http:/www.amalouskin.com. We never thought we'd find it! Aluminum-free, paraben-free deodorant that actually works.

Why were we looking you ask? Because aluminum acts to block the pores that cause sweat. Except that your body is then prohibited from performing its natural function of ridding itself of toxins.

We've also heard that aluminum, parabens and/or other chemicals contained in many anti-perspirant deodorants may be linked to potential health risks. (Neurotoxicity; cancer; Alzheimer's? Um, no thank you.)

But let's face it. Pretty much all of the stuff out there has failed miserably --either from reducing odor or prohibiting that feeling of sweaty pits. And most "natural" deodorants have a slimy texture or else they're a dry rock-like contraption that you're supposed to scratch your under-arms with... a rock?!

Now Hallelujah! We found two Crystal Deodorant Roll-Ons that actually work--In summer heat! (Remember, the operative word being Roll-On.)  We tested them over Memorial Day Weekend--a scorcher here in the North East. No dripping, no smelling. Amazing. Our quest is finally over!  Crystal® Body Deodorant Roll-On or Naturally Fresh® Deodorant Crystal Roll-On, both about $4.00 at Walgreens, CVS or amazon.com.

Still can't take the leap from traditional anti-perspirant deodorants? Then try these lower-toxic choices: Almay Unscented, Roll-On, Clear Gel or Solid; Unscented Lady Mitchum Clear Gel; Mitchum Clear Gel, Sport; Ban Original Roll-On, Unscented; Speed Stick Solid, Unscented.

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/74569
http://www.suite101.com/content/aluminum-in-deodorant-a45498http://green-living.families.com/blog/is-your-deodorant-safe
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse.php?category=antiperspirant%3B%3Bdeodorant&&showmore=products&start=0

Do Your Hands Look Old?

So did ours.

Try this Do-It-Yourself Hand Scrub. The sugar exfoliates dead skin cells while the olive oil sinks in to nourish, moisturize and rejuvenate. Use it once a week. It works, it feels fantastic and you can make it yourself in no time at low cost. You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already.

Lemon Hand Scrub

Mix 2 1/2 Cups of Sugar with 1 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add in 4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice (or any other scented essential oils that you may like. For example: lavender or spearmint).

Mix really well until a gritty paste forms. Spoon into a glass container and cover with a sealed lid. Makes 12oz. (We suggest putting in a 12oz Mason Jar.)

Bonus for Body and just in time for Summer:  Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Mix 2 Cups of Brown Sugar and 1 Cup of Granulated Sugar together until there are no lumps. Add in 1 Cup of Sunflower or Safflower Oil. Add 1 Tablespoon of Pure Vanilla Extract. (Sunflower Oil or Safflower Oil don't carry as strong a scent as Olive Oil, but you can use Olive Oil if you prefer.)

Mix together well and scoop into a sealable glass container with sealed lid.  Fantastic for tan legs.

Not into doing it yourself? Try Giovanni® Sugar Scrub, Hot Chocolate (about $9.00 on Amazon.com) or Fresh® Brown Sugar Body Polish (about $65.00 at Sephora)

Summer Reading

There was something about the 7th month of pregnancy that made us voracious for the quick read. Maybe it was our enlarged size, making us slow and sleepy--so that nothing sounded better than feet up on the couch with a good book. Or maybe it was the approaching change of life that made us want to escape our own for a wee bit.

To combat the slightly stressed mood of impending birth, only the easy-breezy is recommended. Here's a suggested start of oldies but goodies:

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Bangkok 8 by John Burdett (we recommend the entire series of these books)

Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Happy Summer Reading!

xoxo Amalou Skin

Flipping Over These Perfume Bottles!

We can't help it.... we're suckers for packaging and we just LOVE these perfume bottles!

The Hamsa mystical amulet, featured on the bottle, is a symbol of good luck and brings prosperity, while scaring away evil. The scent is inspired by Morocco where East meets West. Notes of white lotus, frankincense, black currant and coffee.  http://www.hamsa-perfume.com/

On a totally different spectrum: Crabtree & Evelyn brings us its Floral Fragrance collection, with single notes pronounced in Lily, Lavender, Rosewater and Iris. These bottles are so pretty and feminine we just can't stand it!
http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/eng/categories/collections/rosewater

xoxo Amalou Skin

Music Soothes the Savage Beast

We couldn't do without it....Pandora.com and lullaby versions of adult music for our beastly beauty babies.

