How to Treat Diaper Rash Naturally

When my son was five months old, he began teething.  He would get fevers and terrible rashes on his little tush.  It would break my heart to see him tremble when I tried wiping him during diaper changes.  When we realized this rash wasn’t going away, I told my husband to run to the store and pick up some diaper rash cream.

When he came back he handed me a tube of a leading diaper rash cream. I went to apply it, but it was sticky and separated.  One part was clear oil and the other was a mysterious tan paste substance.  I had to force it out of the tube, "mix" it with my fingers, then apply.  After getting it on and all cleaned up, I promptly looked at the ingredients to see what exactly this tan paste was I had just put on my son. It contained:

• Castor Oil. Check! This was on my approved list.
• Mineral Oil. Check! This one was on my “so-so” list.
• Petrolatum. Check! This too was on my “so-so” list.  
• Peruvian Balsam.  Hmmmm. This was on my unknown substance list.  I had to investigate.

I have always been very conscious of the ingredients in the products I buy.  I want the things my family and I use to be safe and not cause any adverse reactions. Since I didn't know what Peruvian Balsam was, I looked it up.  Lo and behold, it was listed on one website as one of the top FIVE dermatological allergens! Another site said it may cause dermatitis!  And yet another site said that an infant could be poisoned by it if ingested. Needless to say, after that one time use, I didn't want to use it again.  I thought about what I had around the house that could help soothe my poor baby? Then it came to me! Bentonite Clay!

I mixed some of the bentonite up with water and applied it to his little bottom. It didn't seem to bother him at all ! At his next diaper change, the rash significantly improved! However the areas where his diaper touched his skin were still rashy and red.  That got me thinking, “I need to add a little staying power to it.”  After a few iterations, I had made the best (in my opinion) diaper rash cream ever to be used on a baby’s bum.

Cushy Tush was born.

Below is a brief summary of how the active ingredients in Cushy Tush can benefit diaper rash prone skin.

Active Ingredients in Cushy Tush for Diaper Rash Prone Skin      

• Sunflower Oil:  The version we use is rich in oleic acid and according to various studies, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps maintain the skin barrier.

• Bentonite Clay: This clay is becoming increasingly popular in treating all types of skin and health ailments. Its ability to draw toxins from the system is no less than a miracle. Some people are using pure bentonite clay in place of baby powder as it whisks away moisture and keeps little ones dry. Whenever you are working with bentonite clay, make sure that it does not come in contact with metal. Metal will interfere with the clay’s natural “charge” and reduce its effectiveness.

• Shea Butter: It is known for its protective, skin strengthening and soothing qualities. This combo makes it the perfect ingredient for an all-natural diaper rash treatment. Shea butter in its natural form is much better than using an OTC lotion full of unknown additives and chemicals. Shea butter is full of enzymes and vitamins A & E, which work to heal baby’s sensitive skin. It also contains fatty acids which help to keep skin from drying out.

• Zinc Oxide: This is a leading ingredient in many diaper rash creams. It can occur naturally as the mineral zincite. Zinc oxide will make moisture bead off the skin. It is found in most OTC and all natural diaper rash creams.

• Seaweed: Contains many essential minerals and possesses anti-inflammatory and detoxifying compounds. Very therapeutic the skin!

• Aloe Vera:  This gel like filled short stemmed plant is nutrient dense, contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants!

• Rosehip Seed Oil: This oil is extremely soothing to baby’s skin. 2-3 drops can go a long way and provide immediate relief. In addition, the bioflavonoids found in rosehip oil help to reduce redness caused by broken capillaries.

Since the reaction to it has been nothing but positive, cushy tush has lead me into starting my own company, Nature Bare, which focuses on body care products formulated for ingredient conscious minded people.  Meaning, people who desire and/or need body care products that are made from simple, yet effective, all natural, organic and vegan ingredients in which they can read and understand exactly what would go on their skin.  

Cushy Tush features bentonite clay with added ingredients to better address redness, baby’s comfort and wetness.  This combination of ingredients is helping to sooth little ones, by clearing up diaper rash naturally and effectively. We firmly believe that after using Cushy Tush  on your little one, you won’t go back to using anything else! You can purchase your very own jar of cushy tush here!

Bentonite Clay... For Your Hair?!

