance Oil
(Reformulated)

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Special Offer!

Silk Hair Conditioner

© Andrejs Pidjass | Dreamstime.com

Our Silk Hair Conditioner has great conditioning properties and healthy shine. Includes wheat protein, silk amino acids, Vitamin Pro B and E, chamomile and glycerine for added body. Shine is derived naturally from hydrolyzed castor beans and an alternative to silicones. Lactic acid balances Ph and is a good moisturizer. 

This product competes among top brand names at a fraction of the cost. Add fragrance to our bulk Silk Hair Conditioner base to make a signature item of your own or purchase our Silk Hair Conditioner - Custom base which has been scented for you.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com 










Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Aloe Vera Shampoo

© Miroslav Tolimir | Dreamstime.com

Aloe Vera Shampoo is a salon grade shampoo with mild cleansing properties that offers high grade performance with outstanding results. Effective on all hair types, even if used daily. Gives hair shine and manageability, along with Aloe Vera and Vegetable Glycerin to add body, strength and retain moisture. Vitamins and Chamomile help correct damaged hair and stimulate the scalp. 

This product competes among top brand names at a fraction of the cost. Add fragrance (possibly a little color) to our bulk Aloe Vera Shampoo base to make a signature item of your own or purchase our Aloe Vera Shampoo - CUSTOM  base which has been scented and colored for you.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

How to soothe an itchy and flaky scalp (video)

In this short video from DermTV, Dr. Neal Schultz explains how to soothe and repair an itchy, flaky scalp.:

Dry, flaky, itchy scalp usually represents inflammation from excess oil and is easily corrected simply by shampooing. How can we control this inflammation?

• Shampoo with regular shampoo, rinse, repeat. Give the treatment 2 weeks to work.
• If there is no change after 2 weeks, switch to a medicated shampoo for dandruff. Give the treatment 2 weeks to work.
• If there is still no change, see a dermatologist for topical medication to cure the problem.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Botanical Deodorant

© Allison Kontur I Smell No Evil, Ltd.

Maybe you're concerned about the possible risk factors of commercial deodorants, or you're someone with skin sensitivities. Or perhaps you're just looking to reduce the chemical exposure in your life. This simple recipe will help keep odor at bay and you can experiment with deodorizing essential oils that work best for you!

You Will Need:

1.5 oz Shea Butter Refined - White
1 oz Behenyl Alcohol
0.5 oz Castor Oil
1 ml Allantoin USP
0.5 oz Sodium Bicarbonate
0.5 oz Corn Starch (available in grocery stores) 
3 ml Calendula, Tincture (Organic)

3 ml Oat Straw, Tincture (Organic)

1 ml Lemon Essential Oil
1 ml Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

© Allison Kontur I Smell No Evil, Lt

Phase 1: In double boiler over low heat, combine shea butter, behenyl alcohol and castor oil until melted. Remove from heat.


Phase 2: Sift dry ingredients into melted oils and whisk together to incorporate. 


Phase 3: Add liquid tinctures and essential oils and whisk again to thoroughly combine.


Phase 4: Allow mixture to cool to the point it begins to set up slightly. Periodically whisk ingredients together to help keep mixture as homogenous as possible. 


Phase 5: Pour cooled and thickened mixture into push up sticks or deodorant containers and allow to solidify before using.


FYI: This is a deodorant (an odor fighter) not an antiperspirant (sweat stopper). Antiperspirants are considered OTC drugs because their active ingredients, generally aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrate gly, are regulated by the FDA as drugs.


Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Deodorizing Essential Oils & Blends

© Juliengrondin | Dreamstime.com

Natural plant extracts are a great choice for deodorizing naturally! Here are just a few essential oils that offer odor-fighting capabilities:

Clary Sage** - Nutty, musky and herbaceous, astringent, deodorant, aphrodisiac

Eucalyptus** - Strong, woody and camphor-like; analgesic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, deodorizing

Frankincense - Clean, dry, woody, fruity, pepper; anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial

Grapefruit* - Citrus and floral; antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal

Lavender - Fresh, herbaceous and floral; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, deodorant

Lemon* - Clean, citrus, sugary, spicy; antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal

Myrrh** - Hot, smoky, herbaceous; anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent

Patchouli - Earthy, smoky, spicy, and musky; antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, helps eliminate toxins

Peppermint** - Fresh, minty and herbaceous; analgesic, anesthetic (mild), antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent

Rosemary - Strong, fresh and woody; antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent

Sandalwood** - Soft, sweet, woody and balsamic; antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, calming

Sweet Orange - Sweet, sugary and citrus; antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal

Tea Tree Oil - Fresh and camphor-like; antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, fungicidal

Ylang Ylang** - Very sweet, floral, balsamic and spicy; antiseptic

*Photo-toxic, do not use immediately before exposure to sun
**Avoid during pregnancy

Want to make a blend of cleansing and deodorizing essential oils, but not sure where to start? Try these simple blends as a base and expound on them until you get a blend you like!

• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Lavender Essential Oil + 3-5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

• 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil + 5 drops Fir Needle Essential Oil + 2 drops Frankincense + 10 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil

• 6 drops Rosemary Essential Oil + 6 drops White Grapefruit Essential Oil + 4 drops Lemon Essential Oil

• 50 drops Lemon Essential Oil + 50 drops White Grapefruit Essential Oil + 10 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil + 10 drops Patchouli Essential Oil

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Natural Deodorant

© Mark Faheem | Dreamstime.com

We all want to smell good and feel clean. Those not-so-fresh moments are caused by bacteria which thrive in warm, moist places. Armpits are the autobahn of bacteria, but you can knockout bacterial odor with an inexpensive natural deodorant.

