Eczema Awareness Month is in October. For most of us, this is the time of year when the weather starts to change and so might the condition of your eczema. Whether you suffer from mild or severe eczema, you know that even the slightest change in climate may dramatically affect your skin. We’re going to take a little time today exploring why this may be.
Healthy skin is a barrier that protects your skin. However, when you have eczema, your skin can’t protect you in the same way. Eczema prone skin doesn’t provide moisture to our skin the same way that healthy skin does so it’s prone to dry out and become more irritated by heat, cold, wind, and humidity. Aside from just temperature, a change in climate may bring other factors that could irritate your skin – such as pollen.
Eczema in Warm Weather For some people, warm and more humid weather can bring some relief. The humidity helps to keep the skin more moisturized. For other, hot weather and sweating can cause eczema flare-ups. If you find that hot weather is causing skin troubles, WebMD suggests the following:
• Don’t get too sweaty - Sweating dries out your skin, and the salt in sweat can sting and irritate it. So try to stay cool. Try to stick to indoor activities. Use air conditioning or a fan if you need one.
• Wear soft, breathable clothing. Keep your skin cool by staying away from nylon, wool, rough linen, or any fabric that’s stiff or itchy. Generally, cotton is best.
• Know how the sun affects you. Everyone’s skin is different. Sunlight can be a salve for eczema. In fact, people with severe cases can benefit from ultraviolet ray treatments. But others find that sunlight is a trigger. If you find that the sun is triggering your skin wear long sleeves, pants and a hat.
Eczema in Cold Weather Most people with eczema has claimed that their eczema conditions tend to worsen in the winter. Winter and cold weather can dry out your skin even more and trigger flare-ups. If you find that your eczema has a hard time enduring the colder conditions, consider the tips below:
• Try to avoid temperature extremes It’s not just the weather outside that can be dreadful, in the winter time, most houses keep the heat up which can also dry out skin. When you’re going from hot inside to cold out, this can trigger flare-ups. This may be difficult to do at times but try not to not let your body temperature drop too much and keep an even temperature. When you’re tempted to take hot showers, try to avoid doing this in order to warm up.
• Moisturize This is a pretty obvious one. Most people feel that they need more moisturization in the winter but for people with eczema, they may feel that they need to change to a heavier moisturizer. (Our customers have claimed that Heal Rescue Lotion has worked very well in the winter and approved by the National Eczema Association). Always carry lotion with you and look out for the ones that are approved by the National Eczema Association.
• Use Mild Skincare Products People with eczema-prone skin typically use mild skincare products. But keep this up in the winter because the weather tends to cause the skin to be even more sensitive. Avoid excessive washing of hands and body. Avoid using products with fragrance. Keep to natural and organic products
• Use a Humidifier When at home in the winter, most of us in cold climates will have their heat on. This will tend to dry out the environment. Use a humidifier inside the home to keep some moisture in the air.
As the leaves turn colors and the weather cools, there are definitely ways to protect your skin. There are many resources to help guide you through the changes. National Eczema Association has a lot of resources to guide you through the winter months. Also follow @eczemaconquerors, @gut.skin.nutritionist, @jenniferfugo, and @molecule32skincare for loads of great information!
Shop Molecule32 Products for natural solutions
]]>We are coming to the end of our ingredient blog series. It’s only right that we end it with one of the golden children of skincare ingredients - Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA).
AHAs are basically plastered all over everywhere you go, and it all sounds good, but do you REALLY know what it is? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you today.
Over the counter creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids are claiming to help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help shrink enlarged pores. AHAs are actually not just one thing but it’s the group name for several types of acids that are found naturally in foods and plants (we’ll get into that in a minute). They act as an exfoliant and peeling agent, they are able to slough off skin cells without actual scrubbing. In fact, AHAs are more gentle on your skin than most scrubs or cleansing brushes.
How AHAs work
As we age, our skin’s natural ability to sheds built up layers of dead skin cells slows WAY down. Excessive sun exposure, extreme temperatures, hormone changes, and other skin problems can make skin appear dull and older-looking. The youthful glow starts to fade. Using an AHA exfoliant can gently slough off the dead cells on the uppermost layer of your skin exposing the new, glowing skin underneath. This also helps to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness, texture, and tone. Other than being an exfoliant, AHAs can also help to unclog pores and has extreme hydrating properties.
Types of AHAs
AHAs is not an ingredient by itself per se. There are many varieties of AHAs but the most common found in skincare products are:
Click here to learn about other ingredients
Click here to shop our products
]]>We often hear that alcohol is bad for you (in most forms – cheers!). But if you ever looked at the ingredient list on the back of your skincare or personal care products, you will find that most of them contain “Cetearyl Alcohol.” It sounds a little intimidating but is it really? On the blog today, we’ll help you understand more.