Pandora literally rocks, because all you have to do is think of a song you are currently in love with. Or else remember a loved song from your own childhood (like This Land is Your Land or Free to Be You and Me). Type it in, and then Pandora creates a radio station with similar songs - all just for you. Your own station, tailor-made for your taste.

We listen to our "Free to Be" Pandora station with our kids every morning when we eat breakfast... We've discovered great children's music from Jerry Garcia ("3 Men Go A Hunting", "Hopalong Peter") and Kira Willey ("Caterpillar, Caterpillar"--her Fireflies album of musical yoga for kids-- fantastic!). And finally, Matt the Electrician ("Little Hands"), just to name a few. We enjoy the songs as much as our kids do.

But the most wonderful thing of all? For naptime, stack your playlist with lullaby versions of Coldplay, the Beatles, John Mayer, Bob Marley, Simon & Garfunkle, Journey... Works every time and the songs don't drive you nuts. Lullabies for everyone!

xoxo Amalou Skin

Try This!

TRY THESE SUNSCREENS:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid. Fast absorbing, matte finish for normal to combination skin: Goes on awesome over your regular moisturizer - it is perfect for work-outs because it doesn't run into your eyes. It doesn't smell too "chemically" or "sunscreen-y". Doesn't leave that whitish look on your skin after application (ie you don't have to rub your face off trying to rub this in).

Kiss My Face's new Face Factor SPF 50 Sunscreen for face and neck with antioxidants, peptides, cucumber, green tea and licorice extracts. Sounds awesome right? Available at Whole Foods and www.kissmyface.com.

Mineral option: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream for face and body.

Mineral option: Johnson & Johnson's Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40. For kids all-over and adult bodies

TRY THESE GOOD MAKE-UP TIPS TO MAXIMIZE SPF COVERAGE:

Sweep SPF powder over your regular SPF and makeup : deflects light and gives a nice finish to your makeup.

Try: ColoreScience Wild to Mild Primer SunReliable Skin Bronzer SPF 20, Colorescience Pro Sunforgettable SPF 30 Powder Brush or Physicians Formula Solar Powder Pressed Powder, Light Bronzer, SPF 20

Tinted Moisturizer: Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free, SPF 30

SPF Lip balms:

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm Lemon and Chamomile, SPF 25

Alba Botanica TerraTint, SPF 8, in all the pretty colors: Blaze; Bloom, Dawn, Garnet, Sienna, and Sunset at http://www.amazon.com/

SunPretty!

xoxo Amalou Skin

The food you eat or don't eat may be inflaming your skin.

According to wives' tales (or more aptly known as common sense), consider the following:

Stop consuming foods which may exacerbate acne: Dairy; chocolate; and refined sugar.

Stop smoking--for your complexion and a host of other reasons.

Try drinking herbal peppermint tea. Besides aiding digestion, easing heartburn and relieving nausea, mint tea may also help your complexion. If your body isn't digesting properly, then toxins are diverted to your skin as the body tries to eliminate them through your pores, which may cause blemishes. Drinking mint tea to flush out impurities counter-acts this effect. (See www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?id=3625)

Also, try eating foods that have beneficial effects on your skin: Cherries, bananas, kiwi, citrus, wheat germ, nuts, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli and salmon.

You know, you are what you eat.

xoxo Amalou Skin

Does Your Bra Fit?

If you're pregnant, gained weight, just had a baby, are breast-feeding, just stopped breast-feeding, just lost the baby-weight, or else just lost weight -- then probably not.

The expansion and contraction of boobs and ribcages during these processes can pose a real challenge to bra-shopping. Not to mention bra-wearing. The pinching, pulling, popping, poking, puckering - and that's just the bra.

Here is your solution: Two great bras that move and grow with you but still give great support.

The AHH Bra: These have no underwire at all but still give enough support to confidently wear in public. The fabric is very soft against the skin. These are good to sleep in as well. Sizes are according to shirt size, not regular bra-measurements. www.ahhbra.com or www.HSN.com

SPANX Bra-llelujah!: The Bra-llelujah! Soft Cup bra has no clasps and no underwire, so no pinching at all. It's an all hosiery bra with "give.' Very comfortable. Or you can chose the Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Front-Close Underwire Bra. The elastic-free straps and hosiery back offer stretch and support at the same time. www.spanx.com or www.amazon.com

We wish someone had told us about these during our pregnancies!

xoxo Amalou Skin
http://www.amalouskin.com

Feel Good About Your Scent.

