As those sun-bleached summer days turn to wind-swept fall ones, you may be feeling like you need relief now more than ever from dry, flaky skin. Here’s what you need to know to “dump the dryness” and experience smooth, supple skin this season and all year long! 

The Source of Dry Skin 

First let’s take a look at what happens when the skin is dry. Our skin is made of many different layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis. And the outermost part of that layer is called the stratum corneum. 

The stratum corneum is made up, for the most part, of oils and dead skin cells. The oil cements the dead skin cells together to create a strong film of protection for the living cells that exist just underneath the surface. This helps the whole skin organ hold in moisture and is also a protective sheath against environmental assaults.

When a person has soft, supple, smooth skin, this is an indication that the stratum corneum is fully intact and doing its job. However, if there are any stressors or imbalances, then this is going to jeopardize the integrity of  this important layer of the epidermis in particular. 

Want Chronically Dry Skin? Start Smoking!  

So, what are some common reasons why you may have dry skin? 

Let’s start with the obvious. If you are a smoker, regardless of your age, there is a good chance that you are going to experience poor collagen production and synthesis, as well as chemical overload system-wide, including in the skin. This is going to translate into all kinds of skin-related conditions and one of the most common is dry, flaky skin.  A study conducted at the University of Oulu in Finland discovered a direct link between cigarette smoking and lower collagen synthesis. (1) 

In addition, specific chemicals within cigarettes can interfere with vitamin C absorption and utilization. The stratum corneum relies on the production of new skin cells so that old ones can be consistently pushed to the surface. Guess what vitamin is the most important for the production and synthesis of healthy skin? You guessed it— vitamin C! (2) 

Dry Skin Relief – Diet Plays a Huge Role 

One of the most important dietary recommendations natural health experts offer is to drink enough fresh, filtered water every day. When you are chronically dehydrated, it will be your skin that will show it first. This is because the body sends the water that we intake to the vital internal organs first. Whatever is left then goes to other parts of the body, including the skin. (3) 

Water intake is just one dietary factor that can either cause or help to alleviate dry skin. Another one is healthy fat intake. There was a time when fat-free products reigned. Now, we are a lot wiser as to the very real benefits of healthy fats. Nowhere is this more relevant than in your skin.

Did you know that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), by age 60 most of us will have already developed some form of dry skin condition? Two things commonly happen as we get older to make this happen. First, the epidermis layer of the skin gets thinner, causing less water retention. Secondly,  our skin gradually loses its lipid regeneration ability. Remember the stratum corneum? It is the presence of oils (i.e., lipids) in addition to dead skin cells that keeps skin both protected and able to retain water on the very surface too. (4)  

You can do your skin a world of good as you age by making sure that you are getting enough healthy fats in your diet. Any food source that contains omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and olive oil, are especially crucial for skin health. (5) 

Other skin-healthy diet behaviors include:

• cutting excessive alcohol and caffeine.
• laying low on super-sweet, processed foods, especially if they contained refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. (6) 
• Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals (especially D, B folate, healthy forms of A, zinc, and iron). These may include bright warm-colored veggies such as carrots and red bell peppers as well as dark leafy greens, spices like turmeric, and protein sources such as eggs and fish. (7)  
• Add probiotics to your diet. A Canadian study recently discovered that there is a link between gut imbalance and skin-related disorders. (8) 

Other Causes of Dry Skin 

There are literally dozens of other reasons why you may be experiencing dry, flaky, blotchy, dehydrated skin. Some are: 

• Weather exposure, especially excessive hot and dry or cold and dry, 
• Chronic stress (9) 
• Not getting enough sleep (10)  
• Using certain medications, such chemo drugs for cancer and statin heart medications,
• Having skin-related and non-skin related disease conditions. Some include psoriasis and dermatitis, but also kidney disease, diabetes, HIV, anorexia, and thyroid-related conditions. (11) 
• Using certain commercial skin and face products, which may contain harsh, drying ingredients 

What You Can Do About Dry Skin (and How CHARLíS Can Help) 

Thank goodness there is a solution! 

