The abundance of healing plants and other substances available to us from God’s green earth is amazing! This is definitely true when it comes to how herbs, fruits, and other natural substances can help the skin. But did you know that these substances can also help balance your mood at the biochemical level? 

When a natural substance can help make you look younger on the outside and lift your spirits, then it really is a superstar in my book. 

Healing Plant Essences Are Absorbed Through the Skin

You may be familiar with teas and supplements that contain substances like Lion’s Mane, valerian, or St. John’s Wort, which help the mind relax and focus. But can natural substances really assist “on the inside” while at the same time helping skin be more vibrant than ever before?

The short answer is yes– And here’s how. 

The first way is through absorption by way of the skin. “You are what you eat,” as the saying goes. But your body and mind can also be affected by whatever comes into contact with your skin. According to experts, the skin soaks up about 60% of all substances with which it comes in contact!

Whether it be an organic extract or a harmful toxin, once a substance is absorbed, it can then make its way to the bloodstream to either heal or cause harm. Conventional doctors know this, which is why many medications, such as prescription opioids, are administered this way. 

Many of the plant essences that are in Charlís products are in essential oil form. Because essential oils are concentrated, when you put them on your skin in the form of a high-quality, ToxicFree® skincare product like Charlís, they are going to have more of the “good stuff” in them that can rebuild collagen, protect the skin, and regenerate skin cells. They are also going to have more of the substances that can boost your mood and calm the nervous system.

Aromatherapy

Oils and extracts are another reason why high-quality skincare like Charlís can help to boost your mood. Essential oils are effective not only because they are concentrated, but also because of their scent. Healing the body and mind through the olfactory senses is called aromatherapy, and a key component to its success for you lies in phytonutrients called terpenes. 

Terpenes give certain plants like citrus, rosemary, and even berries their signature “aroma.” Terpenes are developed naturally in these plants as a defense mechanism to ward off intruders like insects and fungi. As such, they are also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, which is a huge boon for your skin!

Another major characteristic of most terpenes lies in their molecular structure, which is small enough to move past the blood-brain barrier. According to a 2013 study at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China, the “inhalation of essential oils can communicate signals to the olfactory system and stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and dopamine) thereby further regulating mood.” 

A review conducted by researchers from Russia, Malaysia, and Australia takes this concept a step further. They hypothesize that utilizing aromatherapy and topical essential oil formulas is an integral part of maintaining brain health as we age. 

“Cognitive stimulation with medical food and medical herbs could delay development of cognitive decline  and improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s disease patients,” the researchers wrote in a 2019 report for the journal Neural Regeneration Research. “This effect can be enhanced if combined with aromatherapy, topically or by inhalation, and/or by ingestion.”

In a nutshell, high-quality, wild harvested, organic and ToxicFree® essential oils and extracts like the ones found in all Charlís products have a proven track record when it comes to helping the body as well as balancing the brain, calming the nervous system, and uplifting mood. Now let’s take a look at a few examples!

The Power of Citrus

There are more than a few reasons why I have put some type of citrus essence in every single one of the products in the Charlís facial care line– and it’s not just because I absolutely love the scent (which I do). 

Not only is citrus packed with skin-healing, collagen-building, and sun-protecting vitamin C; it also contains one of the most anti-inflammatory and brain balancing phytonutrients around: limonene.

Limonene is a terpene that is concentrated especially in the rind of any citrus fruit. It is unique in that it both calms the nervous system and uplifts the spirit. In fact, researchers have known about the mood-balancing power of citrus (and limonene) for decades. A clinical trial conducted at the Mie University School of Medicine in Japan was among the first to publicly proclaim that citrus essential oil can both help lift a person out of a depressive state and boost the immune system. 

“The treatment with citrus fragrance normalized neuroendocrine hormone levels and immune function and was rather more effective than antidepressants,” wrote the authors way back in 1995.

Orange

Orange oil in particular can help lower feelings of anxiety, according to research. One randomized controlled trial published in the journal Advanced Biomedical Research found that orange essential oil helped to biochemically lower stress levels in children going through a dental procedure. 

Essential oils of sweet orange (citrus aurantium dulcis) can be found in all of the Charlís Collection facial products except the Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum. Mandarin Orange (citrus reticulata) is present in the Breath of Life Face Serum, the Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum, and the Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.

Grapefruit 

Grapefruit oil contains terpenes pinene, citronellol, and myrcene, which can both uplift depressive states and help to balance hunger and satiety hormones. Grapefruit oil is naturally high in antioxidants and phytochemicals that reduce oxidative stress and disease-causing inflammation. Many of grapefruit essential oil’s benefits are due to one of its main constituents called limonene. 

