In my opinion, NOW Foods is a pretty affordable brand + I use their products quite often. Here are some of my most recent NOW health + beauty product picks!
Arnica Soothe Massage Gel – I recently had my 7th Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery (SGAP Flap), which left me with a ton of bruising + swelling (from my chest to my knees). So, I got a few topical Arnica products to help. Out of all the different types I got (creams, oils + gels) – I definitely prefer an arnica cream (like, Dr. Hoy’s Arnica Boost Recovery Cream), or even an oil, over the gels… mainly because they’re usually sticky, + can sting due to the alcohol in them. However, this one from NOW is the exception. I massage it onto the areas that I had Lipo-contouring done (where they took fat from, to re-build) – and it really helps with the itchiness, numbness + tingling as the nerves are regenerating. This contains 10% arnica (one of my fave herbs), vitamin K, + soothing scents like peppermint oil, lavender + chamomile. I should also note that this does contain a few preservatives that I don’t normally use (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, + Potassium Sorbate), but sometimes the benefits outweigh the negatives, + I felt it was the best option when nothing else was working.
Vitamin E Cream – All of the Cancer Surgeries I’ve had have left me with multiple scars, including some very long ones that wrap almost all the way around my body. So, I’m always on the hunt for options that really help moisturize + reduce that intense itchiness you get when scars begin to heal. Over the years, I’ve been a die-hard fan of their straight-up Vitamin E Oil, but recently I’ve been going back + forth between the two – and, leaning slightly more towards the Vitamin E Cream. It’s just a different kind of moisture, + I have a larger surface area to cover than I’ve had in the past. This cream is formulated with one of the highest concentrations of Natural Vitamin E, + to boost the effects – Wheat Germ Oil is added to fight free radicals, + Rhodiola Extract helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Tranquil Rose Massage Oil – I first began using this after my Valentine’s Day Giveaway on Instagram last year, + have enjoyed it ever since. I’m generally not a rose person… especially when it comes to my body care, but… I love it on my face! So – I was really surprised I liked it so much. I love that the scent is super-delicate, + tend to reach for this most when my skin is really dry, sensitive, + irritated (especially with something like razor-burn) – it helps calm it down quickly. I also like to add a few drops of this into my Salt Bath Water when I’m feeling fancy! Highly recommend! This oil is infused with powerful antioxidant benefits of natural Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Almond + Apricot Oils that soften, + moisturize sensitive skin, as well as Rose Hip Seed Oil that hydrates your skin + minimizes the appearance of minor imperfections.
Psyllium Husk Caps 500 mg – For the past several months I’ve been on a super-strict Candida / Antifungal Diet, + along with that protocol, it’s recommended to take a binder (something usually like Psyllium Husks or Activated Charcoal). I’ve gone back + forth between both, depending on how I’m feeling, but Psyllium is a natural soluble fiber that can swell up to 50 x’s its volume when added to liquid, + helps gently carry stuff out of your body that you’re trying to get rid of by maintaining regularity, + GI health. I follow the directions on the bottle + pop a few into my mouth with a huge glass of filtered water right before bed.
Charcoal Detox Facial Mask – These days, it’s not often that I use that many pre-made masks anymore, simply due to the preservatives that have to go in them (where there’s water, there always needs to be a preservative). However – if you’ve ever popped open a few Activated Charcoal capsules in a hurry, just to make a quick detox mask before hopping in the shower – you totally know what I’m talking about! I mean… total disaster area! I definitely don’t mind DIY-ing when I have the time (I love it, actually!), but sometimes I just wanna get my mask on + get on with it. FYI: this mask is another exception, because it’s one of the cleanest pre-mades I could find (especially for charcoal), but full disclosure – it has Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin in it, incase you’re avoiding those. My skin has been pretty dull lately (probably all the residual crap coming out of my system + through my skin, post-surgery), so – I’ve been doing facials with this about twice a week, + can’t believe the difference it’s made in softness, suppleness + clarity of my skin! Activated charcoal + bentonite clay deep-clean pores, exfoliate, + help absorb excess dirt, oil, + other impurities – while the aloe, + antioxidant superfruits like acai + goji berry help you get your glow on.
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Ohhh I also love doing detox using Activated Charcoal Powder and making my own mask too. I def.will try the pre-made one, will be useful when I’m in hurry. I bought the Activated Charcoal Powder from Virginic (https://virginic.com/collections/toothpastes/products/activated-charcoal-powder). It works great for me and I use it for other things too, not just mask :)
Thanks Marie! Same… love making my own masks too… I usually just pop-open a few capsules, add some clay, liquid + honey. Plus, when I have the caps – I take them internally too! 😉
Yeayyy! Making own masks is really fun when you have the time tho :p I will def. try your way to see how it works for me, thanks Danielle!
Haha! Definitely! Keep me posted! XO 😘