First of all, take a really good look at the list above. If any of the scenarios or situations listed above applies to you, then it may be time to make some changes. In addition, be kind to your skin by utilizing the gifts of nature’s plants and herbs to soothe, moisturize, and heal rough, dry, flaky skin now.  

Amazing moisturizing ingredients can be found in every product in the CHARLIS Luxury Skincare Line. However, our signature CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum is a step above the rest when it comes to its moisture-locking and hydrating properties. 

First there is squalene. This is an oily compound found naturally in animals (including humans) as well as plants. It has been proven to be a strong antioxidant and can not only moisturize the skin but also aid in cellular respiration and oxygenation within the microcirculatory system. (12) The microcirculatory system is an intricate network of microscopic pathways– including venules, capillaries, shunt, and arterioles– through which blood can flow. It is especially important for maintaining blood flow and oxygenation through the tissues and is vital for wound healing and skin rejuvenation. (13) 

Another amazing plant-based substance found in the CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum is called calendula, i.e. marigold. If you think that this colorful flower is just for prettying up your garden, think again! Calendula Officinalis flower extract has been used for generations for its phytonutrient properties. It can deeply hydrate the skin as well as prevent signs of aging. Studies have shown that calendula also has the ability to reduce dryness and other symptoms connected to common skin-related conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. According to a 2012 Brazilian study as well as many others, this is due in large part to marigold’s ability to lower inflammation. (14) 

Soothe and replenish with CHARLíS Skincare & Body Care Products 

Of course, squalene and calendula are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the skin-revitalizing, organic, wild-harvested, and non-GMO plant-based substances that are in the CHARLíS Luxury Skincare line products. Other hydrating ingredients include: 

• Aloe vera. Aloe Barbadensis leaf has been used for centuries for everything from sunburns to rashes. It’s versatility for helping with dry, irritated skin is why it is found in almost all of the CHARLíS Skincare products. (15) 
• Pea Extract, or Pisum sativum extract. Pea extract contains certain peptides that have the ability to stimulate both elastin and collagen production. This increases hydration and heightens moisture retention which also improves firmness and elasticity (and makes you look great!). Pisum sativum is a superstar ingredient in the CHARLÍS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.
• Allantonin, derived from the comfrey plant, is designed to sooth even the roughest skin. It can even be a healing balm for itchy skin and minor irritations. Allantonin is found in the  CHARLíS Neutral Tinted Face Moisturizer with SPF25, which is part of the exciting new CHARLíS Body Collection!

Take care of your body to heal dry skin. Create ways of reminding yourself to drink water throughout the day (p.s. they actually have phone apps for this now). Make gradual yet significant changes to your diet so that it is more skin-friendly. And if you have an underlying health condition like cancer or diabetes, make creating internal health your top priority. If you do, it will show on the surface through beautiful, supple-looking skin. 

And at the same time that you are healing on the inside, you can also help your skin now by taking advantage of the miraculous moisturizing power of nature’s amazing plants and herbs found in all CHARLíS Luxury Skincare and CHARLíS Body Collection products!

Reference: 

(1) Smoking affects collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix turnover in human skin 
(2) The influence of smoking on vitamin C status in adults. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
(3) Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics
(4) American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
(5) Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil’s Fatty Acids on the Skin
(6) Low to moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption impairs glucose and lipid metabolism and promotes inflammation in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial
(7) Folate content and composition of vegetables commonly consumed in China Turmeric for Skin: Benefits and Risks
(8) How Does Your Gut Health Affect Your Skin?
(9) Collagen stimulated release of serotonin by human platelets includes a sulphate conjugated component
(10) The Effects of Glycine on Subjective Daytime Performance in Partially Sleep-Restricted Healthy Volunteers
(11) DRY SKIN: WHO GETS AND CAUSES
(12) Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology
(13) Microcirculation
(14) Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil 
(15) ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW

Did you recently pull an “all nighter” for work or school? Do you have sleep apnea or are you prone to waking up several times throughout the night?