Limonene is known to be a tumor-fighting, cancer-preventative phytochemical that protects DNA and cells from damage. In addition to limonene, grapefruit essential oil contains other powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C, myrcene, terpinene, pinene and citronellol.

Bergamot 

An in vivo study published by Brazilian researchers in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that bergamot oil lowered anxiety more effectively than pharmaceutical drugs and also helped with insomnia (with zero signs of toxicity). Other evidence suggests that bergamot oil can help reduce fatigue.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris): A Humble Culinary Herb with a Big Effect on Mood

For evidence that the terpenes found in plant essences really can affect our chemistry, you don’t need to look any further than the humble thyme plant. This strong-smelling culinary herb has been used as far back as ancient Greece and Egypt for its anti-inflammatory properties, its benefits for respiratory health, and its antibacterial properties.

Thyme can also have a noticeable effect on mood because of one of its main phytonutrients called carvacrol (also found in oregano, bergamot, and other pungent plants). Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid that has the ability to elevate production of both dopamine and serotonin. The 2013 in vivo study found that carvacrol significantly affected neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex after just seven days of administration. 

Canadian Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium)

Canadian Willowherb is most known for its benefits for the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial, making it a superstar for clearing up acne. What is not well-known about this plant (which is sometimes called burnt weed or fire weed) is that it also contains a plethora of brain-nourishing vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is particularly vital for brain functioning and development and is a requirement for the creation of many hormonal substances such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Studies indicate that B6 is also necessary for the production of precursors to these substances, in particular GABA. Adequate B6 can help to balance out feelings of depression and anxiety and can also uplift energy to combat fatigue.

Rhodochrosite: The “Love” Mineral

Last but definitely not least on our list of mood-lifting natural substances is rhodochrosite. You won’t find this substance hanging from a tree or growing roots, however. This is because rhodochrosite is a very special (and beautiful) mineral that is known for its healing properties on all levels. 

While conventional studies are still in their infancy for this pink-colored gem, it currently has been getting a lot of attention for what it can do to lower inflammation and provide antioxidant protection for the skin. What the ancients have also utilized this graceful mineral for throughout the centuries, however, is emotional healing. Rhodochrosite is said to help cultivate feelings of  self-nurturing and self-love, with developing compassion and non-judgement, and for calming anxiety and stress overall. It is known as the “love stone” — and for good reason!

Heal Your Skin and Lift Your Mood with CHARLÍS!

All of the natural substances mentioned above have the ability to restore pH, hydrate, brighten, and bring light and love to the face and the skin overall. What makes them even more amazing is that they can also do this for your mood!

I encourage you to experience these wild-harvested plant extracts and essential oils that are found only in Charlís one-of-a-kind products. Feel the ToxicFree® difference and the high-quality efficacy and soothing luxury that only Charlís can deliver!

Do a quick scroll of the ingredients in the Charlís Collection products and you will discover that they all contain citrus. 

Why? 

The reason is simple– and remarkable! When it comes to achieving beautiful, age-defying skin, nothing compares to the power of citrus. From clearing up wrinkles to lifting mood, citrus fruits seem to have it all!

Citrus 101 

Citrus fruits come in a variety of different types, with one estimation putting the number of different types of oranges alone at over 400. Whatever the variety, all citrus can be characterized by their pulpy centers that are segmented into different distinct segments surrounded by a thick rind. And while the inner fruit contains juice and pulp that is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it is the rind that contains supercharged, fragrant, terpene-heavy oils that are most beneficial to the skin. 

Citrus Fruits and Your Body

Did you know that one regular-sized grapefruit contains about 99% of the US FDA Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for a healthy adult? We all know that vitamin C is good for us—our bodies need it for immune health,  cellular health, and collagen production (more on that later).  Fruits like lemon, orange, and grapefruit contain some of the highest vitamin C contents available. 

Besides vitamin C, here are some other health benefits of citrus fruits: 

• The aroma of citrus can boost your mood. 

• Citrus can reduce inflammation. 

• Citrus can help your immune system. 

• Citrus fruits can reduce your risk of kidney stones. 

• Consuming citrus fruits can help you prevent cancer. 

Citrus Fruits and Your Skin 

Now let’s get down to the reason why you wanted to read this article in the first place!  How can citrus fruits help the look, feel, and health of your skin? Hold on to your seatbelt because you are going to be amazed!

