Lavera's Orange Sea Buckthorn products are the perfect summer cocktail for your skin! Why is Sea Buckthorn such a power house in the skin care industry right now? When it comes to vitamin C, sea buckthorn has about 16 times as much of this nutrient as kiwis. Not only does vitamin C protect your skin from the ravages of free radicals, it also plays a role in collagen production. This fruit is also loaded with vitamin A & E. These three antioxidants combined help to fight those dreaded wrinkles and play an important role in shedding the dead surface skin cells.

Sea Buckthorn also contains EFA (essential fatty acids), these natural lubricants that help your skin maintain a natural balance.

Using the Sea Buckthorn products is a great way to kick your summer into high gear and maintain the perfect balance of collagen production and moisture retention. Lavera isn't the only one that stands behind Sea Buckthorn, even Dr. Oz LOVES his Sea Buckthorn. The incredibly high antioxidant properties of the sea buckthorn berry, along with its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and its ability to be immune-supportive, make this an outstanding oil to improve total body wellness. The oil used from the sea buckthorn has even been used to reduce the risk of radiation burns for Russian astronauts working in space. Read the full blog article on Dr. Oz's website about additional benefits of the sea buckthorn.

The sea buckthorn berry, which is native to Europe and Asia has also been recently featured on the June 2nd segment of "The Dr. Oz Show," in which the health benefits of this berry were explored. Dr. Oz noted that sea buckthorn oil can keep the skin young and beautiful as a moisturizer for the face and body. Sea buckthorn provids more protection and nutrition to the skin due to it's high levels of free fatty acids, phytosterol, phosphatide, vitamins E and A, and carotenoids. The free fatty acids is easily absorbed by the skin keeping it slightly acidic which helps to fight infection. Linoleic acid and linolenic acid promote repair of tissue damage. Phosphatide, hydrocarbon and phosphatide forms a protective film to prevent excessive moisture loss. Sitosterol improves mirco-circulation in the skin. Sea buckthorn softens and lubricates the skin and keep it smooth and fair.

With this in mind, we created a collection of Lavera's Orange Sea-Buckthorn products together as our new Spa Package. Designed specifically for rejuvenating and nourishing your skin with high concentrations of antioxidants; vitamins A, C and E from the sea buckthorn berry. This Spa Package includes one each of the following Orange Sea-Buckthorn products:

• Shower & Bath Gel
• Body Lotion
• Body Scrub
• Deodorant Roll-on
• Hand Cream

While there are the four most common skin types oily/acne, dry/mature, sensitive, and normal/combination — none of us have cookie-cutter skin. You may have normal skin with an oily T-zone, or dry skin that is also sensitive, or oily skin that is sensitive...the list goes on and on.

The most important step in choosing your skincare is first determining exactly which products work for your skin. You may need to use a different moisturizer on your forehead, nose, and chin than on your cheeks and neck. Or maybe you have dry skin but require a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients. Tailor-make your skincare to your individual needs.

Two very common issues are dry skin or oily/acne skin that is also sensitive. First, many women believe their skin to be sensitive when it may be a reaction to the toxic chemicals used to make conventional skin care. You may find that your sensitivity lessens, or even disappears, once you begin using natural skin care. You may also have sensitivity to certain ingredients. Look over your product labels and see if you can identify a common culprit.

Another cause of irritation is often due to over-cleansing and drying out the skin. If you are concerned about breakouts you may be using too harsh a cleanser on your face, sapping the skin of moisture (even oily skin needs hydration), which results in over-production of oil and breakouts. In this case, a mild cleanser and light moisturizer usually works wonders.

Just because you love a couple of products from one line does not mean you have to use the entire line or can't substitute a product from another. You may love the FACES Calendula Cleansing Gel from the Normal/Combo line, with the Wild Rose Toner for balance, Calendula Balancing Cream on the T-zone, with MyAge Eye Cream and Night Cream for over-night. It is all about finding what works for YOU.