Whether it is just a temporary thing or ongoing, if you are suffering from lack of sleep there is a good chance that it will show on your skin—and especially on your face. 

Luckily, there are fast, easy ways you can help your skin look and feel refreshed while you get to work on getting a good night’s sleep!

How To Tell If Your Skin is Tired

If you are finding yourself dragging through the day, odds are so is your skin. Skin can especially show the effects when lack of quality sleep is ongoing. Here are a few telltale signs that your skin may be hinting for more rest: 

• You have bags under your eyes.
• The skin around your eyes is puffy.
• You have fine wrinkles (or more pronounced fine wrinkles) around your eyes and in general.
• You are more prone to breakouts, acne, rashes, and skin infections. 
• Your skin just looks lackluster, sallow, or “dull.”

Interestingly, it’s not just you who will notice that tired look on your face. Apparently, others can also pick up on it. A 2017 Swedish investigation found that those who had restricted sleep for just two days appeared less attractive and also less trustworthy to others. (1) 

A Note About “Beauty Sleep” 

The fact is that, just like other organs in the body, your skin needs overnight hours in order to regenerate and recover. There is a reason why they call it “beauty sleep” after all!

During this time, the body is not encountering added stressors such as excess sunlight, toxins in the air, and other assaults that it may encounter during the course of a busy day. While we sleep, our skin has time to rejuvenate as it gets rid of dead skin cells and creates new ones to rebuild collagen and other needed substances. When the skin does not have enough time to do all this, it can often leave it more sensitive and prone to outbreaks, rashes, and irritation. 

Of course, The absolute best way to fix that “I-just-need-to-get-some-sleep” look is to actually get some sleep. Yes, I know. This statement is so obvious it is almost a crime to mention it. But before you walk away from this article in frustration, just hear me out! 

If all you did was stay up late binge-watching your favorite show as a one-off event, no worries. Just be sure to get a little extra shut eye the next evening and you should be golden. 

If, however, you are one of the  50 to 70 million Americans who have a recognized sleep disorder (according to the American Sleep Apnea Association), then the recommendation for more sleep is definitely easier said than done. (2) 

Consider these very common causes of sleep related issues that affect millions of people each year: 

• Too much caffeine
• Too much sugar
• Too much alcohol
• Hormone imbalance 
• Emotional stress, anxiety, and PTSD
• Certain medications
• Certain conditions, such as respiratory infections, allergies, and nocturia (nocturia is also known as “frequent urination” and is often related to hormonal imbalance) (3) 
• Certain sleep-related conditions, such as teeth grinding, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Being overweight (4)

If any of the above sound familiar to you , I strongly encourage you to get back on track regarding your sleep priority number one. Yes, sleep is that important! In fact, it is one of the three “must have” factors (besides adequate nutrition and movement) that are absolutely essential for good health. Getting to the root cause of sleep disturbances is worth it for your good health and the vibrancy of your skin no matter what your age. (5)

Four Ways to WAKE UP Tired Skin

To reiterate, getting back on track with sleep is definitely the best thing you can do to get rid of the bags under your eyes and those extra wrinkles. At the same time, there are ways to revive tired skin naturally by being proactive and providing your skin with the nutrients, moisture, and healing it may be lacking. This is where the natural, wild-crafted substances within CHARLíS Luxury Skincare can really shine! 

#1 Don’t hide tired-looking skin behind extra make-up.

I know it can be tempting to cover up that pale, tired complexion with extra foundation, concealer, or so-called blemish removing products. You may be able to get away with it for a little while. In the long run, however, doing so may cause more harm to your skin. 

Slathering on more substances, especially with the face, will cover up pores which were designed to help the skin breathe. It will also give an already worn-out system even more chemicals to clean up. Remember that we are what we eat, and this means what we “ingest” through the skin. A recent study published in the journal of the American Public Health Association found that the skin may absorb up to 60 percent of the toxins with which it comes in contact. (6) 

Speaking about the hazards of commercial cosmetics, also consider that there are very few laws out there to stop potentially harmful ingredients from making their way into your favorite cosmetics. This means that that extra concealer you are considering using could contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, triclosan, heavy metals, parabens, and phthalates. Long term side effects of these chemicals include neurological issues, hormonal imbalance, and cancer. In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued warnings regarding certain cosmetics that were found to contain asbestos. (7) 

#2 Give your face a good cleaning.