The basics
Cetearyl alcohol can be found under others names such as: Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol. The purpose of it is to keep creams from separating into oil and liquid. It’s also used as a thickener and a foaming agent in certain products. Cetearyl alcohol is plant derived is made by combining fatty alcohols from plant sources such as coconut fatty alcohol.
What is a fatty alcohol?
Though it’s called “alcohol”, these are not actually alcohols in the true sense of the word. By this term, its means that the fatty acids have been exposed to hydrogen, this process creates a somewhat waxy texture.
What does this mean for your skincare?
If you’re still intimidated by the word “alcohol” because it’s usually associated with being drying, we totally understand. That’s because many alcohols (ethanol or rubbing alcohol), are, in fact, very drying. Have you noticed that when you use astringents or hand sanitizers, there is a fast-drying and skin tightening effect? That’s because the alcohols used in these products tend to be the drying kind. When overused, these products can cause flaking, excessive or itchiness.
However, because the chemical structure of fatty alcohols are different than the more common alcohols, they have a very different effect on your skin. Without going too much into the science, the alcohol group in fatty alcohol (-OH) is attached to a very long chain of hydrocarbons (fats). This structure lets fatty alcohols trap in water and provides a soothing feel to the skin.
Ingredient Safety
Cetearyl Alcohol is generally classified as being of no to low hazard or toxicity. They are safe for use in personal care and beauty products. In clinical studies, cetearyl alcohol was found to have no significant toxicity and was non-mutagenic (a mutagen is a chemical agent that changes your DNA). DNA changes can be very detrimental and is often a cause of serious diseases, such as cancer.
According to the FDA, even cosmetic products labeled “alcohol free” are allowed to contain cetearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols. Cetearyl alcohol is also included on the FDA list of safe and permitted food additives.
Cetearyl Alcohol is said to be non-irritating for the skin. But as with many skin care products, there’s still a small risk of allergic reaction to cetearyl alcohol. If you have sensitive skin and you are unsure of how your skin will react, make sure to do a patch test on the skin prior to using it on body or face.
Click here to learn about other ingredients
Click here to shop our products
]]>Nowadays, we see jojoba oil on almost every natural skincare product ingredient label. But other than the fact that it’s fun to say, what do we really know about where it’s from and what its benefits are? Today, we’re going to dig into jojoba oil a bit more on our third blog of the ingredient series.
The basics
Jojoba oil is the liquid that can be found encased in the seed of a Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) plant. The jojoba plant is a dessert plant native to southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. Being a dessert plant, it can survive even with very little water.
The oil makes up of about 50% of the jojoba seed. The oil can be extracted once the plant is mature. Research has shown tocopherols can be found in jojoba. Tocopherols (often another name for Vitamin E) found in jojoba are all forms of Vitamin E, which eliminate free radicals. Aside from Tocopherols, jojoba oil also contains: vitamin B complex, silicon, chromium, copper, zinc, high levels of iodine and fatty acids.
History
Jojoba oil was first discovered and used by Native Americans to treat sores, and wounds. They also used the oil to often hair. Many pregnant women consumed jojoba seeds because it was believed help during child birth.
In the early 18th century, Jesuit missionaries in Baia came across the jojoba plant and learned to soften the seeds with heat and then create an ointment with the extracted oils. They also used the ointment to soothe the skin, nourish the hair and aid in the treatment of many skin problems.
Benefits
Jojoba oil can be found in many products in your personal and beauty care aisle, including Molecule 32’s products. It’s always good to check to make sure the jojoba oil contained within a product is 100% organic oil. Sometimes additives may cause skin irritations. As you can see above, the nutrient rich jojoba oil has been shown to have many benefits including:
Final note
Jojoba oil is safe for most people (including pregnant women or women who are breast feeding) when applied to the skin. But as is with all things, there may be side effects for some people. Some noted side effects may be rashes and allergic reactions. We would also recommend to not ingest jojoba oil as it can have internal side effects. Always consult a physician when using a new ingredient.
Click here to learn about other ingredients
Click here to shop our products
]]>Welcome back to our “The Truth about Skincare Ingredients” Blog Series! If you missed the last blog on parabens, you can still read it here.
Today, we’re going to get a little deeper on phthalates, if you can’t even pronounce it, do you really know what it is and how it’s impacting your health? It’s pronounced like this, “THA-LATE”
What are phthalates? And where are they found?