As Liz Thompson, beauty editor of Organic Beauty Source, stated in this month's issue of JAYE Magazine..."Your beauty drawer should be as individual as you are. I think many women make the mistake of using what their best friend uses on her skin, or their sister, or their favorite movie star. Use products that are suited to your individual skin type and issues. If you are uncertain what your type is, ask a professional. And you do not have to use all of the products from a line just because it matches your skin type." Lavera skin care is all natural and completely free from harmful chemical ingredients. Unsure of which products you need for your skin type or skin issues? Rebecca, can help - call her at 1.877.528.3727

So far in our anti-aging series we have covered moisturizer, peels and masks, and even bronzers. Last week we talked about all that the SOLUTION Anti-aging line has to offer mature skin. But what about the true heavy-hitters in our anti-aging line up? The ones that specifically target fine lines and wrinkles. Those products that provide the extra boost we are looking for in an anti-aging line.

This week let's take a look at facial serums and eye care products. While these are items that some women do not add to their skincare arsenal, serums and eye creams/gels are very important components in any regimen.

MyAge and LAVERÉ Serums

According to Susan Stuart, MD, a dermatologist for Martha Stewart's Whole Living Magazine, "Serums have smaller molecules, so they can get active ingredients like antioxidants deeper into your skin than a cream." Due to smaller molecules of facial serums, it is easily absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin. Whereas a moisturizer, containing larger molecules than a serum, is only absorbed into the first layer of the skin, the serums ability to penetrate deeper allows the powerful organic ingredients in LAVERÉ and MyAge products to do their work.

You'll find in our serums and eye creams higher concentrations of anti-aging active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q-10, sepilift, and green tea extract. These ingredients perform a variety of functions - some are anti-oxidants, others are powerful humectants which absorb and retain moisture to help reduce lines and wrinkles.

One particular ingredient - Bearberry Leaf Extract - is a natural skin lightener that helps lighten age and sun damage spots. Bearberry Leaf Extract, can be found in the LAVERÉ SOLUTION Intensive Lifting Serum. Lighter weight than a moisturizer, facial serums absorb quickly, leaving skin refreshed and toned. Serums improve skin tone, brighten, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Developed for mature skin, LAVERÉ SOLUTION Intensive Lifting Serum provides nourishing, light hydration. Sepalift is a plant-derived super anti-aging ingredient used in this serum to strengthen skin. Used regularly, skin looks healthy, smooth and youthful.

LAVERÉ Hydro Lifting Serum provides anti-aging protection to skin of all ages. Organic aloe vera provides light hydration without being heavy, perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin types. Hyaluronic acid strengthens connective tissue and improves skin elasticity. Skin is left smoothed, soft and refreshed.

MyAge Lifting Serum is packed with anti-aging Green tea and Karanja Seed Oil. This serum provides nutrients to skin resulting in healthy-looking radiance. CoQ10 and Cova B Trox are used to supply maximum skin-firming benefits.

LAVERÉ and MyAge Eye Care

The thin, delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places we notice signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles form here from squinting, smiling, and laughing. And because skin tends to get thinner as we age, we may notice dark circles and puffiness as well. Targeted ingredients in our eye creams and gels will keep your peepers looking fabulous for years to come.

For Puffiness, Dark Circles, Premature Aging

To revive tired eyes use LAVERÉ HYDRO Cool Eye Gel Roll-On, designed for all skin types. This gel helps to stimulate circulation, reducing the appearance of dark circles. The cooling action helps to soothe any puffiness. Eyes are bright and young-looking.

MyAge Cooling Eye Roll On is formulated with anti-aging white tea and CoQ10 to diminish puffiness and revitalize the eye area. Skin feels cooled and revived.

For Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dry/Mature Skin

For extra anti-aging power try an eye cream. LAVERÉ Intensive Eye Cream boosts hydration while soothing the delicate skin. This moisturizing cream provides a matte surface, perfect for applying makeup, and leaves eyes bright and luminous.