Why You Should Try This Now

Toxins. Toxins are damaging your hair every day. From coloring, perming, relaxing and even shampooing, the products we use on our hair take their toll. The everyday use of styling products, exposure to heat and UV rays can make hair tired and limp.  A good detox on your       hair and scalp can help alleviate most hair issues you experience. 

I love bentonite clay for its ability to act as a magnet, pulling toxins, dirt and impurities from your system. People have been using this healing clay for thousands of years in a variety of ways: face masks, moisturizers, creams and as a wonderful way to heal and restore your hair’s volume and luster. People head to the spa to enjoy the benefits of mud on their skin. It’s impact can be just as great on your hair.

This mask is simple and easy to make. If you haven’t used bentonite clay in the past, it can be found at grocery stores, natural food stores and online. It is very economically priced, just ensure you are purchasing from a high quality source.

You Will Need…

§  About 3/4 cup bentonite clay (its negative charge will attract the positive charged toxins lingering in your hair such as conditioners and styling products.)

§  1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (This will improve shine, and sooth itchy scalp from conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis.)

§  1 cup of brewed herbal tea or water (Green tea reduces shedding, black tea strengthens and nettle helps with dry scalp)

Optional: 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (I enjoy lavender)

You will also need a plastic bowl, plastic spoon, towel & plastic storage container/lid.

Please note: You should always use plastic or wood when working with bentonite clay.  The use of metal instruments makes the bentonite clay less effective.

How to Do It

To make up your bentonite clay hair mask, follow these steps:

1.      Brew (and strain) your herbal tea.

2.      With your plastic spoon, mix the tea and apple cider vinegar in your plastic bowl.

3.      Very slowly mix in bentonite clay. Add in only a spoonful at a time until thoroughly mixed.

4.      Mix until smooth (It should be easy to spread on hair and scalp, not too thick or runny.)

5.      Add in essential oils if desired.

Please note: Do not rinse too much bentonite clay down your drain at once. Rinse items slowly to avoid clumps and allow hot water to run for a few seconds after rinsing your hair out.

Application Tips

For the easiest clean-up, I suggest going into the shower or bath. You can apply the hair mask straight away, attend to your normal shower business, and rinse out your hair when finished.

To begin: 

1.      Starting at the roots, apply the mask to dampened hair.

2.      Work the clay through your hair until all strands are coated.

3.      Leave in for 5-20 minutes, but DO NOT allow the clay to fully dry. It will become more difficult to wash out.

4.      Rinse with warm water and style as usual.

I have been doing this twice a week and have seen miracle happen in my hair. My hair is manageable, without any frizz or dullness.  I've seen increased volume, shine and overall luster.

Storage

You can store the mixture for about a week effectively. (If stored longer, the bentonite begins to lose its magic.) Always keep it in an airtight, PLASTIC container.  

Did It Work For You?

We want to know how it has worked for you! Or do you have a variation on this recipe? Let us know in the comments section! 

New Products! Cocoa Bare & Bare Body!

We are so happy to have launched TWO new products this month!  

Cocoa Bare & Bare Body!

Because of the great response we have had to Cushy Tush, Baby Belly Butter & For Harsh Hands, we wanted to make products for everyday use.  

Cocoa Bare is a lush and luxurious body butter, blended with the sweet scent of cocoa.  It is made from all natural ingredients formulated to hydrate and soften thirsty skin

I have been interested in making my own homemade lotions for years, I am proud to finally be able to share this wonderful body butter with the world! It is 100% Vegan and is made with certified organic products.  

It contains: Cocoa Seed Butter*, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter*, Candelilla Wax, Mango Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil & Avocado Oil.

Bare Body: This is a rich and luscious body butter made with only the essentials. It is formulated just for you minimalists out there who know a quality product is often a simple product.  This body butter will hydrate dry skin all day and leave you soft and silky smooth.  Just in time for the winter months, Bare Body Butter provides your skin with just enough of the powerhouse raw ingredients to help lock in moisture for dry and thirsty skin. It is 100% vegan and made from all natural ingredients:  Shea Butter*, Olive Oil*, Coconut Oil*, Apricot Kernel Oil

*Certified Organic Ingredients

We are so happy to create all natural body butters from ingredients we love.  We hope your family loves our products as much as we do! Enjoy the benefits of nature's offerings!