Defined by the CDC as “a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break.” These chemicals are literally found everywhere from vinyl flooring to consumer products.
Phthalate exposure
In the U.S., phthalate exposure is common. We are exposed to phthalates by doing everyday things, such as eating and drinking foods that have contact with or are contained in containers with phthalates exposure. Spices are known to contain phthalates as are liquids stored and sold in plastic containers.
Researchers found phthalates in more than 70% of personal care products. In a different research, it was found that women have higher levels of phthalate in their bodies than men. No doubt there are some correlations there.
Below are a list of common products containing phthalates:
How is phthalate dangerous?
Low level exposure to phthalates in humans are still unknown, however, in testing with lab animals it is found that repeated and long term exposure to phthalates can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. In the past few years research for phthalates have increased, resulting in researchers linking phthalates to asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, developmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.
Regulation
Companies are not required to list phthalates on consumer product labels and regulations in consumer products typically takes some time but with more knowledge on the chemical, there is still hope for crack down on labeling.
How consumers can avoid phthalates?
It may be difficult to avoid phthalates all together, but consumers can definitely take matters into their own hands and reduce the exposure to phthalates by doing the following:
Click here to shop our paraben and phthalate free products
]]>For the next 4 weeks, we are launching a series of blogs on ingredients. We’ve talked a lot about fulvic acid, but there are many ingredients in our products and all skincare products. We want you to be able to have all the information to make the best choice for your skincare needs.
We live in a world in which brand and ingredient transparency is becoming the trend. We’re constantly reminded of which ingredients are good for us and which are bad for us. One of the biggest names on the no-no list is parabens. For the last 10 years, skincare and beauty brands are quick to slap a “no parabens” label on packaging, but do you know what parabens actually are and how they are bad for you?
In the skincare and beauty community, we have all accepted that parabens are bad without knowing much about them. Don’t worry, we did a little leg work to find out what parabens actually are and why boycotting them is the best for us.
What are parabens?
Simply put, parabens are synthetic preservatives. In fact, since it’s commercialization in the 50s, its been one of the most widely used preservatives in personal care products. It’s purpose is to stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your skincare and beauty products. They can be found under these names: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. If you read the ingredient label of your personal care products (lotion, shampoo, mascara, etc.), we bet you will find them listed on most of the labels. The reason why they are widely used is because they are a cheap and effective way to preserve your products. Parabens largely replaced formaldehyde many decades ago as a preservative.
Parabens and health issues
In 2004, Philippa Darbre, a senior lecturer in oncology and researcher in biomolecular sciences at the University of Reading, in England conducted a study that detected parabens in 19 of 20 samples of tissue from breast tumor biopsies. Her small study does not prove parabens cause cancer, only that they were easily detected among cancerous cells. But it is important to note because the parabens detected in the cancer cells were intact parabens which means that it was unaltered by the body. However, at this time, there’s still not enough evidence to conclude that parabens and breast cancer are linked.
Even though the research is inconclusive and individual products may have approved and safe amounts of parabens (by the FDA), it’s still good to be mindful. Some health advocates are still concerned that a cumulative exposure to parabens over time could contribute to a wide range of other health issues, even if its not cancer. It is said that parabens are known to disrupt hormone function which can lead to breast cancer and / or reproductive issues.
What now?
As a consumer, how should you handle the paraben drama even though the research is inconclusive? The best way is to know your labels. Read the ingredient list prior to making a purchase and shop paraben-free products to error on the side of caution. Your skin absorbs a lot of what it comes into contact with and it will be taken into your system so it's best to know what you're putting into your body.
Many personal care / beauty companies (like Molecule 32) have found alternatives to parabens to prevent bacteria growth in your products. Some companies have created products with shorter shelf life or products that need refrigeration. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make as a consumer. To shop for Molecule 32’s paraben-free products, click here. Stay tuned for next week when we discuss phthalate.
]]>For all the reasons why exercise is good for you (it keeps the heart, muscles and bones strong and healthy), it can also be painful if you have eczema. Sweating, heat, and friction from clothing or exercise equipment can trigger your eczema symptoms.
We all sweat because it’s the body’s way of regulating body temperature. When we get sweaty, the moisture evaporates, thus cooling us down. But, as the sweat evaporates, the skin dries out and is left with a salty residue which can irritate your eczema and make you break out or itch.
The good news is that your eczema doesn’t have to slow you down and keep you from being active. There are a few things you can do before and after the workout to alleviate your symptoms:
Hey, we know how frustrating it can be to have eczema and sure it can hinder some things in your life but you shouldn’t let it affect your overall health. Take precautions and understand your triggers so that you can continue to live a full life. Learn more.