Like I mentioned above, the age-defying and skin strengthening power of citrus is going to come mainly from the specific citrus oils found in the rind. These oils contain super-potent phytonutrients in the form of terpenes. 

Terpenes are responsible for the aromatic properties of rich-smelling plants. Citrus certainly falls into this category as do other pungent whole foods like basil, frankincense, peppermint, and even some kinds of berries. Terpenes’ purpose within a plant is protection since strong odors often tell grazing and foraging animals as well as microorganisms like pathogenic fungi and bacteria to stay away. 

All terpenes also carry anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-pathogenic properties. The presence of the terpene limonene especially makes them anti-skin cancer agents, according to research. Citrus peel use is associated with reduced risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Four Superpower Citrus Oils for Supercharged Skin 

All Charlís flagship products contain the healing properties of citrus oil. Let’s take a look: 

Citrus Aurantium Dulci , aka “Sweet Orange” 

Citrus aurantium dulci is also known as “sweet orange.” This is the same basic fruit that you would typically find at your local grocery store. Why is this kind of orange oil so healthy for skin? 

The research tells the tale. 

First of all, sweet orange oil can be a gentle exfoliator while at the same time moisturizing the skin and protecting it from the sun. Sweet orange rind also contains high levels of compounds called AHAs. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. Naturally occurring AHAs have been shown to help with acne, to balance out hyperpigmentation, and to help smooth away scarring. 

Sweet orange oil also has skin-strengthening effects, and this has everything to do with vitamin C. C is a key element for collagen and elastin synthesis as well as a major player in the process of protein regeneration. Finally, the peel of the sweet orange contains carotenoids. It is the carotenoid content in orange oil that is thought to give your skin that healthy “glow.” 

Citrus Reticulata, aka Mandarin Orange 

Mandarin oranges are also known as Citrus reticulata. You may also recognize a common mandarin variety called the clementine (or “Little Cuties” as it says on the package)  at your local grocery store.Besides all the amazing benefits mentioned above, mandarin orange oil has also been shown to possess specific anti-aging properties related to the phytonutrients within the rind. 

An Indian research team discovered that citrus reticulata varieties contain higher levels of various compounds, including Polymethoxyflavones, which are known known for their anti-wrinkling and anti-aging effects. 

Citrus Paradisi, aka Grapefruit

Now let’s move on to grapefruit. If you are part of the dedicated grapefruit-for-breakfast crowd, then you probably already know what the juice and pulp of this bittersweet fruit can do for immune health, blood sugar levels, heart health, the digestive system, the kidneys, and more. But did you know that grapefruit extract oil can also be healthy for your skin?

Again, the vitamin C content in grapefruit makes it a winner for lowering inflammation and protecting against sun damage as well as for skin strengthening. But C isn’t the only reason why grapefruit oil can be beneficial. The rind of the grapefruit also contains high levels of antioxidant-rich terpenes including limonene, citronellol, myrcene, pinene, and terpinene. 

Grapefruit seed also contains specific AHAs like tartaric, malic, and citric acid which have been shown to help with skin elasticity. 

Citrus Aurantium Bargamia, aka Bergamot 

Finally, we come to the amazing bright green fruit known as bergamot or “sour orange.” You may know of bergamot as the main ingredient in earl gray tea, but that is not all this pungent citrus is good for. 

Bergamot has all the good stuff that other citrus has but while most citrus such as lemon and orange have an uplifting effect on the nervous system, bergamot is known for being one of the most calming essential oils for the nervous system.  

A pilot study conducted in 2017 by dōTERRA International and Brigham Young University monitored mood levels of women in the waiting room at a local mental health treatment facility. They found that a mere 15 minutes of exposure to a bergamot essential oil inhalant improved their mood by close to 20% (compared to a control group). Based on their findings, the researchers commented that “bergamot essential oil aromatherapy can be an effective adjunct treatment to improve individuals’ mental health and well‐being.” 

The Charlís Collection: For Luxury, Beauty, and the Health of Your Skin!

Charlís is absolutely committed to providing you with gorgeous, luxurious skin products that are also 100% safe in every way. This is why we go a step further to make sure that each product passes the ToxinFree © test before it goes to you. For more information about the ToxicFree © label that appears on every bottle in the Charlís collection, click HERE. 

The refreshing, exhilarating, and protective effects of orange and grapefruit. The soothing, relaxing benefits of bergamot. And 100% gluten free, wild harvested, all natural, sustainably sourced, and made in the USA. Most importantly, all Charlís products are stamped with the ToxinFree© seal of approval so that you know your luxury beauty formula is more than just a cosmetic. It is a healing tool for your skin and your life!