LAVERÉ SOLUTION Eye Cream (Power Eye Glow) is a sure fix for mature skin - brightens, tightens, smooths, and reduces puffiness all in one. Anti-aging Argan oil delivers rich, non-greasy hydration, while carrot root tones and improves skin elasticity.

MyAge Eye Cream contains Sepalift and Nutri Ceramide for skin-firming and smoothing action. Natural plant oils provide rich hydration in this nourishing cream.

For Tired eyes & Dry skin

If a straight forward eye soother is what you are looking for, try FACES Wild Rose Eye Gel. Reduces puffiness, seals in moisture, and pampers delicate skin around the eyes. This light eye cream is designed for dry and mature skin types, but is light and effective enough for anyone.

Get serious about anti-aging skincare with our powerful facial serums and eye care products. You will be glad you did!

It is as important to be healthy as it is beautiful - after all good health is the foundation of true beauty. And with Lavera organic cosmetics and skin care you can have both!

One time of life when you may tend toward a lower maintenance level is during pregnancy and raising young children. Who has the time or energy for elaborate skin care and makeup sessions?

You do not have to have much of either to maintain beautiful, glowing, healthy skin. As expectant mom Alicia Silverstone knows, vegan/organic cosmetics and skin care are the answer to caring for your skin and protecting your baby at the same time.

As a matter of fact, Alicia loves Lavera products. Just check out her blog on her website - theKindLife.com

Calendula Cleansing Gel - This gentle foaming cleanser gets rid of dirt and makeup without irritating skin. Contains Organic Calendula, Witch hazel, and Mallow extract.

Wild Rose Moisturizing Cream - Light and nourishing, instantly restores radiance to dry or tired skin. Made with Organic Sweet Almond Oil and pure flower extracts.

Wild Rose Eye Gel - Brighten and refresh sleepy eyes with this light and gentle gel made with Organic Evening Primrose.

Volume Mascara - Nothing opens eyes and gives the finishing touch like our natural-look Volume Mascara. Contains Organic Jojoba oil and natural minerals.

Rose Milk Shampoo - Add luster and tone to dry or stressed hair. Made with Organic Macadamia and Avocado oils, plus Wheat proteins for elasticity.

Mango Milk Hair Treatment - This deep conditioner contains anti-oxidant rich Organic Mango and Green tea extracts to protect hair, while Organic Cocoa and Shea butters seal in moisture.

Treat yourself or a mom you know this Mother's Day with organic cosmetics that pamper and protect not only the skin, but the entire body.

Its important to note that Lavera self tanners do not protect against the damaging effects of the sun. That's the job of Lavera's sunscreens. Lavera uses 100% natural mineral pigments to deliver effective UV-A, B and C protection in the SUN product line. Mineral pigments create a physical shield that sits on the surface of the skin to block UV rays. Unlike synthetic sunscreen ingredients, mineral pigments do not accumulate in the body and affect the healthy functioning of internal organs or the normal balance of reproductive hormones. The current sunscreen line has been reformulated to meet the strict European Union sunscreen regulations, requiring UVA protection be at 1/3rd of the stated SPF, ensuring you have the best protection possible.

Lavera Self Tanners — A Healthy and Safe Approach to Tanning

This unaltered photo shows a smooth, natural tan develop on the right arm compared to the untreated left arm. Lavera self tanners give you a healthy sunkissed tan within only 3 hours after initial application. There are two organic self tanning lotions from Lavera - one for the face, another for the body, that's completely chemical and toxin free!

Lavera's “Tan and Protect Kit” — Healthy Looking Tan & Sun Protection

Kit includes:

• Self Tanner, Sunless Tanning Lotion *OOB
• Sunscreen Lotion SPF 20 UVA

Now you can have the best of both worlds! Enjoy being in the sun without exposure to the damaging effects of the sun AND have a great looking tan without exposure to harmful chemicals!

First apply a tanner for that sunkissed glow of being in the sun then apply sunscreen to protect against the damages of the sun. You will look and feel great.