Shop all Molecule 32 products
]]>We want to take a little break from talking about health and skincare to focus on a special matter. April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Every year the ASPCA asks supporters to celebrate this special month and cause by helping raise awareness about important issues facing animals today.
Molecule 32 has always been and always will be ethically conscious and we will never test on animals. All of our products are vegan and contain no part from animals. We want to take this opportunity and use our voice to encourage consumers to be conscious of the beauty / personal care brands that they support and paying extra attention to ingredients and practices that may cause harm to animals.
When you make a beauty or skincare purchase, it’s always good to check the labels but one of the ways you can help prevent cruelty to animals is to check the labels on the products you buy to make sure they don’t conduct animal testing (or they have a special cruelty free logo). Not long ago, conducting animal testing was standard for many personal care and cosmetic companies. But, with all the work that PETA and ASPCA has done, legislation has become more strict about these practices. However, animal testing still happens on other products that we use in our households. To check if a product is cruelty free, please use this great search tool provided by PETA.
In addition, when you travel abroad make sure you know what you’re buying. Did you know that all beauty, skincare and cosmetic products that are sold in China are required to provide documentation of animal testing in order to get through customs? Even though the cosmetic companies that sell their products in China may not conduct animal testing on their own, they often outsource a third party vendor for these testing in order to sell their products aboard. Be aware when you go shopping in foreign countries so you aren’t supporting these practices. For a list of countries and their animal testing laws, check out these sites below:
If you have landed on this blog, we at Molecule 32 encourage you to stay informed and educate yourself on animal testing and how that impacts another life. Learn other ways to help with ASPCA.
Shop all Molecule 32 products
This blog post was not paid, sponsored or affiliated in any way by or with any animal organizations.
]]>In a previous blog, we gave you a little insight into what fulvic acid is. Fulvic acid is a mighty antioxidant that appears naturally in soils, plants and plant-based foods. It is a powerful polyelectrolyte and a complex organic phenol that facilitates the healthy absorption of nutrients.
There are many benefits of consuming fulvic acid:
Unfortunately, current farming processes poses to be a problem and can make it difficult to integrate fulvic acid into most of our diets, but don’t worry, there are still ways to get your daily dose of fulvic!
Organic Veggies
According to multiple sources and our own research, chemicals used in farming (pesticides) significantly reduces the amount of fulvic acid and other minerals found naturally in soil. Organic farms and farmers don’t use pesticides (or at least they shouldn’t but do your research!) or other chemicals therefore, organic veggies are far more likely to contain fulvic acid (read here to learn how to tell if your fruits and veggies are organic). However, be warned that there is no easy way to tell how much fulvic acid are in each vegetable. Your best bet are usually organic vegetables that grow directly in soil – think root vegetables such as potatoes and beets.
Blackstrap Molasses
Not a widely used product for most people but organic blackstrap molasses (thick, syrup like substance often used as a sweetener) can be a good source of fulvic acid. They are grown in the earth and their roots grow anywhere from 6.5 to 15 feet below the earth’s soil. The depth of the roots almost guarantees that they comes in contact with fulvic acid at some point.
Supplements
Last but not least, if you’re always on the go and have no time to cook (or shop), fulvic acid supplements may be the easiest and quickest way to add fulvic acid to your diet. All supplements effect everyone differently so it is important to speak with your doctor before taking anything new. It should also be known that supplements are not regulated by the FDA (but that may soon change) so it’s important to really do your research prior to taking any supplement. Unlike our Nourish, most fulvic acids are simply marketed as mineral supplements. Make sure you check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to make sure that it contains fulvic acid.
Unlike other brands, we have unearthed, patented and manufactured a non-diluted molecule (M32 Polyfulmate®) without using abrasive chemicals through our special extraction process. Learn more about Molecule32’s fulvic acid.
Shop all Molecule 32 products
]]>As your largest organ, you already know that your skin is deserving of TLC all year round. But have you ever notice a product that you swear by doesn't seem to be working as well as it should when the seasons change? What most people don’t realize is that if you live in an area with seasons, you may need to make small adjustments to your skincare based on the time of year.
These tweaks can obviously vary from person to person based on the different skin types. For some people (and if you live in places like S. California where it’s always 75 and sunny), using the same skincare all year round isn’t a big deal. However, if you have to deal with extreme variations of temperatures (or humidity), you might find that you need to adjust your products. For example, most people would probably need to apply heavier moisturizers or products in the winter time versus spring / summer time.