Who doesn’t love to bask in the sunshine on a sweet spring or summer day? I’ll be the first to admit that I do! And yet, the sad fact is that in the US today, roughly one in five adults will develop some kind of skin cancer by the time they reach age 70.

Hold on a minute though. Before you jump out of that lawn chair or put on your parka at the beach, too much sun isn’t the only reason (or even the main reason) for such high numbers. There are many other factors besides too much sun exposure that can create skin cancer, including a weakened immune system caused by poor diet as well as poor lifestyle choices. 

If you have been diagnosed, the good news is that skin cancer is the most treatable kind of cancer. About 99% of individuals who detect skin cancer early will still be alive at the 5-year mark. And if you don’t have skin cancer and want to prevent it, just a little bit of insight and action now can help you never have to worry about it affecting you.

Three Types of Skin Cancer 

Since the 1990s, there have been more new skin cancer cases than cases of prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer combined. Skin cancer in general is by far the most prevalent kind of cancer out there. There are actually three different basic types of skin cancer: 

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It occurs when DNA damage happens to skin cells and this damage goes unchecked and unrepaired by the immune system. Eventually, malignant tumors form that can grow and spread fairly rapidly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 10,000 individuals succumb to this form of skin cancer annually.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that happens when DNA-damaged, mutated cells begin to grow in the middle and upper layers of the skin. Technically, SCC can develop wherever there are squamous type cells, including in the skin, GI tract, the cornea area of the eye, in the soft tissues, and in the endothelium layers of both organs and soft tissue. Squamous cells lie close together in these areas since their main job is to form a layer of protection against threats from the outside environment. While there are about one million SCC diagnoses each year, the vast majority of them do not end in morbidity when they are detected and treated early. SCC is easily recognized if present on the surface of the skin since the cancer will form “rat-bite” open sores that look like popped blisters or raised points surrounding a central hole. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer. It is also the most common form of any kind of cancer. It settles on the topmost layer of skin, i.e. the epidermis. This form of cancer specifically targets the “basal” skin cells. The job of basal skin cells is to produce fresh skin cells as older ones die off. Sometimes BCCs can look like nondescript bumps on the skin. In other cases, they appear as open sores or red patches. The good news is that, for most people, BCCs do not spread past the original area where the tumor first began to grow. However, a lot of other factors can play a part in metastasis, including overall immune health. If not dealt with, basal cancer cells can burrow deep into tissue and bone where they can go on to affect other parts of the body. There are about three million cases of BCC annually, according to a report put out by Yale University.

5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Skin Cancer Now 

You can begin now to lessen your chances of getting skin cancer, no matter what your age or situation. Here are 5 simple steps to help you get started: 

1 | Know your risk factors. 

According to major studies conducted at MD Anderson School of Medicine and elsewhere, cancer in general is a preventable disease that is largely caused by poor lifestyle habits, stress and unresolved trauma, poor diet, and other factors such as smoking or prolonged sedentariness. That being said, the ways in which specific kinds of skin cancers develop within a body is a unique process that will be different for each person. Here are a few lifestyle-related and other factors that could put you at increased risk for skin cancer: 

• You have had repeated sun burns. 
• You spend a lot of time in the sun without protection (no matter what your skin color) 
• You have had radiation exposure, including radiation treatment for cancer. 
• You have a weakened immune system. 
• You have been exposed to arsenic. 
• You have long-time exposure to high EMF radiation such as SMART meters, cellphones towers, or Wi-Fi routers.
• You use a tanning bed regularly. 
• You have the precancerous condition actinic keratosi
• You have a history of HPV
• You have had certain kinds of vaccines
• You have low collagen levels (especially Type VII)
• You are over 70 years of age
• You have a vitamin C deficiency or insufficiency
• You have fair-skin, light colored eyes or blond or red hair
• You take are taking certain kinds of medications, especially those for the thyroid and immunosuppressants  
• You live in a sunny or high-altitude area 
• You have a lot of freckles or moles 
• You have a family history of skin cancer
• Your occupation exposes you to sun or radiation (or puts you at risk of any of the above)

I know the above list represents situations that can affect a lot of people. That is why taking action towards prevention should be everyone’s concern. 

2 | Protect Yourself Safely When You Are in the Sun 

Did you know that having 5 or more sunburns could double your risk for melanoma?

