5 Harmful Products You Should Replace in 2017 and 5 Organic Versions You Should Try

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat”. This phrase can seem silly, however, in large part remains true. The cells within our bodies are, in part, composed of the foods we eat & drink, the products we use, and the environments we surround ourselves with. We are constantly absorbing all of life’s external factors, which is why it’s important to be mindful of what we’re putting in, on, and around our bodies.  If you’re just starting out on your wellness journey and may be unsure where to begin, we’ve put together 5 tips that we believe will lead you to a healthier, more mindful life:  Tip 1: Start Small  As humans, we often take an all-or-nothing approach when trying to live a healthier lifestyle. When we can’t meet life’s beckoning demands all at once, it’s easy to feel discouraged and possibly give up. The key to building new habits is by starting small. Try incorporating 1 small change per week. Once you feel comfortable and have turned that small change into a habit, you can build from it and begin to incorporate other small changes, that will in turn create long-term habits.   Tip 2: Get Moving   Whether you practice yoga or simply go for a walk, exercise has been proven to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. Studies show it promotes blood flow to the brain and encourages the release of natural feel-good endorphins, which can help to increase self-esteem and confidence. Regular movement or exercise is also proven to relieve or reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and improve memory and cognitive function.   Tip 3: Consume Wholefoods    The foods we choose to eat also have a lot to do with the way we feel every day. Try to consume high-quality sources of energy such as organic grass-fed animal proteins, beans, legume, nuts, and seasonal organic produce. Organic foods and produce often contain more beneficial nutrients & antioxidants as well as less synthetic pesticides and chemicals than their counterparts.   Tip 4: Make the Switch to Cleaner Products  Just like the foods we eat, the products we use daily also have a great impact on our physical health. Many conventional products are filled with toxic ingredients like Parabens, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Alcohols and more, which can negatively impact your health. This can mean all your regular-use products, like cleaning, laundry, supplements, and beauty products, may be contributing negatively to the way you feel by irritating your skin or body, encouraging respiratory illness, and possibly even leading to cancer with prolonged exposure. Swapping out these harmful products for solutions with cleaner and safer ingredients is one way to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and live a healthier, more mindful life.   Tip 5: Listen to Your Body  Everyone is different when it comes to properly fueling their body, and what may work for some may not work for everyone. Creating and sustaining habits for a healthy and more mindful life can take commitment and time, however, it’s well worth it in the long run. What is most important throughout your journey is to listen to your body. Craving a certain food? Eat it. Ready for a second exercise today? Why not. Not feeling a workout at all? Take a rest day. Listening to what your body wants is one of the best ways to live a more mindful life. Don’t put pressure on yourself to complete one million tasks on your off days.    In closing, we encourage you to view wellness as a lifestyle that is forever evolving. Some days will be easier than others, and no one’s journey will be perfect. Take it one day at a time and don’t give up. You owe it to yourself!    *This is not medical advice. We recommend talking to your doctor before changing your diet or exercise routines.

Scalp Exfoliation: Everything You Need to KnowBecause your scalp deserves your undivided attention, too.Below, find our favorite hand-picked scalp exfoliators.Ban flakes from your scalp for good with this detoxifying pick from John Masters Organics. A blend of organic sugar cane, pumpkin enzyme, and AHA botanical fruit extract make up the formula, which effectively rids the scalp of excess sebum and dull buildup.

The Best New Hair-Care Products John Masters Organics Scalp Exfoliating Scrub Still dealing with a flaky scalp even though it's humid and warm? It may be because of product buildup, beloveds. Set your crown on a better path with the John Masters Organics Scalp Exfoliating Scrub. The formula contains bamboo, pumpkin enzyme, exfoliating fruit extracts, and organic sugar cane to help gently (and naturally) slough away any excess ickies living rent-free on your scalp.     

The 10 Best Natural Shampoos That Work Just as Well as Traditional FormulasOne of the best-known natural beauty brands, John Masters Organics uses a blend of natural ingredients like spearmint and aloe vera to stimulate and calm the scalp, helping to increase blood flow and heal flaky skin. As a 2-in-1 product, it’s highly moisturizing, so many are able to use it as their sole hair product. However, it’s important to know your hair history and hair type, and if your hair is prone to dryness or breakage, follow with a conditioner. Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo 

As you go about your busy days crossing things off your to-do list, completing errands all over town, watching your email notifications stack up and trying to not head to Starbucks for your fourth cup of coffee of the day, you can now take a moment to pause, close your eyes and apply our new Hawaiian Cocktail flavored Lip Calm that immediately transports you to the shores of Hawaii. Take a deep inhale breath and imagine you’re lounging oceanside with a tropical cocktail in hand. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in traffic, carpool pick-up, or your third meeting of the afternoon — you can enjoy the flavor of the islands anytime, anywhere.If you’re feeling like you could use a real vacation to Hawaii, don’t forget to stop by the gorgeous open-air Ala Moana Center shopping mall in Honolulu to find our John Masters Organics retail location that carries an exclusive Pineapple flavored Lip Calm that can’t be found anywhere else (not even online!) but there, in paradise.