In colder weather / winter, there are many reasons why your skin dries out:
The sensation of dryness or tightness of skin is a great indicator of when you may need a heavier moisturizer or products for the wintertime. When you see flakey skin, you know it’s time to go heavy duty.
In warmer weather, it may be a bit tricky to tell what your skin is up to:
In the summer time, if your skincare is feeling sticky and slippery, it’s a sign that you may need lighter products. If you wear makeup, and find that your makeup isn’t staying on, it may also be an indicator of needing lighter products. It’s important to remember that in the summer time, your pores are more enlarged due to sweating and prone to absorb more dirt and oil so wearing lighter products will help with less clogging.
In terms of investing in skincare products, you don’t need to break the bank buying multiple sets of skincare. In terms of ingredients, heavier creams are more oil based where lighter lotions are more water based. The more expensive stuff isn’t necessarily better for you. If you’re happy with a particular brand but feel like you might need to make small seasonal tweaks, have a look at the other products in the brand and go to a lighter version. (In the Molecule 32 line, we created Balance for a lighter feel and Heal for the heavy duty skincare you might need in the winter). If you have skin condition such as eczema, you may want to consider staying with the same skincare regimen year round. To learn more visit our other blogs!
Shop all Molecule 32 products
]]>We have talked a lot about skincare and fulvic acid. But did you know that fulvic acid can also help to give you full, healthy and beautiful hair? Many people have a hard time with finding good hair products. If you’ve tried everything, yet nothing seems to work, don’t give up! There’s still hope to get that model mane you’ve been wanting. Almost everyone deals with thinning or breakage of hair at some point. Some products make big promises, but the results are lackluster.
Fulvic acid is an essential ingredient for fuller hair. There are many fulvic acid benefits for dull and thinning hair – it adds nutrients, detoxifies the hair while calming inflammation and increasing cell regeneration.
Nutrient Absorption
Fulvic acid is naturally derived from resources like water and soil so it makes it super easy for the body to absorb. Fulvic Acid is a chelator, meaning it removes harmful free radicals and toxins from the body and hair follicles. By getting rid of the toxins, it makes more room in your body for the nutrients it needs. Keratin is a vital protein that your hair needs. Fulvic acid can help deliver keratin to your hair and it will be better utilized by the body because of better absorption. With the use of fulvic acid, keratin and vitamins (Vitamin A, E, C, Biotin and Collagen) will be absorbed easier by your body which results in thicker, fuller hair.
Calms Inflammation
There are many reasons that can be linked to hair loss. Inflammation is one of those possible links to severe hair loss. Fulvic acid is known as an anti-inflammatory. It can blocks pathways that allow inflammation to occur. Inflammation will cause your body (especially your scalp) to not properly function. Fulvic acid has been shown to be effective if applied topically to the inflamed part of the scalp (maybe due to eczema) where there is hair loss. Once the inflammation subsides, it is possible to for hair re-growth.
Increase Cell Regeneration
One of the greatest benefits of fulvic acid for hair is cell regeneration. Cell regeneration is exactly what it sounds like, it’s the process that cells go through to renew themselves. The more the cells turns over, the healthier hair will grow. Due to the large amount of toxins your scalp comes in contact with (and absorbs), the skin on your scalp needs to constantly regenerate. In this case, fulvic acid acts as an antioxidant and increase generation. As a bonus, cell regeneration leads to better collagen levels. Higher collagen means thick, strong hair.
To date, we’ve only really talked about fulvic acid for skin problem and eczema but recently, it has also become the new secret beauty product for celebs and supermodels. Want to try it? Click here to shop Molecule 32 fulvic acid products!
]]>In our first blog, “What is Eczema?”, we defined eczema as a skin condition that causes patches of itchiness, inflammation, swelling, and cracked skin. Having eczema can not only be a annoying during the day when it’s itchy and dry but it can also affect the amount of rest you get. For many eczema sufferers, their eczema symptoms tends to get worse at night and results in very little sleep between the itching and scratching.
