Shea Butter
Shea Butter Written for Walgreens.com If you pick up a bottle of heavy-duty moisturizing cream, chances are one of the ingredients will be shea butter. But what, exactly, is this popular ingredient? Shea butter is the slightly yellowish or ivory colored fat extracted from the nut of the African shea trea (Vitellaria paradoxa). The tree, also called the karite nut tree, or mangifolia, grows in semi-arid regions of West and Central Africa. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as “women’s gold” because it contributes strongly to the economic prosperity of women in the regions where it is processed. What is shea butter used for?Shea butter has numerous uses, but it is most well-known for being a key ingredient in many skin and hair related products,...
Jojoba
Jojoba Written for Walgreens.com When it comes to DIY beauty regimens, no product garners more attention than jojoba oil. It’s a pure and natural substance that can be used on almost any surface of your body: hair, skin, nails. The possibilities are endless. So what, exactly, is jojoba? What is jojoba?Jojoba (ho-HO-bah) is a plant extract that is produced in the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinensis). The tree, which looks more like a shrub, is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of Arizona, California, and Mexico. In fact, it’s the second most economically valuable native plant in the Sonoran desert. The tree is grown commercially for its popular oil. Why is jojoba so popular?Jojoba oil is rare in that it’s an extremely long...
Coffee Berry
Coffee Berry Written for Walgreens.com In the last several years, coffee berry has become one of the hottest ingredients in skin care products. But what is coffee berry and how does it differ from regular, old coffee? What is CoffeeBerry?Coffee berry, as used in skin care products, is a patented, stabilized, concentrated extract of fresh-picked, 100% Arabica whole coffee fruit. It is actually related to regular coffee. In fact, the coffee beans that become our breakfast brew are found inside of the coffee fruit, or coffee berry. Each berry contains two coffee beans that are processed and roasted to become a steaming hot mug of goodness. That goodness extends to your health by adding more than just caffeine to your morning routine. Coffee is also a...
What Causes Acne?
What Causes Acne? Written for Walgreens.com Almost everyone has been affected by acne at some point in their lives. Although most cases occur in adolescents, as many as 20% of outbreaks occur in adults. Yet despite the prevalence of acne, it is rarely understood. To get to the bottom of what causes acne, we first need to have an understanding of what acne is. There are four main types of acne: pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and nodules. Although they all look different, each has a common root: hair follicles that become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Both oil and dead skin cells are normally found inside hair follicles. In fact, each hair follicle in your skin connects to a sebaceous gland. These glands have an important function. They secrete...
Top Ten Ways to Reduce the Risk of Split Ends
Top Ten Ways to Reduce the Risk of Split Ends Written for Walgreens.com Due to normal wear and tear on the hair, it’s common for most people to have some split ends. These are damaged areas of the hair, not necessarily at the ends, where the hair cuticle is cracked and the inner cortex is exposed. This damage can translate into frizzy hair and worse. It’s not a pretty sight. That’s why we’ve complied a list of our top ten ways to reduce the risk of split ends. Read on for happier hair. 1. One of the best things you can do to prevent split ends, and to get rid of the ones you already have, is to get your hair cut regularly. All hair gets damaged after a while, but a trim of as little as a quarter of an inch every six to eight weeks will do wonders to...
Top Ten Tips for Polishing Nails
Top Ten Tips for Polishing Nails Written for Walgreens.com Nothing makes your hands look as beautiful as a well-done manicure. But don’t head to the salon just yet; you can add color to your own nails in a few easy steps. Read on for our top ten tips for polishing nails. 1. One of the best things you can do when polishing your nails is to start off with a good canvas. Take a moment and remove all of your old polish, even if you’re going to be painting on the same color. Also, push your cuticles back and trim and file your nails. 2. To help your new polish adhere correctly, remove any oils or lotions from your nails. Soak your hands in a bowl of warm, soapy water for five minutes or if you’re in a hurry, use dish soap to quickly wash your hands. Both...