Biology and genetics play a part, but the signs of aging are also driven by external factors like sun exposure, stress, smoking, and environmental pollutants that produce skin-damaging free radicals.

These harmful molecules cause oxidative stress and inflammation that accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Continual exposure to these environment aggressors does not allow the skin to be in an optimal healthy state. The result? Fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of skin elasticity. While you notice the visible signs of aging, trouble continues to brew below the skin, which results in future damage that will eventually surface. This is why it is important to use a skin care line that addresses both the visible signs of aging as well as the causes.

Nerium’s products bring together the best elements of science and nature. Unique formulas feature innovative, patented ingredients - the result of years of research and clinical testing. The patented NAE-8® extract, derived from nerium oleander and aloe vera plants, acts as a powerful antioxidant and boosts the cell renewal process to reveal younger looking skin.

Contact us to find out more on the benefits of Nerium.

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Also, visit our fragrance bar tab  Here to find a description of each fragrance.

You might not know, however, exactly how a fragrance is constructed. All the different scents aren't thrown together willy-nilly into a big pot and then funneled into dainty glass bottles or products. No, there's a science to it, one that some people spend large chunks of their lives perfecting. However, at bath junkie, we are here to help make your experience of creating your own perfect blend a lot less daunting.

Much like musical notes make up a song and various shades of colors turn into a painting, fragrance notes are necessary to make a perfume. Overall, there are three note scales that when blended together create the perfume's fragrant accord. Each of these levels, however, has its own primary purpose.

The Top Notes
Also sometimes referred to as the opening notes or head notes, the top notes of a fragrance are generally the lightest of all the notes. They are recognized immediately upon application of the perfume. The top notes are also the first to fade given their light molecular structure, but this does not mean they aren't of utmost importance.

The top notes of a fragrance represent the first impression. How many times have you tested a fragrance only to be turned off right away? Why? Because the top notes didn't make a lasting impression on you. It is hugely important that the top notes not only succeed at luring you in, but also smoothly transition into the heart of the fragrance.

Common fragrance top notes include citrus (lemon, orange zest, bergamot), light fruits (grapefruit, berries) and herbs (clary sage, lavender).

The Middle Notes

The middle notes, or the heart notes, make an appearance once the top notes evaporate. The middle notes are considered the heart of the fragrance. They last longer than the top notes and have a strong influence on the base notes to come. A perfume's heart is generally pleasant and well-rounded. It is ofen a smooth combination of floral or fruit tones; sometimes infused with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom.

Common fragrance middle notes include geranium, rose, lemongrass, ylang ylang, lavender, coriander, nutmeg, neroli and jasmine.

The Base Notes

The base notes are the final fragrance notes that appear once the top notes are completely evaporated. The base notes mingle with the heart notes to create the full body of the fragrance, but are typically associated with the dry-down period. The job of the base notes is to provide the lasting impression. These often rich notes linger on the skin for hours after the top notes have dissipated.

Common fragrance base notes include cedarwood, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, patchouli, oakmoss and musk.

Without the combination of the three levels of notes, a fragrance just wouldn't be aromatically appealing. But together, they create beautiful scents.

Our bath junkie scrubs are on my “can’t live without products list.” Both salt and sugar scrubs are different forms of exfoliation—sloughing off dead skin cells to allow the skin underneath to become hydrated and rejuvenated. While the natural granules of both sugar and salt make excellent body scrubs, which type to use depends on different skin conditions and characteristics… Here’s a quick rundown of when it’s best to use each scrub:

Salt Scrubs

Salt scrubs tend to be more abrasive because of their sharper edges and work better at smoothing rough skin. What really separates salt scrubs from sugar scrubs is their therapeutic, mineralization benefits. The salt helps the skin breathe easier, promotes better circulation, tightens the skin and improves skin texture. Salts have different trace minerals, which include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron, and help promote circulation, reduce the inflammatory response, while acting as a detoxifying agent and general muscle relaxant.

Since salt granules work a little harder than the gentler sugar scrubs, salt scrubs are a good choice for skin that can get especially dry and calloused. However, balance is important. Many scrubs suggest an application of a rich, moisturizing body butter, oil or cream to replenish the skin’s moisture after use. Our bath junkie scrubs don’t require a post application of another kind, since ours already contain awesome natural moisturizers.

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar scrubs are gentler on the skin than salt scrubs because the granule is round and therefore doesn’t “cut” the skin. For sensitive skin types, it’s a better choice, and the only choice for the face. Sugar granules dissolve more easily in hot water, and are less abrasive than salt scrubs. While sugar scrubs don’t have the mineral benefits of salt scrubs, they are less drying, and many natural scrubs now use natural sugars which contain the nutritive properties of sugar cane. Because of the smaller, finer granules, sugar scrubs make a gentle exfoliant that is suitable for next to all skin types and conditions.

The glycolic acid content of sugar is another plus, helping to protect skin against harmful toxins. Vital for the maintenance of healthy skin, this acid works to both condition and moisturize. Even for seriously rough and dry skin, sugar scrubs are great because sugar sizes come in fine, medium and course. But choose your scrubs wisely. Do not use a body scrub on your face – it’s too rough. Sugar also has the benefit of melting as you use it, from the heat of your skin, so you can customize the product based on your personal skin type and need.

Whether one chooses a salt or sugar scrub, used regularly, the skin will become much healthier in function and appearance—better circulation and with a more even skin tone. Once dead skin cells are removed, the largest organ of the body works more effectively to remove toxins and absorb nourishment. Best of all, because both are pure products, there are few, if any side effects, so the natural glow is exactly that… natural!

Used to be mineral oil was a popular moisturizer in skin and hair products. People have relied on it for decades, and things like baby oil and Vaseline are old favorite applications. But lately, this ingredient has gotten a lot of bad press. What’s the problem?

What is Mineral Oil?

Mineral oil is a colorless and odorless oil that’s made from petroleum—as a by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It’s long been used as a common ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics. It’s lightweight and inexpensive, and helps reduce water loss from the skin.

What’s the Problem?

Those of us who care about natural, nutritious products for skin don’t like mineral oil for several reasons. Here are my top two reasons to avoid it.

1. It Clogs Pores

Mineral oil is considered “comedogenic,” which means it can clog your pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads. The more refined, the less comedogenic, but there’s no way to know (unless the company is willing to tell you) how purified the mineral oil is that’s in your product. The highest grade available is called “pharmaceutical grade,” or “mineral oil USP.”

Even this high grade of mineral oil can trap ingredients in your pores, however, because the oil is an “occlusive agent”—which means that it forms a physical barrier over your skin to reduce moisture loss. So if you already have bacteria on your skin (most likely), or if you have other ingredients in your product that can clog pores, even the most refined mineral oil will keep all of that close and tight to your skin, increasing risk of breakouts.

2. It Doesn’t Give Your Skin Anything Beneficial

For me, this is probably the best reason to avoid mineral oil. Yes, it may contribute to body contamination (which is a whole topic in itself), and it may make you break out. But most of all, it’s not doing anything for your skin. It’s not infusing it with nutrients. It’s not providing hydration that actually goes into the skin where it counts. It’s just sitting there on the top of the skin preventing moisture loss.

That may have been okay fifty years ago, but today we have so many better alternatives! We have natural plant extracts, nut butters, natural oils, and more that provide so many benefits, including essential fatty acids that plump up skin, antioxidants to fight free radical damage, and nutrients to help maintain skin firmness. Why settle for a film made from petroleum when you can do so much more for your skin?