Instead of covering skin up, why not let it breathe? By giving it a little extra cleansing, you are removing the dead skin cells that would have been eliminated while you were sleeping and allowing skin to take in needed oxygen.  

In addition, the connection between lack of quality sleep and higher systemic inflammation is pretty clear. Of course, this means inflammatory conditions on the skin as well.  CHARLíS Daily Facial Cleanser contains 100% non-GMO, organic, and wild-harvested substances such as aloe vera and Canadian willowherb that were designed by nature to lower inflammation on the surface of the skin as well as soothe, relieve and help repair in the deeper layers as well. 

At the same time, CHARLíS Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum contains several unique ingredients to help infused the skin with energizing and life-affirming oxygen. First, there is perfluorodecalin, a fluorocarbon and derivative of decalin that acts similar to red blood cells in that it both delivers oxygen to healthy cells as well as helps to maintain oxygen balance. Breath of Life also contains apple stem cells, which have been proven to uplift and renew tired skin while protecting it against agents of stress (such as lack of sleep). 

#3 Add extra moisture.

Ever wonder why lack of sleep shows up so glaringly on your face in the form of dark circles under your eyes and wrinkles that look like the Grand Canyon? The answer is dehydration. On those days when the night before you just didn’t get as much sleep as you wanted (or needed), make sure to give your skin the added moisture it needs. 

When it comes to rehydrating, CHARLíS Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer is a product like no other. Creamy, smooth, and silky with a fresh citrus scent that is appealing to both men and women, Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer contains a trifecta of rich, healing oils in the form of all-organic safflower seed oil, argan oil, and theobroma grandiflorum seed butters. I recommend extra applications throughout the day and whenever you need it for those days when lack of sleep has left your skin dry and/or sallow looking. 

#4 Inoculate yourself with “heavy hitting” skin-healers for overnight relief.

When the day is finally done and you are about to lay your head on your pillow again for (finally!) a good night’s sleep, be sure to give your skin that extra support in the form of CHARLíS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum. The name pretty much speaks for itself here. Amongst the many ingredients that work synergistically to restore and renew tired, worn-out skin overnight is sodium hyaluronate. This substance was made specifically to repair and replenish dry skin by repairing compromised moisture barriers. 

CHARLíS Luxury Skincare: For Tired Days, For Lively Days, For Every Day! 

Remember—the absolute best remedy for tired skin is a good night’s sleep! And whether you wake up “bright eyed and bushy tailed” or the night before has left you feeling not quite yourself, you can always rely on CHARLíS Luxury Skincare to help your skin stay fresh and lively naturally every day!  

Reference: 

(1) Negative effects of restricted sleep on facial appearance and social appeal
(2) The State of Sleep Health in America 
(3) Nocturia
(4) Association between sleep disorders, obesity, and exercise: a review 
(5) How Much Sleep Is Enoug
(6) The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water.
(7) FDA Advises Consumers to Stop Using Certain Cosmetic Products

When you hear the word ‘tangerine’, what comes to mind? Likely a bright, tangy citrus fruit known for its sweetness, a smaller sibling to the orange. However, beyond its delectable taste, the tangerine hides a secret superpower – its peel. The peel of the tangerine, known scientifically as Citrus Reticulata, is a source of aromatic essential oil with an array of health benefits and potent applications in skincare. So let’s peel back the layers and discover what makes Tangerine Peel Oil such a delightful and beneficial addition to our skincare routines.

Hailing from the sunny groves of Florida, California, and southern Europe, the tangerine, or Citrus Reticulata, is a bright fruit that adds more than just a pop of color to our fruit bowls. In traditional Chinese medicine, tangerine peel has been used for centuries to treat digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and enhance overall health. This peel, packed with potent natural compounds, is cold-pressed to produce Tangerine Peel Oil – a powerhouse of health benefits that extend from its traditional use as a healing aid to its modern incorporation in skincare products.