I will be the first to tell you that there are so many good things that come from getting out into the sunshine, not the least of which is vitamin D synthesis (link to the other article?)! On the other hand, a lot of bad can come from too much exposure, especially when you are not protected. 

Don’t worry, I’ll go into all you will ever need to know about sunscreens in the next section. What I will say, however, is that there are a lot of safe ways to protect yourself that don’t involve slathering yourself with nasty chemicals. Some ways include: 

• wearing a sun hat 
• wearing sunglasses
• wearing a light cotton overshirt and/or pants
• moving yourself into the shade after about 20 minutes of exposure if you cannot get to any of the above 
• wearing safe, non-toxic sunscreen (like I said, more on that later!)

3 | Boost Your Immune System

Remember that huge list of risk factors for skin cancer I went through in #1? One of them was a weak immune system. The good news is that taking concrete action to boost immunity can significantly lower your risk of skin cancer (and any other type of cancer as well). 

So just how can you do that? There are so many ways– too many to go into in this article. In a nutshell, however, your immunity can significantly improve when you start with these three basic first steps:

1 | Improve your diet, especially by cutting the sugary and processed foods and increasing healthy fruits and green leafy as well as cruciferous vegetables.  

2 | Learn how to manage stress. The main reason for this is pretty straightforward. Higher stress levels raise cortisol in the body, which can in turn lead to systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and lower immune function.

3 | Get enough vitamin D. Start by getting your levels checked and making sure they are at least 30 n/ml. Even if you do spend a lot of time in the sun, you may still be suffering from the symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency. According to research, individuals who have D levels lower than 50 ng/ml have a higher risk of certain kinds of cancers. If you discover that you are low, consider supplementing with a quality D3/K2 product.

4 | Up Your Vitamin C! 

There are two very powerful ways that vitamin C can help you prevent skin cancer. Firstly, when you take vitamin C internally through food or supplementation, you are protecting yourself from any and all kinds of cancer. This is because this essential nutrient is designed to work inside the immune system to hunt out and destroy cancer cells. Vitamin C is also key for collagen synthesis in the skin and soft tissues. Getting enough vitamin C through food or internal supplementation can help boost collagen levels to increase skin health and strength. 

The other way C can be beneficial is externally. Topical vitamin C is increasingly being looked at as a way to not only block the harmful rays of the sun but also as a powerful restorer of balance and health for the epidermis, the dermis, and other layers of skin tissue. Research has shown that C can prevent sun damage, lower inflammation on the skin that can lead to acne, and improve the overall appearance and heath of the skin. A Japanese clinical trial found that when participants applied a topical containing vitamin C and magnesium to their dark spots, the majority experienced dramatic improvements. Other such studies on vitamin C alone or vitamin C in combination with vitamin E and/or ferulic acid were able to produce similar results. 

5 | Check Your Skin Regularly

Some kind of cancers can be easily detected by performing regular “self-checks.” Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation state that 99% of melanoma patients who make it to the 5-year survival rate do so because they detected it early. For those whose cancer has reached the lymph nodes, the statistical survival rate is 68%. And for those whose cancer has reached the organs, it is only 22%. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation has also put together an easy-to-remember rubric for how you can do your own self check from head to toe. While checking your skin, look for concentrated rashes, blemishes, moles, areas of discoloration, or lesions. When you find something that you want to examine further, use the “ABC” method:

“A” stands for Asymmetry. Using your imagination, draw a line down the middle of the area or blemish you are examining. If both halves are not completely identical (i.e., symmetrical), take note. This may be a sign of malignancy. 

“B” stands for Border. Take a look at the borders of the area in question. Normally, non-malignant moles, tags, and other blemishes will have smooth borders while malignant areas are often uneven or jagged in appearance. 

“C” stands for Color. The color of a blemish can be a telltale sign for malignancy. According to experts, skin cancers can be a variety of colors and are usually multicolored. Benign (non-cancerous) growths such as moles, tags, warts, and the like are usually one uniform color. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are other steps as well. “D” can stand for Diameter, i.e. larger moles and the like have a greater chance of being potential skin cancer. “E” can stand for Evolving. This is a reminder to keep an eye on those questionable markings. If they change shape, begin to itch, blister, or bleed or begin to cause pain, but sure to contact your doctor right away.

The Skinny on Sunscreen

We have all heard of the saying “you are what you eat.” The truth is—we are what we ingest in any way, including through our skin! 

When it comes to sunscreen, the most important thing to remember is to keep it clean, clean, clean. While it is absolutely important to protect skin from too much sun, many commercial sunscreens contain toxins that have been directly linked to reproductive cancers and more. 

Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals which mimic aggressive forms of estrogen (namely estradiol). They can be found in dozens of manufactured products, from plastic water bottles to carpet. And, yes, they are also found in most commercial, over the counter sunscreen products. 

A few of the most prevalent xenoestrogens found in sunscreens are Oxybenzone (Bp-3), Benzophenon, Methoxycinnate (OMC), 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC), and Padimate O (octyl-dimethyl-PABA or OD-PABA). To date, there have been several studies which have linked Oxybenzone in particular to reproductive system issues. A 2016 meta-analysis of NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data from 2011-2012 found a direct connection between Oxybenzone and low testosterone levels in boys as well as endometriosis in girls. According to a recent report put out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, roughly 97% of all Americans 6 years old and up have some amount of Oxybenzone in their system.

New findings such as the ones above over the last decade has caused both consumers and forward-thinking lawmakers to take notice. As a result, the Sunscreen Protection Act of 2014 was passed in 2019.  Then the pandemic happened. Along with Covid came the CARES Act which, besides providing stimulus relief, also had interesting sunscreen-related wording attached to it. Long story short, while there has been some headway made in streamlining testing for new sun protection products through the passage of the corresponding Sunscreen Innovation Act of 2019, the actual list of ingredients that the FDA deems “safe” for consumers—those nasty xenoestrogens I just mentioned— did not change at the federal level.

Of the thousands of potentially harmful chemicals to be found in skin care products in general, a mere 13% have actually made it to the testing floor to be analyzed for safety. And some of the most harmful ingredients out there are still within commercial sunscreen products. 

My advice? Stay away from these products completely! Instead, choose all natural products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most all-natural sunscreens will contain these two ingredients as well as possibly vitamin C, aloe, vitamin D, ferulic acid, and other organic ingredients that will be able to  protect and heal your skin. 

I Was Just Diagnosed. What Should I Do? 

More than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with various kinds of skin cancer every day.

If this is you, there is some really good news. As I mentioned before, skin cancer in general has a very high survival rate if detected and dealt with early on. If you do not catch or address it, however, it can spread quickly and be fatal. 

Just like with any cancer, if you are diagnosed, the best course of action is to take it seriously and be proactive. Connect with an integrated oncologist or NMD right away who can help you through the process of healing in a way that feels right for you. 

The main thing is to do your research and remember that, besides God, you are the one who is ultimately in control of your own healing. As with any cancer diagnosis, I encourage you to “go within and go to God” for guidance. Step into prayer, meditation, and reflection to get both clarity and peace about your situation and the best course of action for you. Then, consider all the advice you have been given (expert advice and from others) and take the action that feels right for you for your own good health!  

If you do decide to work with your body to heal skin cancer naturally, there are a lot of natural substances, creams, lotions, tinctures, and phytonutrients that have proven to help. Above all, be sure to keep these three modalities in your skin cancer toolbox: 

1 | Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh can work hand in hand to destroy skin cancer cells. Both oils have been used since biblical times and were considered as valuable (if not more valuable) than gold because of their healing properties. Current research has found that when both oils were used against basal cancer cells, they work in tandem to induce apoptosis.

Frankincense in particular has been shown to lower inflammatory levels when taken internally as well. For internal use, be sure to use organic supplement grade. For topical use, combine both frankincense and myrrh essential oils with a carrier such as coconut or jojoba oil. 

2 | Eggplant Extract 

Odd as it may sound, several studies have found that extract taken from eggplant, or aubergine, can significantly help reverse tumor growth on the skin. The reason has to do with a phytonutrient called solasodine glycoside found in this nightshade vegetable. 

Research indicates that solasodine glycoside can be effective for early-stage skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell, and keratosis (a precancerous condition). Some studies have also proven the effectiveness of certain topical creams that contain the eggplant-derived glycoside. In fact, the efficacy of eggplant phytonutrients to help with  malignant and premalignant skin lesions has been known by researchers since the early 1990’s.

3 | Black Raspberry Seed Oil 

Last on our short list of must-have natural products for skin cancer is black raspberry seed oil. Besides eggplant, black raspberry has the most evidence-based research to back it up as a true cancer killer. According to an in vivo study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, a topical black raspberry seed cream was able to significantly reduce cancer growth in squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, a 2016 meta-analysis of past black raspberry seed clinical trials found that not only was black raspberry effective in catalyzing cell apoptosis for skin cancer, it was also beneficial for oral, esophageal, colon, and breast cancer.