We adore the smell of perfumes, oils, fragrant scents of most kinds. It makes us feel pretty, feminine and is a great mood booster.

BUT, more and more we are reading that many chemicals found in traditional perfumes are potential neurotoxins, carcinogens, endocrine (hormone) disruptors, or else are environmental toxins. (See: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/toxic-effects-of-perfume.html; http://enjoysimplicity.com/2011/02/toxic-fragrance-in-your-perfume).

The good news is there are some very pretty lower-toxic options to consider.

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pacifica® French Lilac™ solid perfume ($9.00 at Sephora.com) and most other of the Pacifica solid perfume scents. (French Lilac Notes: lilac, magnolia leaves, heliotrope, ylang ylang, hyacinth, nectarine.)


Tocca® also makes two solid perfumes, Brigitte and Cleopatra, that smell pretty and feminine. (Brigitte Notes: Rhubarb, Papaya, Ginger, Rose, Iris, Saffron, Sandalwood, Musk. Cleopatra Notes: grapefruit, lush greens, white jasmine, tuberose, patchouli, golden amber, vanilla musk.)

Fresh® Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfume is also a low-toxic, great smelling option. (Notes: Italian lemon, mandarin, lychee flower, orange blossom, ginger flower.)

Smelling Good Sweat-Pea!
xoxo Amalou Skin
http://www.amalouskin.com

Time to Switch Up Your Make-Up Bag?

With the help of the EWG's SkinDeep Cosmetic Database, we've found a host of beauty products that score a 3 or less on the toxic scale. So you can feel good about what makes you feel pretty. Everything listed can be found at Sephora.com, Amazon.com or Target.

Self Tanners:
*Tarte Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick (about $30.00) (Score 1)
*Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil (about $52.00) (score: 2)
****Neutrogena Sun Fresh Foam (about $15.00) (Score: 4: If you really want to look tan and don't mind the higher Score)

Foundation:
*CARGO Liquid Foundation Wet/Dry Foundation (about $32.00) (Score: 0)

Mineral Makeup Foundation:
*Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Pressed Powder, Buff Beige Organics (foundation) (about $12.00) (Score 1)

*Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, (about $25.00) (Score: 1)
*Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation, (about $35.00) (Score: 2)
*Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas SPF 15, (about $35.00) (Score: 3)

Tinted Moisturizers:
*Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer (about $10.00) (Score: 3)
*Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free, SPF 30 (About $25.00) (score: 3)

Eyes: Concealer:
*Jane Iredale Active Eye Concealer (about $16.00) (Score: 1)
*Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Well Rested for Eyes (eye shadow/concealer) (about $18.00) (Score:1)
*Juice Beauty Correcting Concealer (about $22.00) (Score: 2)
*NARS Concealer (about $22.00) (Score: 3)

Eyes: Eyeliner:
*Boots No. 7 Amazing Eyes Pencil (about $7.00) (Score: 1)
*Josie Maran Cosmetics Eye Liner (pencil, NOT liquid) (about $18.00) (Score: 1)
*Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner (about $7.00) (Score: 2)
*Korres Eyeliner pencil (about $16) (Score: 2)

Eyes: Eyeshadow
*theBalm Overshadow 100% Mineral Makeup Eye Shadow (about $8.00) (Score: 1)
*Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Palette (about $8) (Score: 2)
*Smashbox Eyeshadow (about $16.00) (Score: 2/3)

Mascara:
*Boots No7 Maximum Volume Mascara, Brown/Black (about $8.00) (Score 2)
*Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Jet Black (about $20.00) (Score: 2)
*Korres Mascara (about $18.00) (Score: 3)

Blush:
*Smashbox O Glow Intuitive Cheek Color (blush) (about $26.00) (Score: 0)
*Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush (about $26.00) (Score 1)
*Juice Beauty Glowing Cheek Color (about $16.00) (Score: 2)
*Bare Escentuals bareMinerals All-Over Face Color ($18.00) (Score: 2)
*TheBalm Down Boy (Blush/Shadow) (about $26.00) (Score: 2)

