Hello and welcome to all our new subscribers since the last issue. Summer is almost officially here and I'm just back from a wonderful Memorial Day weekend music festival - my first of several summer outings to come. Outdoor events like these can really take a toll on one's skin -- from sun-kissed shoulders, noses and necks, to beat up feet from kicking around in sandals, to dirt under your fingernails and between your toes! It's a good reminder of the importance of taking care of our tender and sometimes neglected parts.

With Father's Day just around the corner, I'm reminded of how much this applies to men as well as women, especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors -- whatever the occasion or attraction may be. Though they may be less inclined to think about it, they have skin challenges too. Could some of the favorite men in your life use a little help in that department? If so then you'll appreciate the tips and suggestions in this week's article on giving the gift of healthy skin for Father's Day.

Yours in health and prosperity,

Donya

FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL

Take $15 OFF Any Purchase of $50 or more.

For Father's Day Give the Gift of Healthy Skin from Head to Toe

Every summer we're faced with the challenge of what to get the men in our lives for Father's Day. Instead of the usual collection of cliché items like silk ties, power tools, a barbecue set or accessories for his car, why not consider another alternative: natural grooming products.

Most men don't like to think of themselves as "metrosexuals" (the popular term coined to describe men who like to go to spas or otherwise indulge in various forms of self-grooming). Nevertheless, men have skincare challenges that can be addressed and resolved with some guidance and a little push in the right direction. A nice collection of natural plant-based skin and body products along with a few natural grooming tools might be just the thing to put him on the path to smoother, softer, and healthier skin.

You can add your personal touch to it by typing or handwriting some of the simple instructions and tips below, and turning them into a small pamphlet or enclosure that you can include with the products you've selected.

Shaving: A Man's Biggest Challenge

A man's facial skin takes a lot of abuse due to the need for frequent shaving. It's been said that a man shaves his face and neck over 20,000 times during the course of a lifetime, and how he does this makes all the difference in the quality and appearance of his skin. Using a razor without proper preparation and lubrication can lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs --a common problem for many men.

Here are some tips for a cleaner closer shave and healthier skin:

1. Always shave during or after a hot shower, never before. Use hot water when you shave as it softens facial hair, opens pores, and cleanses the skin.

1. Use a moisturizing oil or blend of oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, high-oleic safflower or sunflower to protect and lubricate the skin prior to shaving. Rub a small amount in the palms of your hand and massage upwards into your beard to soften the hairs and ensure a protective coat is applied to the skin. The oil provides a thin layer of protection to the skin and allows the blade to glide more easily without removing or damaging too much of it --a leading cause of irritation and razor burn.

1. Use a razor with 3 blades and a swivel head and start by shaving with the grain (meaning the same direction that the whiskers grown in). This minimizes the risk of scratching the skin, which typically happens when shaving against the grain. Be aware of the pressure you're exerting and use a light stroke. Check to see if hair on your neck grows in the same direction as the hair on your face, otherwise change the direction of the blade to go with the grain.

1. Lather up with a shaving brush made from soft natural bristles and a shaving cream made with lubricants like glycerin, and essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender or clove whose antiseptic and healing properties can prevent irritation and speed up healing of nicks and cuts. You can also use a natural liquid soap or body wash in a foaming dispenser to create a nice lather.

1. Change your blade every 3-5 uses --more often if you have a coarse beard. For an extra-close shave, make sure you re-lather after your first pass, and then shave lightly against the grain. Doing this without lathering can irritate and damage your skin.

1. Use a moisturizer that's hydrating and rich in antioxidants. This can be a cream or lotion made from plant oils like extra virgin olive (EVOO), virgin coconut, grape seed, golden jojoba, or a combination of these oils. Products that contain herbal extracts or infusions like calendula, chamomile, mallow root, and comfrey can speed cell regeneration and healing in addition to protecting the skin.

1. Avoid products, especially aftershaves, made with alcohol, perfumes, synthetic fragrances or dyes as these can dry out the skin, or irritate it even more. Try a hydrosol, aromatherapy mister (especially one made with a hydrosol), or herbal toner made with witch hazel or cucumber extract.