Skin Cancer: The Most Prominent Type of Cancer (and the Easiest to Heal and Prevent)

There are so many things that can raise the risk of skin cancer these days that it is safe to assume that pretty much everyone is at risk. That being said, recent research as well as thousands of success stories all over the world has also proven without a shadow of a doubt that even the most dangerous form (melanoma) has a phenomenally high success rate for survival and complete recovery. The key, however, is to discover the cancer early and then take action. 

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, know that there are dozens of natural phytonutrients, in both internal and topical form, that can help you. If you persist and practice healthy anti-cancer living as well, there is an over-the-top chance that you are going to come out of the experience not only cancer free, but with a greater level of health than ever before!

If your focus is on prevention, make sure that you check your skin regularly, keep up with your immune health, protect yourself safely from too much sun, and put into place practices to keep stress low. 

As the cool weather turns to spring and summer with all its outdoor fun, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the rays of the sun and the outdoor goodness for your good health! Just be smart and proactive with prevention so that skin cancer never has to be a part of your reality now and into the future. 

Beauty is more than skin deep. We want you to love your skin, and the CHARLÍS line of luxury skin care products will help you feel confident in your healthy, beautiful, radiant skin. For information on how to order the best skin

care products on the market, please visit https://charlis.beauty/.

It may come as no surprise to you that most skin care products today are created using toxic ingredients. What may shock you, however, is how many of these products are labeled as “non-toxic.” 

How can this be? 

Read on to learn how you can be armed with awareness and know the difference between so-called “non-toxic” and truly ToxicFree© skin care products! 

Skin Care Chemicals 101: Isn’t There a Law Against That? 

Imagine you are a “modern” woman living in the year 1900. You don’t want to use your mother’s skincare routine, which typically consisted of lotions and tinctures made from home-grown ingredients whipped together in the kitchen sink. Instead, you want what all your friends also want: prepared and packaged skincare creams, lotion, and sprays available en masse for the first time ever. 

Now skip ahead roughly 40 years. It’s the 1930’s and a lot has changed. The Elizabeth Ardens and Helena Rubinsteins of skincare’s “pioneering days” have blossomed into dozens of products lining local pharmacy shelves. Along with variety comes more man-made ingredients. Consumer safety becomes a hot topic which eventually turns into legislation. 

The Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) was passed by Congress in 1938 and prohibited the sale of personal care products and cosmetics created with any “poisonous or deleterious substance” or any “filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance.”

Sounds like a great early start for consumer health and protection in the U.S., right? Well, not quite.

Fast-forward to 2023. The typical American woman uses roughly a dozen different personal care products per day. Inside each of those products are dozens of ingredients, many of which are toxic. 

What’s more, of the thousands of man-made, hazardous substances for use in personal care products and cosmetics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted a mere 11 over the course of the last 85 years. To this day, the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938 remains the only federal regulation by which the American personal care and cosmetic industry is required to abide.

The “Non-Toxic” Label: A Lesson in Vagueness 

It is within this bleak historic backdrop that the term “non-toxic” began to pop up on labels for everything from laundry detergent to skin lotion.

What exactly is “non-toxic” and who created it?

The term came into being by industry marketers in response to increasing consumer demand for safer, cleaner products. In general, it usually indicates an arbitrary set of harmful chemicals a company decides to leave out of the product. It does not, however, indicate what they may decide to leave in. In addition, there are no specific laws, regulations, or regulatory bodies that come along with a “non-toxic” label. It is left to each individual company to follow their own moral compass when it comes to defining what “non-toxic” means for them.

Proprietary laws also protect manufacturers from divulging specific ingredients to their consumers. Because of this loophole, most simply clump potentially harmful ingredients into other terms, especially the illusive word “fragrance” (or even “natural fragrance).” 

There are over 3,000 different chemical compounds available for commercial skin care manufacturers to choose from when making their name-brand “fragrances.” A report put out by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, in conjunction with the Environmental Working Group, found an average of 14 unlabeled chemicals in the ingredient called “fragrance” in the majority of name-brand skin care and cosmetic products.

What companies consider “toxic” (and thus may leave out of a product)  can be suspect as well. Most manufacturers use guidelines put forth by an organization called the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to determine which potentially “toxic” ingredients should be left out. According to the CPSC, a substance is considered toxic if it causes death within 14 days in more than 50% of the animals used to test it.

Let’s examine this a little further. 