Let’s delve into the health benefits of Tangerine Peel Oil before we explore its specific skincare advantages:

1 | Improves Digestive Health

Tangerine Peel Oil is traditionally used to soothe the digestive system. Its aromatic compounds can aid in reducing spasms in the digestive tract, relieving constipation, and promoting overall digestive health.

2 | Boosts Immunity

Being a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C, Tangerine Peel Oil supports a robust immune system. These compounds neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby enhancing the body’s natural defenses against common illnesses.

3 | Enhances Mood

The vibrant, uplifting scent of Tangerine Peel Oil is known for its mood-enhancing properties. It’s often used in aromatherapy to help alleviate stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of calmness and wellbeing.

Having explored these health benefits, it’s time to uncover the specific ways in which Tangerine Peel Oil enhances our skin’s health and radiance:

1 | Promotes Cell Turnover

Tangerine Peel Oil is rich in a specific type of Vitamin A called retinol. Retinol is celebrated in skincare for promoting cell turnover, helping to slough off dead skin cells, and encouraging the growth of new ones. This helps to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion and aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2 | Natural Antiseptic

Like many citrus oils, Tangerine Peel Oil possesses natural antiseptic properties. This makes it a powerful agent against bacteria, helping to keep your skin clean and prevent the development of acne and other skin infections.

3 | Revitalizes Skin

The high vitamin C content of Tangerine Peel Oil plays a crucial role in collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and firmness. This, coupled with its natural astringent properties, aids in tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of pores, giving your skin a fresh, youthful glow.

4 | Hydrates and Soothes

Despite its potent cleansing properties, Tangerine Peel Oil is gentle and soothing. Its natural moisturizing properties help to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, preventing dryness and irritation.

5 | Boosts Circulation

The warming nature of Tangerine Peel Oil helps to improve blood circulation. Better blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen are delivered to your skin, enhancing its natural glow and promoting healthier, stronger skin.

Picture this vivacious citrus oil in a shower gel. As you lather up, the uplifting aroma of tangerine envelops you, providing an invigorating start to your day or a refreshing pick-me-up in the evening. The Tangerine Peel Oil in the shower gel works to cleanse, invigorate, and hydrate your skin. Its gentle, antiseptic properties ensure your skin is thoroughly clean, while its hydrating qualities prevent your skin from drying out, leaving you with a soft, moisturized post-shower feel.

Moreover, the mood-enhancing properties of Tangerine Peel Oil make your shower more than just a cleansing routine. It transforms it into a therapeutic ritual, helping to alleviate stress and promote positive emotions.

Whether you’re a woman seeking a natural solution for radiant, youthful skin, or a man looking for a refreshing, skin-friendly addition to your grooming regimen, Tangerine Peel Oil serves as an impressive all-rounder. By embracing the potent power of this citrus marvel in your skincare routine, you are opening the door to more than just improved skin health. You are inviting an experience – a refreshing, revitalizing journey to healthier skin and a healthier you.

That’s why we use castor seed oil in our Orange Blossom Parfum, part of our brand-new CHARLÍS Orange Blossom Body Collection.

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 our site.

Few natural ingredients bear the gift of versatility quite like the humble Castor Seed Oil, or as it is scientifically known, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil. While you may primarily recognize this oil for its historical use as a digestive aid, its benefits extend far beyond internal health, promising an array of applications in the realm of skincare for both women and men.

From the tropical regions of Africa and India, the castor plant has made its journey around the globe. Its rich oil, derived from the plant’s seeds, has been harnessed for its therapeutic properties for centuries. Internally, it has been known to improve digestion, ease joint pain, and even boost the immune system due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nature.

While these internal health benefits are noteworthy, castor seed oil’s application in skincare is where it truly shines. Let’s explore how this natural elixir benefits our skin:

1 | Exceptional Hydrator

Castor seed oil is a natural humectant, meaning it can draw moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep your skin hydrated and preventing moisture loss through evaporation.