Lipstick/Lip gloss:
*Boots No7 Mineral Perfect Lipstick (about $7.00) (Score: 0)
*Smashbox O-PLUMP Intuitive Lip Plumper with Goji Berry-C Complex (lip plumper) (about $24.00)(Score : 1)
*Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss and Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss (natural color set) (about $7.00)(Score: 2)
*Mally Beauty Lipstick (about $15.00) (Score: 2)
*Mally Beauty New Naturals Lipveil (about $15.00) (Score: 2)

Lip Balm:
*Softlips Organic Lip Balm, Pure Pomegranate (about $3.00) (Score: 1)
*Alba Botanica Hawaiian: Lip Balm (about $4.00) (Score: 1)
*Juice Beauty Organic Lip Moisturizer (about $15.00) (Score: 1)

Happy Shopping!
xoxo Amalou Skin
http://www.amalouskin.com
For more lists on less-toxic products See:

http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=personal

Skin Care Takes Time

You need to give your skin care regimen time. NOTHING works over night. Your skin needs at least two weeks to settle into the routine and to give the products a chance to work.

Follow these basic steps:

* Cleanse/exfoliate.
* After washing your face, PAT dry, do not rub.
* Use alcohol-free toner, especially if you suffer from break-outs.
* MOISTURIZE - always.
* Use sunscreen every day.

If you work out: wash your face BEFORE you work out, so that residual products don't clog pores while you sweat.

As affirmation, check out Dr. Schultz/DermTV on YouTube.com: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ4rduiq-7I

xoxo Amalou Skin.

Run It. Walk It. Move It.

If you're okay, we're okay. But if you've been thinking about it for more than a month, than it's time. To Start Exercising.

We suggest running or walking. Four times a week. Not a killer-routine either: 30-40 minutes max. Outside if you can. But inside on a treadmill works too.  It's not an expensive commitment and the routine is a slave to your schedule, not the other way around.

We say this because its good for your mind and your over-all well-being. Not because we're advocating dramatic weight loss or body transformation - though with time, that's a possible bonus outcome.

When you exercise, your mind produces endorphins, which help combat stress, anxiety and depression. So just a little bit of movement will help elevate your mood. No dramatic changes - just a little boost. Which is what most of us need.

If you've just had a baby and you're not in your comfort zone- mentally or physically- give yourself a month. Then start moving. Take your baby in a jogger and go for a half-hour walk. Then move your way up to a half-hour jog. Babies love motion. If they cry, stop, hold-them, breast-feed them if that's what's called for; bottle feed them if that's where you're at. Whatever. Then start again. If it doesn't work out the first time, don't get discouraged. Just try again the next day.

Excuse-Busters:

I don't want to spend a lot of money on this- I don't know if I'll even stay with it.

Running shoes at Target cost $28.00 and they're made by a leading athletic foot wear company. Target and Walmart also sell athletic clothes and jog bras.

I'm nursing.

Check out La Leche League's Hi-Impact Sports Bra (about $27.00. Prices vary regionally). Walmart and Target also sell nursing sports bras (about $17.00-$27.00).

Pack in your stroller: water; sun block; diaper & wipes; nursing cover. You can get a really pretty nursing cover at BéBé au Lait: www.bebeaulait.com

If you can't get outside and you're not afraid of a small investment:

HSN sells treadmills on their FlexPay program (payment installments) so that you can pay a smaller amount and get the machine home, paying off the entire cost in about 6 installments. Of course prices for machines vary, but there are usually FlexPay options that start at about $140.00. Also, the HSN website and shows will often offer free-shipping.

WE LOVE to watch running DVDs from VirtualActive . They are virtual videos of running and hiking trails throughout some of the most beautiful places in the country - the next best thing to actually being there. And they keep you interactive with your work-out, so that you'll actually stick with it. Purchase one of four running DVDs or four hiking DVDs for about $20.00 on their website: www.vafitness.com

IF you do decide to stick with walking or running, we suggest treating yourself to some 15Love Apparel. The clothes are super-comfy and cute. And we LOVE the website which has a playlist of suggested music to move to. www.15loveapparel.com

Finally, if you want to do good while you move, join the Curves for Change ("C4C") 5K Run/Walk at 7PM, Thursday May 19, 2011 in NYC, at 103rd Street and Riverside Drive (or sponsor a participant). C4C supports the empowerment of women and girls.

The money raised from this event will support two organizations, The Komera Project (www.komeraproject.org) and Hardy Girls, Healthy Women (www.hghw.org).  To sponser a participant in the 5/9/11 5k event, go to www.crowdrise.com , type in C4C in their search box and click on the event to donate as little or as much as you want.

xoxo Amalou Skin

For Mothers.