You Will Need:

3 oz Aloe Butter

2 oz Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder (available in grocery stores)

2 oz Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) Tea Tree Essential Oil

1/2 tsp (2/5 ml) Peppermint Essential Oil

Phase 1: Combine dry ingredients in a sterile mixing container. Sift if your dry ingredients are lumpy and set aside.

Phase 2: In a double boiler over low heat, melt Aloe Butter which is a semi solid to solid blend of Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera. When aloe butter has completely melted, remove from heat and add essential oils, mixing thoroughly to combine. 

Phase 3: Pour liquids over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine. Pour or press material into push up tubes or deodorant containers for ease of use.

To Use: Apply to clean underarms as needed. If your bathroom is warm, store in the fridge.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Are antiperspirants and deodorants different products? (video)

In this short video from DermTV, Dr. Neal Schultz explains the differences between antiperspirants and deoderants and how to choose one that is right for you.:

Sweating during exercise is beneficial to the body for elimination, but odor can arise from a chemical reaction between bacteria and the chemicals in your sweat.

Antiperspirant: 

• Decrease amount of sweat produced
• Seal or plug some of the sweat glands
• Stops production of sweat, not odor
• Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Deodorant:

• Kills bacteria which reduces odor
• Does not decrease the amount of sweat
• Deodorants are classified and regulated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Get Your Greens Facial Masque

© Melisende | Dreamstime.com

Parsley is thought to be soothing, cleansing and detoxifying while kelp contains over 60 minerals and elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates. It is deep in color and has a definite fish/sea-like aroma. It is very popular in scrubs and facial treatments due to its extraordinary array of minerals & vitamins. This is a wonderful cleansing and purifying facial mask.

You will need:

2 oz Kaolin - White Clay
1 oz Bentonite Clay
1 oz Sodium Bicarbonate
0.50 oz Parsley Powder
0.25 oz Kelp Powder
20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

In a small stainless steel or glass mixing bowl, combine ingredients until well blended. Store powdered masque in an airtight container until use.
To Use: Add distilled water, hydrosol or Herbal Mist to approximately 1 oz powder to make a paste. Spread paste onto face or other trouble areas like the chest and back. Allow to sit (roughly 15 - 20 minutes). Rinse. Moisturize as needed.

Note: Do NOT pre-mix wet and dry ingredients as they are not stable long-term without a preservative.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Coffee Salt Scrub

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Its fragrant aroma gets many of us out of bed each morning, but thanks to the healing properties of this flowering plant, we can now enjoy coffee's benefits beyond the cup. With a pH equal to that of our skin, coffee acts as a balancing astringent. Additionally, coffee is a free radical scavenger, helping to neutralize oxidation reactions in the skin, which are responsible for conditions like acne and eczema.  

Dead Sea Salt exfoliates and cleanses the skin better than soaps or cleansers by removing dull, dead skin cells to reveal a younger skin layer. This scrub thoroughly cleanses pores allowing the skin to breathe easier, stimulates blood circulation and removes daily toxins from the skin. Exfoliation helps future skin regeneration which keeps the skin looking younger while strengthening and firming skin tissues.

Our Coffee Salt Scrub contains a proprietary blend of Spearmint, Peppermint, Rosemary and Sweet Orange essential oils invigorates the senses and allows you to experience the benefits of this unisex body scrub without smelling like a coffeepot afterwards!

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Balancing Astringent

© Vladimirs Poplavskis | Dreamstime.com

This natural astringent is skin balancing and acne fighting. Black Willowbark provides naturally occurring salicylic acid to fight the causes of acne. Using an astringent is an often over looked step in regular skin care regimens. Toning with an astringent helps to tighten and close the pores, adjusts the pH of the skin and removes any remaining oil or dirt from the skin. The end product will be slightly cloudy.

You Will Need:

12 oz Herbal Body Mist

1 oz Calendula, Tincture (Organic)

1 oz Oat Straw, Tincture (Organic)

1 oz Vegetable Glycerin

1 oz Polysorbate 20

0.5 oz Japanese Green Tea Extract

2.5 ml Allantoin USP

20 drops Orange (Sweet) Essential Oil

15 drops Lemon Essential Oil

8 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Phase 1: Combine herbal mist, calendula tincture, oatstraw tincture, vegetable glycerin and allantoin. Mix thoroughly until allantoin powder is completely dissolved.

Phase 2: In a separate, sterile container combine polysorbate 20 with japanese green tea extract and add essential oils. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Phase 3: Combine phase 1 mixture with phase 2 mixture until fully incorporated. Bottle in a container equipped with a fine mist sprayer for easier application to hard to reach areas.

To Use: Spray toner onto a cotton pad and stroke over problem areas, allowing to dry. For harder to reach areas like back and shoulders, spray directly onto skin (avoiding eyes).

Tips to avoid problem skin:

• Wear breathable cotton clothing when possible or workout gear that wicks moisture from the skin. If you get sweaty, try to change your clothing as soon as you can.
• Time your workouts so that you can shower and spray problem skin using the Balancing Astringent afterward.
• Generally try to be aware of what might be irritating your skin in areas where you break out regularly and make changes where you can. (i.e. If you often breakout under a racerback top, try switching to a different strap or back style to allow skin to breathe.)

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com