2 | Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

The oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid known to combat inflammation. Applying castor seed oil topically can soothe inflamed or irritated skin, making it an excellent option for conditions such as acne or eczema.

3 | Promotes Skin Health

With its antimicrobial properties, castor seed oil helps protect the skin from bacterial infections, promoting the healing process and enhancing skin health.

4 | Boosts Collagen and Elastin

Castor seed oil stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging. Regular application can help soften and smoothen the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5 | Natural Cleanser

The oil is effective at breaking down impurities lodged within your pores. As a natural, yet potent cleanser, castor seed oil is capable of removing makeup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Now, picture this oil incorporated into your skincare routine as a component of a cleansing oil or balm. Its deep cleansing capabilities make it an excellent first step in a double cleanse routine. Castor seed oil dissolves makeup and dirt with ease, while its hydrating properties ensure your skin doesn’t feel stripped or tight after cleansing.

To use, simply massage the oil onto your dry face, then rinse with warm water or gently wipe off using a soft, damp cloth. Follow with your usual cleanser. This routine can be beneficial for all skin types, from oily and acne-prone to sensitive and mature skin.

Whether you desire a natural, nourishing makeup remover or seek a hydrating and soothing solution for post-shave care, castor seed oil offers a remarkable range of benefits. As a testament to the harmony of nature and science, this versatile ingredient encourages us to embrace the power of nature in our skincare regimens and opens the door to healthy, glowing skin.

That’s why we use castor seed oil in our Orange Blossom Lip Balm, part of our brand-new CHARLÍS Orange Blossom Body Collection.

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/.

February has long been considered the season of love. Romantic dinners, boxes of chocolate, and heart-shaped everything. But with the holiday season, many can lose sight of the true meaning of love… and why it’s the most important gift you can give or receive. 

This year, I want to talk to you about love. Love is at the heart of everything that we do here. Love for my Braveheart, Ty. Love for my children. Love for my Savior. And love for each and every one of YOU. But love is more than a warm feeling; love truly has the power to heal.

The Healing Power of Love

Love can make us feel many things: happy, safe, accepted… but did you know that love also has the power to keep your body healthy? And I’m not talking about infatuation or the dopamine rush of a new relationship. I’m talking about true, enduring, unwavering love. 

“There is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures,” says Harry Reis, PhD, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships.

Most of the research in this area centers on marriage, but Reis believes many of the perks extend to other close relationships — for example, with a partner, parent, or friend. The key is to “feel connected to other people, feel respected and valued by other people, and feel a sense of belonging,” he says.

But people in loving relationships truly are healthier! Here are 10 ways that genuine love can improve your wellness.

1 | Love Reduces Stress

If love helps people cope with pain, what about other types of stress? Aron says there is evidence of a link between social support and stress management. “If you’re facing a stressor and you’ve got the support of someone who loves you, you can cope better,” he tells WebMD. If you lose your job, for example, it helps emotionally and financially if a partner is there to support you.

2 | Love Helps You Live Longer

Research has shown that those with solid relationships enjoy greater longevity than those without — making “’til death do us part” even more of a commitment. Studies suggest those long-life benefits are largely explained by consistent social and emotional support, better adherence to medical care, and having a partner who can hold you accountable to healthy lifestyle behaviors and steer you away from bad ones. Married couples have been found to have lower rates of substance abuse, lower blood pressure, and less depression than single peers.

3 | Love Helps Heal

The power of a positive relationship may make flesh wounds heal faster. Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center gave married couples blister wounds. The wounds healed nearly twice as fast in partners who interacted warmly compared with those who demonstrated a lot of hostility toward each other. The study was published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

4 | Love Lowers Blood Pressure

Giving and receiving love is good for your blood pressure. That’s the conclusion of a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Researchers found that people with loving relationships had the best blood pressure. Participants that held lots of anger or animosity fared the worst.