Like Beyoncé's new song says Girls, we run this Mother. We are literally the nation builders of the world, one birth at a time. So I'm talking to You Kid. You!

You're strong. Smart . Funny. Sexy. Beautiful. CAPABLE. So dream it. Now get up. Get up!

Happy Mother's Day.
xoxo Amalou Skin

Mama, it's a jungle down there!

Have you considered your hair grooming habits lately?

If you're 7 months pregnant or more, probably not. But give it a month and that thought will come around again..." It's a jungle down there... what to do about it before I hit the delivery room?"

It is understandable that you might not give a fig about your husband's senses.. .but showing that much jungle bush to a doctor or hospital nurse is a thought more embarrassing than most of us can take.

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are not recommended during pregnancy because there have been no real studies about potential effects on your unborn baby.  (See: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hairremoval.htm)

You could salon wax. But that means getting on a table in a compromising and uncomfortable position (epically for the more-pregnant woman - flat on your back is NOT comfortable). And then there is the potentially-embarrassing exposure to yet another stranger. Also, trips to a salon are time-consuming and expensive on top of that.

We would say that waxing at home is NOT suggested. Forgetting for a moment that you can't really see below your belly-button after a certain point--- Once you put on the wax, there is no going back. So if it hurts like hell to pull at your extremely sensitized skin -- well, too bad. You've got to finish the job or walk around with your thighs wax-glued to your underwear.

Of course, there is the option of depilatory creams. But they can irritate sensitive skin (common during pregnancy) and they also involve a certain amount of commitment. You need to get naked, apply (which again involves seeing below your belly-button), wait for allotted time, then rinse off. And hope it doesn't rub or run into your hoo-ha by accident.

SO! We recommend an epilator. They've come a long way on the ouch-factor since our teen years.

You can pick up a Remington Smooth & Silky Body Curve Epilator at your local Walgreens for approximately $25.00 (prices vary regionally). We won't lie to you-- it still hurts at first.  But no more than waxing. And you can use it standing up, sitting down, however, where-ever on your own time at your own pace. It works, it's inexpensive and it can be used in the privacy of your own home. What's better than that?

xoxo
Amalou Skin

Summer is coming-- Time to ramp-up your SPF routine.

As spring turns into summer, it's time to "spring clean" our beauty routine as well.  Cosmetics containing SPF in them are wonderful for use in winter months, but now that the sun is stronger it's time to ramp-up your protection as well. During stronger-sun months you should use an actual Sunscreen.

First, you likely need to go out and buy yourself some new SPF. The average shelf-life for sunscreen is about 1.5 years.

After cleansing and using a toner/and or moisturizer, wait a couple of minutes for those products to sink in and then apply your sunscreen.

Here are some other things to consider:

* If your skin is acne-prone or oily, try a lightweight lotion or liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Spray-on sunscreens are also a good option and can be re-applied over make-up without messing up your "look".


* Everyone should use a sunscreen of at least 30, that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.


* If you suffer from melasma, than you should also consider using an SPF that contains physical blockers, like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Regular use of SPF will help your other melasma treatment products to be more effective. Melasma is made worse with sun-exposure so one of the best things in your beauty arsenal is to use plenty of sunscreen and of course, a hat.

* A recent study found that there might (we stress might) be a link between skin cancer and a common sunscreen ingredient, Retinyl Palmitate (a combination of Vitamin A and palmitic acid). So consider avoiding sunscreens that contain this ingredient.   (See: http://www.ewg.org/release/nih-panel-links-vitamin-sunscreen-skin-tumors).

Whichever one you go with, layer it on and have a great Summer!
xoxo
Amalou Skin

This Spring, Be An Egg-Head.

Eggs are cheap and easy to make. Anyone can boil and egg, even us. And they're a super-food, especially for our pregnant gals. Eggs are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein.

Eggs promote cell growth (as cells are made of protein) and eggs enriched with omega-3 fats help vision and brain development in your baby's growing little body.

Plus eggs are relatively low-choleric but satisfying... So go ahead, create your Einstein and eat an egg!

You can also use eggs to make a very good home-remedy face mask for oily or blemished skin:

1 egg yolk;
1.2 tablespoons ground oats (oatmeal);
1/2 teaspoon almond oil;
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
In a blender: Beat the egg. Add oats, lemon juice and then almond oil. Apply mixture to skin and let it dry. Wash off with warm water and then follow with cold water to close pores.

xoxo Amalou Skin.