Need To Zen Out? Consider These 5 Calming Eucalyptus Beauty PicksThis balancing shampoo will give your scalp a deep wash with spearmint and peppermint extracts. The meadowsweet extract will help balance sebum production going forward. And the eucalyptus? Adds tons of shine.Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp-Stimulating Shampoo

From road tripping to the next weekend festival to jet-setting internationally, keeping your toiletry bag lightweight and simple makes traveling that much easier. Whether you struggle to keep your checked bag under the weight limit or you’re trying to avoid checked-bag fees, carrying on your beauty products is easier than you think. Get to your destination without a hitch by following these tips for keeping your beauty essentials TSA-friendly:Multi-taskStuff your toiletry bag with products that fulfill more than one purpose like our Face & Body Bar with Lavender & Ylang Ylang or versatile 100% Argan Oil that can be used on the the face, hair and nails. Lessen your LiquidsTSA requires that all liquids are 3.4 ounces or less, and all liquids must fit in a single quart-size clear, zip-top bag. Grab a solid shampoo, conditioner, shave bar, and multi-tasking cleanser like our Face & Body Bar with Lavender & Ylang Ylang to minimize your liquid stash. Minimize with MinisGrab your favorite beauty products in travel or trial sizes so that you don’t have to sacrifice your must-haves while you’re on the go. Many drugstores also carry empty TSA-friendly pouches and containers so you can decant your favorites into 3.4-ounce bottles and jars.            Packing smart will make your airport experience less stressful and help you avoid extra fees or –– even worse! –– having to leave behind your essentials at security! Happy travels!

            Songs have been written about the beauty of roses, chamomile has been praised for centuries for its soothing properties, and lavender is a household essential for keeping calm –– but the unsung hero of the beauty world is an iconic, vibrant flower that instantly brings the mind to the beautiful flora of Hawaii: the hibiscus.            With a stunning array of color variations, the hibiscus flower is quickly recognizable with its flamboyant petals and prominent stamen and pistil. The trumpet-shaped flower is not only prized for its bold beauty, but also for its array of beautifying benefits for hair and skin.            The most common way to enjoy the healthful properties of hibiscus is by steeping it into a ruby-red tea. Its tart, somewhat sour flavor can be sipped hot or cold, and is naturally caffeine-free. Drinking hibiscus may promote lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, boost immunity, improve digestion, and calm internal inflammation. Its potent vitamin C and antioxidant content makes it a great choice for maintaining a healthy body and radiant skin.            Externally, hibiscus is a gorgeous ingredient for keeping hair healthy, strong, and youthful; this is why organic hibiscus flower extract is the star ingredient of our new natural Honey & Hibiscus Repair Collection, featuring the Hair Reconstructing Shampoo and Hair Reconstructing Conditioner. Hibiscus’s concentration of vitamin C and amino acids has shown impressive results when it comes to promoting healthy hair growth and nourishing strands from root to tip –– it may even stimulate dormant hair follicles to improve the fullness and volume of hair! Its powerful dose of age-fighting antioxidants has even been speculated to combat early graying of hair. Hibiscus’s anti-anti-inflammatory properties help keep the scalp free from itch-causing irritations, skin conditions, and can help fight off dandruff. And let’s not forget its intoxicating, berry-like scent that makes every wash with our natural Hair Repair Collection feel like you’re showering in a tropical paradise.            Whether you prefer to drink your hibiscus or bathe with it, there’s no denying that this iconic flower is an essential for keeping our bodies healthy, vibrant, and radiant from the inside out.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show those you love how much you care. It’s also a moment to celebrate your own inner beauty by pampering yourself with indulgent, natural products that cultivate well-being—inside and out. Inspired by this rose-filled holiday, we’ve put together a rose ritual to treat your hair, skin, and self. Consider it a little TLC from us to you.Soak in a restoring DIY rose and lavender bathThis simple spa-like recipe makes good use of a single rose or a whole bouquet. Mix equal parts rose petals and fresh lavender in a muslin bag (or a cut sock or stocking). Let steep for 5 minutes in warm bath water, then enjoy the calming scent of their aromatic floral notes and the healing effects of the flowers’ essential oils. Massage strands with a nourishing, rose hair mask While unwinding in the tub, reveal shinier, healthier-looking locks—and an even more relaxed you—by combining our NEW John Masters™ Organics Hair Mask with a gentle head massage. Containing nutrient-dense organic rose water made from 8,700 rose petals, it replenishes moisture, repairs split ends, and cleanses the scalp. Softly rub it in at hair roots to relieve tension and stimulate follicles. Its fruity apricot and floral rose scent delivers an extra perk: 3 to 5 minutes of Zen application time. You can even mix a rosebud-sized amount into any of John Masters Organics conditioner or detangler for a quick hydration (and mood) boost.  Spritz on a refreshing, rose-infused face mist  We love an invigorating facial spray because it only takes a second to apply, yet can instantly alter the way you look and feel. Our Rose & Aloe Hydrating Toning Mist contains rose flower oil to soothe sensitive skin along with white tea antioxidants and oat kernel to help protect against pollution’s damaging effects. Stash it in your bag and re-apply whenever you or your skin needs a pick-me-up.Happy Valentine’s Day. May it be filled with love and roses.