Reis says this study illustrates a vital aspect of the way healthy, encouraging relationships affect health. “It’s marital quality and not the fact of marriage that makes a difference,” he tells WebMD. This supports the idea that other positive relationships can have similar benefits. In fact, singles with a strong social network also did well in the blood pressure study, though not as well as happily married people.

5 | Love Fights Depression

According to the Health and Human Services report, surrounding yourself with loving, supportive relationships reduces depression in both men and women. This finding is not surprising, Reis says, because social isolation is clearly linked to higher rates of depression. What’s interesting is that these relationships also contribute to a decline in heavy drinking and drug abuse, especially among young adults.

6 | Love Reduces Anxiety

When it comes to anxiety, a loving, stable relationship is superior to new romance. Researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook used functional MRI (fMRI) scans to look at the brains of people in love. They compared passionate new couples with strongly connected long-term couples. Both groups showed activation in a part of the brain associated with intense love.

“It’s the dopamine-reward area, the same area that responds to cocaine or winning a lot of money,” says Arthur Aron, PhD, one of the study’s authors. But there were striking differences between the two groups in other parts of the brain. In long-term relationships, “you also have activation in the areas associated with bonding… and less activation in the area that produces anxiety.” The study was presented at the 2008 conference of the Society for Neuroscience.

7 | Love Drives Away Pain

The fMRI study reveals another big perk for long-term couples — more activation in the part of the brain that keeps pain under control. A CDC report complements this finding. In a study of more than 127,000 adults, married people were less likely to complain of headaches and back pain.

A small study published in Psychological Science adds to the intrigue. Researchers subjected 16 married women to the threat of an electric shock. When the women were holding their husband’s hand, they showed less response in the brain areas associated with stress. The happier the marriage, the greater the effect.

And this extends beyond the bonds of marriage. While we may not all be called to marriage (or may still be waiting on that perfect match), demonstrating and receiving love in relationships with friends, family, and coworkers is extremely important.

8 | Love Prevents the Common Cold

We’ve seen that loving relationships can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression — a fact that may give the immune system a boost. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who exhibit positive emotions are less likely to get sick after exposure to cold or flu viruses. The study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, compared people who were happy and calm with those who appeared anxious, hostile, or depressed.

9 | Love Keeps You Out of the Doctor’s Office

The Health and Human Services Department reviewed a bounty of studies on marriage and health. One of the report’s most striking findings is that married people have fewer doctor’s visits and shorter average hospital stays.

Another theory is that people in good relationships take better care of themselves. A loving community may keep you honest in your oral hygiene. A best friend could motivate you to eat more whole grains. Over time, these good habits translate to fewer illnesses.

10 | Love is Good for Your Heart (Really!)

Hearts may be the unofficial mascot for Valentine’s Day and all things romantic, but scientific evidence backs up the fact that love leads to a stronger and more robust heart. 

Atherosclerosis—also known as “hardening of the arteries”—is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque hardens and narrows your arteries which reduces the flow of blood and can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, and death. Atherosclerosis progresses more quickly when there are high levels of “pro-inflammatory cytokines” like interleukin-6 in the body.

Persistent negative emotions are believed to increase the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease by raising the levels of inflammatory causing chemicals in the body. Emotional stress causes a negative chain reaction in your body. If you’re angry, anxious, tense, frustrated, frightened, or depressed, your body’s natural response is to release stress hormones. 

These hormones include cortisol and adrenaline. They prepare your body to deal with stress. They cause your heart to beat more rapidly and your blood vessels to narrow to help push blood to the center of the body. The hormones also increase your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

But I want to share with you the source of my love. 

The True Source of Love

When Ty and I first met, it was better than a fairy tale. It was real. He truly is my Braveheart. Born out of our love was our first beautiful child, Brianna. As a young mother, I was given a deeper understanding of this Bible verse, “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) A mother’s love is so strong and beautiful that almost nothing can come between the mother and child. It is so strong that God compares His love for us as that of a mother with a nursing child. The bond is something that only the mother with a nursing baby can fully understand or appreciate.