About 33 to 87.1% of adults with eczema lose sleep at night and this number is significantly increased in children. So why does eczema symptoms tend to get worse at night? Doctors have a few different theories:
• Due to the body's sleep and wake cycles, a person's temperature decreases at night, which can make the skin feel itchy
• If a person has moisturized during the day, the effects may have worn off by night leaving skin more dry
• In children, sleep cycles are about an hour and in adults they are 90 minutes to 2 hours. So we are waking up more than we realize. During these brief moments in between cycles, the itchy feeling may kick in and the reflex may be to start scratching which may make the itchiness worse and ultimately waking you up fully
To help you sleep better, here are some ways to help eczema sufferers get a little bit more sleep:
• Bathe at night
• Moisturize well before bed. Try moisturizing within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in hydration. But avoid soaps and lotions that contain fragrances or dyes
• Try wet wrap therapy. If the skin tends to dry out during the night, try wrapping a damp cloth around the affected area after moisturizing. Leaving the wrap on overnight can help keep the skin hydrated
• Avoid harsh fabrics. Do not use sheets or pajamas made from fabrics that can irritate the skin (wool or polyester). Try 100% cotton or linen
• Avoid allergens before bed. If you have a pet, it’s best to not let the pet sleep in the bed with you.
• Take an antihistamine. Antihistamines may not reduce itching but it may aid in drowsiness effect and deeper sleep
• Try melatonin
• Keep your fingernails short (or try wearing gloves to bed)
• Keep the bedroom cool. Sweating and feeling hot can make the itching worse
• Established a good sleep pattern. Try to sleep at the same time each night and make time for a relaxing activity, such as reading or meditation, before bed.
We have shown you what Fulvic Acid is. We have also shared all the benefits of Fulvic Acid for Eczema. But what about anti-aging, the most talked about need for skincare? Could Fulvic Acid help with that?
Although Fulvic Acid is still a little known ingredient, it has grown in popularity over the years as a supplement that can improve your overall health. But, did you know that it can also help to take years off your skin by getting really deep and working at the skin’s cellular level. We’ll tell you why.
Fulvic acid has been shown in a lab study to filter through all levels of the skin (getting to the deepest cellular layer), tighten it and help tone skin muscles by encouraging more muscle contractions. It also supports in the breakdown of other nutrients, making it easier for your body and skin to digest the bioavailability of nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin C (which are needed to boost collagen production and restore skin health). We all know that we as we age, collagen breakdown increases, Fulvic Acid has been proven to prevent the breakdown of collagen in lab tests. We need collagen to keep our skin in good shape (not to mention our other organs such as the kidneys).
As we have address in previous blogs, Fulvic Acid is also a major source of antioxidants and electrolytes. This helps to slow down the aging process and reduce inflammation. It also significantly improves several cellular processes that are necessary to assist with cell regeneration, which is an important part of keeping skin healthy. They also discard waste and stimulate the immune system to fight off infections and viruses that can contribute to poor skin health.
Lastly, many people don’t realize it, but amazing skin starts from within and with a healthy gut. A properly functioning digestive system is incredibly critical for absorbing nutrients that deliver all sorts of health benefits. Specifically, your skin needs vitamins and minerals to keep it young and wrinkle-free. Fulvic acid has been shown to help improve nutrient absorption, making it easier for your skin to get those much-needed nutrients. It’s very important to not just take care of the outside but the inside.
Click here to shop our two-step system to help you looking young from the side out!
]]>Fulvic Acid is important for the skin but what about the rest of the body? In our previous blog about M32 Polyfulmate®, we briefly touched on our two step system. To dig deeper into that, our two-step system to treat eczema is through taking our Nourish Ultra Fulvic Supplement and applying our Heal Rescue Lotion. By using these two products together, pH balance will be restored to address eczema outbreaks.
What if you don’t have eczema or other major skin concerns but you’re curious about taking Fulvic Acid as a supplement? Well, GREAT NEWS! The Nourish Ultra Fulvic Supplement is also an amazing supplement to take on its own!
Unfortunately, the processed foods in most of our diets and the depletion of nutrients in our soils are some of the biggest reasons for nutrient deficiencies in our bodies. Fulvic Acid serves as vehicle that carries nutrients to the right place in our bodies.
It is important to note that Fulvic Acid is more absorbable by the body when taken in liquid form as opposed to a solid form, which needs to be broken down by the digestive system before the nutrients can be used by the cells. In its liquid form, it is able to enter cells more easily. As with any supplement, talk to your doctor and carefully read dosage directions prior to usage.