Benefits of Bentonite

For centuries, cultures around the world have been utilizing the benefits of bentonite clay.  The way it works is really interesting.  Bentonite clay is composed up of mostly negative ions, whereas the toxins and heavy metals in the body are made up of positive ions.  When bentonite clay becomes hydrated, it produces an unnoticeable electric “charge” that makes it act like a magnet, removing toxins from the body.  It removes excess hydrogen and brings oxygen to your cells.  It is commonly used for detoxification purposes, both internally and externally, for it’s antiviral and antibacterial properties.

The clay is made from volcanic ash, with the largest source of bentonite clay being found in Fort Benton, Wyoming.  Bentonite derives it’s name from this town, however bentonite is only a trade name, the other name it goes by is montmorillonite clay, which stems from the region of France called Montmorillon where it was originally discovered.  

Bentonite clay can be taken internally either plain or mixed into a drink.  It is known to have an abundance of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, potassium and other essential minerals. It is used by many people as a health supplement.  It aids in digestion and helps to boost probiotics.   It works to draw out toxins absorbed throughout the day.  And it helps to alkalize the body, balancing the pH against the acidic foods found in the modern day diet.  

When using externally, it is the ultimate fix for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and our favorite use: diaper rash.  It is by far the best diaper rash treatment we have come across.  In its pure form, it can be used as an alternative to harmful talcum powders, as it whisks away moisture and draws out toxins.  However our favorite use is in a body butter especially formulated for diaper rash: Cushy Tush.  This luscious cream will clear up diaper rash and soothe baby’s sore skin.  It contains a mixture of bentonite, rose-hip seed oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, aloe vera and seaweed.  We use only the finest natural ingredients which are always safe for baby (and cloth diapers too!)  Cushy Tush is made to order and comes in 1 & 2 oz. sizes.  We made this product for our children, we are certain you and your kids will love it too.  

Dry Skin Remedies

As the season begins to change, are you one of the millions of people suffering from dry skin? Redness, flaky patches, cracks... it’s itchy, uncomfortable and not something anyone wants to deal with.  Many environmental factors contribute to the skin changes you are experiencing.  But there are ways to alleviate the symptoms.  Here are some of the biggest contributors to dry skin and dry skin remedies you can use all year long!

Winter weather wreaks havoc on your skin.  As the temps drop, so does the humidity.  This means the moisture in your skin dries up faster and you are left feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.  No thanks.  The delicate skin on your face, lips, hands and feet are usually the hardest hit.  Most people have a special moisturizer they use on their face and a nourishing lip balm for cracked lips.  However they don’t usually have a special moisturizer for hands and feet.  You should.  This fragile skin takes a beating, aim to quench this thirsty skin by using a moisturizer specifically formulated with aloe vera and natural butters and oils.  Our “For Harsh Hands” butter is made solely for this purpose… to nourish hands that have taken a beating!

Have you officially put your heater on for the year?  Indoor heating sucks any and all moisture from the air resulting in dried out skin and irritated sinuses.  A great way to combat these effects, is to use a humidifier at night.  This will replenish the air with much needed moisture.

There is nothing better than a long, hot shower after a day spent out in the cold right?  Wrong.  Taking extended or hot showers will strip your skin of it’s natural oils.  Try to shower using warm, not hot, water and pat dry.  Make sure you immediately use a moisturizer to replenish and rehydrate skin.  

During the winter it seems germs are everywhere.  Cold and flu season is at its peak and you’re washing your hands constantly.  While this is great for dealing germs, it is not so great for keeping soft and luscious hands.  Don’t even get me started on those hand sanitizers.  (Hint, pure alcohol left on the skin will dry it out immensely.)  This might sound extreme, but keeping a high quality, moisturizing hand soap in your purse (travel size) can really help your hands stay smooth.  Of course you will want to lock in the moisture with our “For Harsh Hands” moisturizer.  It comes in 1, 2 & 4oz sizes.  The 1oz is perfect for in your purse and on the go.  

Keep yourself hydrated in all seasons.  You may not find yourself reaching for the water quite as much during the winter months as you did in the summertime.  You aren’t sweating in the sun, but you are losing a ton of water, especially if you are in a room with a heater.  Always keep a water bottle with you and refill it often.  

What is comes down to, is not to let your skin care regimen fade away just because you are buried in layers of clothing.  You will have to step it up and take extra care of face, lips hands and feet.  If you take the time to pay attention to these areas, dry skin will be a thing of the past and you will stay silky smooth all year long.  

Nature Bare Body Care Commercial

We are so excited to share with you our new commercial for Nature Bare!