Does this mean that if a substance causes death within 14 days for 48% of the population, or if a substance doesn’t cause death, but creates suffering and illness (that will eventually lead to early morbidity), it is considered safe by the CPSC? It would seem so. 

I don’t know about you, but in my book, any substance that creates a harmful effect (either short term or long term) in any life form should not be used in skin care products, period! 

“All Natural” and Other Labels

What about all the other labels we have become accustomed to seeing on skin care product labels, such as “natural, “100% natural,” “all natural,” or “organic?”  These designations are also made-up creations by industry marketing firms for the most part. According to the Environmental Working Group (E.W.G.), many products that have these labels have ingredients connected with neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and even cancer.

Here is a list of potentially meaningless, hype-driven terms to watch out for the next time you go shopping: 

• Natural /All natural / 100% natural 
• Organic  / 100% organic
• Certified Organic WITHOUT the official USDA/FDA seal
• Hypoallergenic 
• Botanical
• Firming
• Clean
• Patented Technology
• Instant Results
• Moisture Locking
• Anti-Aging/Age-Defying 
• Maximum or “Clinical” Strength 
• “For All Skin Types” 
• FDA Approved (FDA only approves drugs that change the structure of the skin)
• Hospital-Grade (or packaging that leads you to believe it is, such as having a American Red Cross-like looking symbol on the packaging) 

FTC Settlements Tell the Tale 

If you are still holding on to hope that your commercial “non-toxic” products are all that they claim to be, consider these US Federal Trade Commission cases that made headlines within the last 10 years. 

The first had to do with Trans-India Products, makers of the ShiKai brand and its “All-Natural Hand and Body Lotion” products. These products can be found in pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. In 2016, the FTC filed suit regarding false claims on ShiKai’s “All-Natural Hand and Body Lotion” because the product contained dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, and ethyhexyl glycerin. The preservative substance phenoxyethanol has been linked to reproductive issues when absorbed through the skin.

Another FTC case has to do with Rocky Mountain Sunscreen (owned by Erickson Marketing Group) which claimed all-natural ingredients on its “Natural Face Stick.” It was recently cited by the FTC because in reality the stick contained many potentially harmful man-made ingredients including polyethylene, a form of plastic linked to neurotoxicity. Rocky Mountain’s “Natural Face Stick” was sold at Walgreens and other chain stores until recently.

Of course, these two cases are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the misuse of labels and the harmful ingredients hiding behind them. Suspicions have also been raised by independent organizations regarding Target’s Up ‘n Up brand (and in-store “Clean” labeling system) and Gwyneth Paltrow’s “Goop” products.

In addition, in 2021, the “Method” brand (a subsidiary of SC Johnson that puts out both home cleaning and personal care products) paid $2.25 million to consumers and was required to discontinue “non-toxic” and “natural” labeling. Harmful dyes, fragrances, synthetic preservatives like isothiazolinone and long term hormone disruptors such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were found in some of their cleaning products.

Charlís Luxury Skincare: The ToxicFree© Difference 

Industry-created labels such as the ones mentioned above are about marketing, and not much else. In contrast, there is one designation that we here at Charlís stand behind 100%. It is the ToxinFree© label created by our partner and formula designer, visionary skincare developer and health advocate Linda Chae.

“The term non-toxic was admitted into the cosmetic industry to try to overcome any shadow about there being chemicals in the products. [It] literally means ‘tested on animals and has only caused less than 50% of them to die’,” says Chae. “That’s as toxic as it gets! Don’t confuse that with [Charlís] labels. The seal on [Charlís] products means an independent organization, the ToxicFree© Foundation, has examined the products for ingredients [as well as the] manufacturing processes and found there is not one thing toxic that could in any way impact health to a human being, an animal, our children, the fetus in the womb, the water, or the trees.” 

You can learn more about Linda Chae and the ToxicFree© label in this interview. 

You will see the ToxicFree© label on all Charlís products. Charlís ingredients are also created with wild-harvested living ingredients that are non-GMO. These are ingredients designed to help your skin, not hurt it. All Charlís products are also sustainably sourced, 100% vegan, and American made. Charlís products are never tested on animals. 

Armed with knowledge and awareness, you can choose products that help, not your hurt, your skin. Here at Charlís, we are on a mission to create a better, healthier world. We create skin care products based on natural, living ingredients that help your beauty shine!

Beauty is more than skin deep. We want you to love your skin, and the CHARLÍS line of luxury skin care products will help you feel confident in your healthy, beautiful, radiant skin. For information on how to order the best skin care products on the market, please visit https://charlis.beauty/.