Besides being amazing for the skin, here are other health benefits from taking a Fulvic supplement:
• Improves Gut Health and Immune System - Fulvic Acid activates digestive enzymes and nourish the digestive tract • Boost Digestion and Nutrient Absorption - Fulvic Acid significantly improve the ratio of good bacteria living in the gut, helping to lower many unwanted digestive symptoms • Protects Cognitive Health - A 2011 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that Fulvic Acid contains several antioxidant with potential to protect cognitive impairments • Improves Detoxification – Due to its detoxifying nature, Fulvic Acid is beneficial for digestion and improving energy. As a form of natural chelation, it is able to bind to and break down toxins and metals that enter the body • Lowers Free Radical Damage and Inflammation - Fulvic Acid contains antioxidants that counter the effects of free radicals and also help detoxify the body of many toxins • Improves Energy Levels – Your body has more energy due to increased detoxification, lower levels of inflammation and free radical damage, and higher intakes of electrolytes and other nutrients • Repairs the Skin – More than just for Eczema, historically, Fulvic Acid has been used as a rash remedy to help treat poison ivy, poison oak, viral infections, spider bites and athlete’s foot
For questions and to learn more, please email us at info@molecule32.com.
Click here to shop Molecule 32 products.
]]>In our previous blog on fulvic acid, we gave you a very general and quick introduction to Fulvic Acid. In this post, we want to tell you that not all Fulvic Acid is created equal.
Before we get into why Molecule 32 is different than the other guys, lets quickly review how amazing and essential Fulvic Acid is:
And more! (Way too scientific to get into)
While Fulvic Acid in general is quite remarkable, Molecule 32’s Fulvic Acid is even more extraordinary because of our proprietary patented extraction process (Polyfulmate®).
Unlike others, we have unearthed, patented and manufactured a non-diluted molecule (M32 Polyfulmate®) without using abrasive chemicals. Through our extraction process, we have created an effective, small (nano) and intuitive miracle molecule that is able to transport energy rich nutrients and minerals coupled with electrolytes to help ionize minerals and chemicals in order to penetrate any cell membrane. We know that’s a mouthful of big science words but we are just repeating what our award winning scientist founder said.
Let us put it into simpler terms – our proprietary ingredient (Molecule 32 Fulvic Acid Polyfulmate®) is so small and smart that it has the ability to penetrate through your skin and cells to get to the deepest level to deliver the pH balance and provide the required nutrition to rebalance internal conditions and fight inflammation from the inside-out.
Think of your skin and body as a giant battery. Each day, you are charged / re-charged and then depleted through nutritional in-take, output and rest. Much like a battery has to remain negatively and positively balanced in order to be effective. Science has shown that a neutral pH balance is critical in maintaining a high functioning system. If your skin and body is too acidic, it goes out of balance causing chaos in your system (acne, eczema, etc.). These cellular disruptions can cause long term issues if not addressed. That’s where M32 Polyfulmate® comes in to help deliver pH balance at the deepest cellular level. We believe that taking care of your skin has to come from the inside-out and not just topical, check out our two-step process! (hyperlink to products page / Nourish)
For questions and to learn more, please email us at info@molecule32.com
Click here to shop Molecule 32 products
]]>If you are a long term sufferer of eczema, you are no doubt very familiar with topical steroids. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to keep your skin clean and intensely hydrated, your eczema still flares up leaving you with red, itchy and painful skin. Typically, doctors prescribe a topical corticosteroid to help with temporary relief of these symptoms. For many eczema patients, these are the first relief they reach for, but what are the side of over-using these?
Let’s start with the basics, topical steroids are classified by strength on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being the strongest and 7 being the weakest. For example, Cortaid and other over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and ointments belong to class 7, which is “least potent.” The National Eczema Foundation (link to site) offers detailed information of various medication and steroids for eczema. Talking to your doctor and knowing the strength for you is an important factor. The goal is to minimize topical steroid exposure over the long term.
Many experts advise against the long-term use of topical steroids. With prolonged or overuse of topical steroid, a variety of complications may occur. Some common side effects are:
• Skin thinning (most common) – can be reversible • Skin thickening • Darkened skin where the topical has been applied • Stretch marks • Small broken blood vessels
• Rosacea • Increased hair growth where the skin is being treated
You should also speak to your doctor on certain sensitive areas to use the topical steroid. Not all skin on your body are created equal and some areas may be more prone to seeing complications than others. In more severe cases of prolonged use, the side effects becomes more than just localized, it can becomes systemic – meaning that the topical steroid affects more than just the exposed skin areas, it affects the entire body and its functions. Possible and less common systemic side effects of topical steroids are: cataracts, glaucoma, osteoporosis, neuropsychiatric effects, muscle weakness, and diabetes.
Before you run out and throw away all your topical steroid creams though, we encourage you to look for alternative and more natural products to see how your skin condition responds. Again, the most important piece is to work with your physician and address problems promptly.
Click here to shop Molecule 32 products
]]>As we noted in our previous blog (What is eczema?), eczema or atopic dermatitis is a painful skin condition that results in patches of red, itchy, inflamed, cracked, and rough skin. Trust us when we say that eczema sufferers are often desperate to find relief. However, over the counter creams offer only some relief and prescription drugs may have serious and negative side effects.