Thought when you were done with being a teenager, you were done with blemishes? Think again.

Adults can develop blemished skin later in life for many reasons: stress-induced hormones; pregnancy-induced hormones; childbirth, menopause; or stopping the pill.

Cleansing your face alone will not clear up blemished skin... But keeping your skin clean with a wash and/or toner are first important steps in clearing dirt and oil build-up out of pores, which can lead to break-outs.  Exfoliating your skin is also imperative to get rid of dead skin cells which can mix with dirt and also clog pores.

And keeping your skin moisturized is vital. Dehydrated skin produces a greater number of dead skin tissue on the surface of your face, which in turn, clogs pores.

But what about my wrinkles you ask? What to do about those?

Well, we thought of that too. That's why Amalou Skin™ was developed with anti-aging peptides and anti-oxidants like grape seed oil and green tea extract, as well as blemish fighting ingredients.

We believe your skincare should multi-task, just like you do.
xoxo Amalou Skin

Look What We Found!

Amalou Skin put grape seed extract in our Tonic because it containes polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. But grape seed extract also contains smaller levels of Resveratrol.

We just read about a new pilot study that claims to have found a  reduction in acne lesions in patients treated with a resveratrol gel. (See: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (April edition)).

Of course, to truely determine resveratrol’s potential acne fighting power, more research is needed.  But it looks like Amalou Skin, and grape seed extract users everywhere, are on the right track!

xoxo Amalou Skin

(For more information on the study see: www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?id=4117; Article Source; http://EzineArticles.com/1922825)

Hey Stretch!

Exercise is good for you, of course. But we're not going to tell you to do it. It's a personal choice and we'll leave it at that.

However, if you're pregnant (or otherwise), we will say that stretching feels good. And yoga feels better. It's not going to give you a Hollywood Body, but it will give you the ability to walk down the block or up a flight of stairs without painful waddling (or at least not as much).

We found this video really helpful: Yoga Journal's Prenatal Yoga (put out by GAIAM, it can be found on Amazon.com). Instructor Shiva Rea, and demonstrator Poppy, are human-looking pregnant women and so are the other participants. No one in here is going to make you feel bad about yourself for not looking more lean, mean or put together... just the opposite... they make you feel like you look exactly how you should... beautifully, humanly pregnant.

And the routine is easy - again, this video is to get you more flexible - to stretch - not to sweat. If you're looking for a hardcore workout, this is not it. But if you are looking for some peaceful time, just for you, and the ability to touch your toes again, even for just a second, well - check it out.

xoxo Amalou Skin

What's Your Score?

Did you know that benzoyl peroxide scores a 7 and so does salicylic acid? Even Willow Bark scores a 7.

What is this score business you ask? It's the scoring system created by the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database. The scoring goes from 0-10, 0 being the least hazardous, 10 being the most toxic.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that specializes in environmental research in many areas of advocacy including toxic chemicals and agricultural subsidies. As stated on their website, the mission of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is "to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment." www.ewg.org/about

What is the Skin Deep Database you ask? The Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products, created by EWG researchers. The Database looks at thousands of products and their toxicity levels (or lack thereof). It is a great consumer resource.  Research a product name or just an ingredient--to help determine whether you want to use it.    (See: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/)

When we heard rumors about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid being unsafe to use during pregnancy, we hit the Skin Deep Database just to check it out, and that's what we found.

But what's a girl to do now that pretty much ALL of the products previously used in the arsenal to combat blemishes is now ruled out? Well, create our own of course.

And that's what we did. We created the Amalou Skin line using some star ingredients: Azelaic acid scores a 1; Tea-tree oil scores a 1, Hydrogen Peroxide scores a 3, Chamomile scores a 0.

Amalou Skin--Expecting Beautifully.

And Away We Go....

We are on this journey together..

It started during our pregnancies, when we were frustrated with feeling... well honestly, ...ugly--blemished like a teenager and just as self-conscious-- and at THE time when everyone wants to glow.

That got our curious minds churning: why aren't there more options out there in skincare (and everything else) for pregnant women --or just the woman who is generally conscious (health and otherwise)?

So we created Amalou Skin for us and for you. We hope you will join us on this road to seeking the best balance for our skin, health, minds -- four ourselves, for our families and for our lives.