After the birth of our first two children and the loss of 7 close family members, The Truth About Cancer was born, for you. Ever since losing so many family members to conventional cancer treatments and uncovering the grid of censorship that buried the solutions which may have saved their lives, we knew we had to get the life-saving solutions we did not have to you. Our love for each and every person reading this article drove us to create countless books, documentaries, and create a community where you could find the TRUTH about your health and wellbeing. So you wouldn’t have to suffer the way we did.In all the good we have been able to do, we cannot take credit for any of it. It is God Himself Who has called us to this work and gives us all we need to continue this work. It is His vast and amazing love that drives us.

“We love Him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

God’s love is eternal and unchanging. His love is perfect and complete, lacking nothing. His love is the source of our strength and all that is good. And it is His love that compels us to workday and night to bring you the truth and make this a better world for our children. It is God’s love for you that He has called us and uses us to give you the lifesaving truths under the banner – The Truth About Cancer, The Truth About Vaccines, and now CHARLíS, my new toxic-free skincare line.

Whatever the problem, whatever the difficulty, Jesus has the answer. And it is in Him that you will find true love and hope for eternity in heaven. 

I encourage you as you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, as you celebrate love, look to the Author of all things, the Author of love, and put your trust and faith in Him. For God is love. He will be the One to straighten out the difficulties and troubles you face. He will be the One to fill your heart with purpose, hope, joy, and true love. And through Him, the road to heaven is paved through the blood of Chris shed for our sins at the cross.

Consider these Bible verses: 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” (John 14:1-4)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6)

God not only paved a way back to the Father at the cross through our Lord Jesus and His death for us all, but Jesus Himself is currently getting our eternal home ready for us.

In closing, consider these words prayerfully taken from 1 John 4:7-21:

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Why is love the greatest gift? Because love has paved the way back to heaven through the life and blood of our dear Savior Jesus. Do you know Him? I encourage you to pick up your Bible and read, starting with the Gospel of John. And then, read it again. And continue to read all the way through the New Testament, and then follow that up by reading the Old Testament. And as you do, ask God to reveal Himself and His eternal love to you. And we know that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

So keep asking, seeking, knocking until He fills you to overflow with His love. (Matthew 7:7, James 1:5)  He is faithful and His love endures forever. (Psalm 136)

With much love,

Originally published on prnewswire.com.

Charlene Bollinger, who has spent over a decade spreading the truth about toxic cancer treatments and the benefits of alternative approaches through her organization The Truth About Cancer (TTAC), is announcing the launch of her sustainably sourced and all-natural cosmetic skincare line — CHARLÍS.

TTAC has educated millions about the dangers of chemically based mainstream cancer treatments through documentary films and live seminars across America. Bollinger’s commitment to educating the public about natural paths to cancer remission and potential cures led her to create a line of skincare for women that maintains the same approach when it comes to cosmetics, simply providing them with toxin free alternatives. 

CHARLÍS aims to provide luxury skincare for real women, made only with the best all natural ingredients. The skincare line features an assortment of cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers that are produced and manufactured right here in the United States of America. 

“As a female entrepreneur and patient advocate, I have always wanted to develop my own line of skincare. My commitment to only the best sustainably sourced ingredients has made this a labor of love for our team. After rigorous testing, we have finally created something that we can not only truly be proud of, but feel confident that it gives your face that ‘breath of life’ so many women are looking for,” explained Bollinger. 

From apple stem cells to aloe leaf juice, the CHARLÍS line of cosmetics looks to nature in order to help women tackle those wrinkles and give them that confident vibrancy everyone desires. 

“With CHARLÍS, you can truly #FreeYourSkin of those toxic chemicals found in nearly every luxury cosmetic line that you see in stores or online. The world we live in has the keys to success when it comes to our skin, and with CHARLÍS, you can unlock that limitless potential to become your best self,” stated Bollinger.

CHARLÍS officially launched on November 26th (Black Friday) with 30% to 50% off the entire line. To learn more about the CHARLÍS toxic-free, luxury skincare line, you can visit www.CHARLIS.beauty. 

If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Kristin Davis at 324700@email4pr.com or 212-920-9918.