Fulvic Acid helps to manage the underlying causes of the eczema, not just temporarily relieve the symptoms. Fulvic acid works on a cellular level through rapid penetration and hydration to restore moisture to your skin. It’s able to pass easily through the protective membranes into our body’s cells. As it penetrates through your skin, it brings in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, while keeping others out. This amazing little molecule is able to transport over 60 times its own weight in vitamins and minerals into cells!
There are several reasons why scientists believe fulvic acid is such a life saver for eczema sufferers: 1) Because fulvic acid can remove toxins from the body, it may be especially effective if you have contact eczema. 2) The anti-bacterial effect of fulvic acid is thought to be attributed to its ability to balance of the pH in our body. 3) The anti-inflammatory effect of fulvic acid reduces the production and impact of inflammatory substances. As eczema is a skin conditions with inflammation, fulvic acid is indispensable in improving the health of the skin.
Though studies are still being conducted for fulvic acid, it’s safe to say that this miracle molecule should be given a chance by all eczema sufferers.
Click here to shop Molecule 32 products
]]>Not to be confused with FOLIC acid, fulvic acid is the unsung hero of health. You may not have heard much about fulvic acid, but it’s a mighty antioxidant, a powerful polyelectrolyte and a complex organic phenol that facilitates the healthy absorption of nutrients.
At the most fundamental level, fulvic acid is extracted from humus, which is a thick, dark brown or black organic material that forms in the soil when plants and animals decays into their most basic chemical elements. Along with fulvic acid, humic acid is the other major component of humus. As a matter of fact, fulvic acid is a fraction of humic acid. Fulvic acid is used for its many nutritional benefits, while humic acid is better known for its antiviral, antibacterial and detoxifying properties.
When combined with active carbon and high molecular oxygen, fulvic acid is one of the most powerful antioxidants around. When it encounters free radicals, it supplies an equal and opposite charge to neutralize them, acting as a health-protective antioxidant. Fulvic acid protects our body’s cells and their internal structures from harmful oxidation by environmental toxins and pollutants. Aside from being a powerful protectant and antioxidant, fulvic acid also has the power to dissolve and remove accumulated toxic pollutants from the body.
At Molecule 32, we believe in a holistic approach to your skin, we believe in taking care of your skin from the inside out. We offer more than topical solutions. If you are interested in our Nourish drops, be sure to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking or using fulvic acid to ensure that they don’t interfere with any other ongoing treatments or medications.
Click here to shop Molecule 32 products
]]>Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that makes your skin dry, red and itchy. Though common in children, it can occur at any age. Most eczema cases are chronic and even when they appear to be gone, it tends to flare up periodically due to different triggers.
Currently, there is no cure for atopic dermatitis or eczema. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching. Historically, dermatologists has prescribed medicated steroid creams to alleviate symptoms but, steroid creams can cause harmful long term effects.
There are a few different kinds of eczema and they can occur on different parts of the body:
• Infantile eczema
• Atopic dermatitis (most common)
• Contact dermatitis (triggered by allergens)
• Dyshidrotic eczema (small blisters on hands and feet)
• Hand eczema (only on hand)
• Neurodermatitis (thick, scaly patches)
• Nummular eczema (round, coin-shaped spots)
• Stasis dermatitis (caused by fluid leaks)
We will explore each of these different types in depth in future blogs, but awareness is key to self-care.
You probably want to know what causes eczema, the best explanation is that healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema is related to a gene variation that affects the skin's ability to provide this protection.
Symptoms for eczema can vary greatly from person to person but generally it resembles the following:
• Dry skin
• Itching (sometimes severe, especially at night)
• Red to brownish patches (especially on hands, feet, inside of elbows and knees and scalp)
Some people (especially infants and children), may experience flare ups from eating certain foods, including eggs, milk, soy and wheat. Talk to your doctor about identifying potential food allergies.
Try to identify and avoid triggers that may worsen the condition. Things that can worsen the skin reaction include sweat, stress, food, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust and pollen. Once you know what your triggers are, you should reduce your exposure to these. This may help the frequency and severity of your future flare ups.
Typical ways to take care of your skin include:
• Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with creams, ointments and lotions seal in moisture.
• Try to limit your baths and showers to 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid hot water, use warm water instead.
• Use only gentle and mild soaps. Deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove more natural oils and dry your skin.
• Dry yourself carefully. After bathing gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• DON’T ITCH
Shop for Molecule 32 products
]]>