Overexposed or Sun Damaged Skin

Some of the latest research in this area indicates that many of the antioxidants found in vitamins and botanicals when added to the skin AND taken orally - can significantly boost the skin's natural UV-filtering properties while enhancing its defenses against free radical formation.

1. To clean up skin that's already damaged use skin care products that are rich in antioxidants like Vitamins C & E and Green Tea extract. Jojoba, coconut, and olive oils are excellent ingredients to look for when seeking antioxidants and other deeply restorative properties.

1. For ongoing protection, increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants either through diet or supplementation. Be sure to consume carotenoids like Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin, which are found naturally in green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, corn, and eggs. Enhance your body's ability to properly utilize these nutrients by eliminating trans-fats and reducing consumption of saturated fats. Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) through flaxseed or fish oil supplements, to help balance and regulate excessively oily skin.

1. Don't overdo it with the sunscreens because they impede your body's natural ability to synthesize Vitamin D --a vital nutrient that can protect you from common cancers like prostate or colon cancer. Because SPF ratings are notoriously unreliable don't depend on sunscreens as your only form of protection. Whenever possible choose sun blocks like zinc and titanium dioxide over chemical sunscreens.

Hard-to-Reach and Often Neglected Spots

Lips, cuticles, elbows, knees and feet are usually the most neglected parts of a man's body so don't forget to include some of these items in your gift set:

1. Petroleum-free lip balms to keep lips hydrated and soft --especially when exposed to the elements.

1. A protective and emollient balm for elbows, knees, and heels (and even cuticles). One made with herbal extracts, olive oil, and/or shea butter will work wonders. For cracked skin use Tea tree essential oil which can be applied directly to the skin and is an excellent first aid assistant.

1. Exfoliating salt or sugar scrubs can help slough off dead skin cells and soften skin on cuticles, elbows, knees, heels, and feet.

Copyright 2010 Dropwise Essentials

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Donya Fahmy, is a green business owner and the creator of Dropwise Essentials' spa-quality aromatherapy body products that help you safely relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or simply manage your emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. For more free tips and valuable information visit www.dropwise.com and subscribe to the Dropwise Health & Beauty News Ezine or blog feed.

If you enjoy the articles in this newsletter then be sure to visit our blog The Aroma Zone for even more valuable articles, practical tips, and helpful resources on Aromatherapy, Health & Beauty, and Greener & Better Living. You can access the blog any time by clicking on the links to the Aroma Zone found throughout our site. If you don't want to miss anything then you can subscribe to the RSS Feed and all new posts will be sent to you via email.

Please feel free to post comments. Your feedback is always welcome. If you have a burning question about something send it in an email to feedback@dropwise.com.

Dropwise Essentials is a San Francisco-based manufacturer of pure aromatherapy and organic plant-based personal care products that give people a safe and effective way to relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or manage their emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. Our products are:

• Free of synthetic chemicals and petroleum ingredients
• Made with high quality certified organic oils and pure essential oils sourced from around the world
• Packaged in re-usable or recyclable materials
• Hand-made locally in northern California

Dropwise Essentials was founded by Donya Fahmy, a writer, producer, and consultant whose avid interest in the curative powers of aromatherapy and herbs ultimately led her to design and create the seven products and seventeen unique essential oil blends that make up the current Dropwise product line. She has studied aromatherapy with Carol Schiller - a successful author of several aromatherapy books - and with Dr. Daniel Penoel - a renowned expert in the field of medical aromatherapy.

Dropwise Essentials is a proud member of the Indie Beauty Network (formerly the Handmade Beauty Network), the Green America Business Network (formerly Co-op America), Green Product Alliance, Natural Ingredient Resource Center, and a Friend of PETA. We were among the first companies to join the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by signing their Compact for Safe Cosmetics – which simply formalizes our existing commitment to formulate products free of known or potentially toxic ingredients.