The holidays definitely feel different this year. Many of us are either unable to travel, unable to gather with family, unable to get out and shop at our normal stores, or unable to do all of the above due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes it feels like 2020 has been nothing more than a dark cloud, but we can make the most of the last leg of the year by striving to shop small business, shop locally, shop sustainably, or some combination of the three this holiday season.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, as well as the swarms of coupons and deals that inundate our mailboxes and email accounts. But small businesses have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and that’s something to think about this holiday season. We can’t deny that shopping locally or shopping at small businesses may be a little pricier than shopping at big box stores, but each purchase has a direct impact on the small business. Even better, you’re putting money back into your local economy and supporting local jobs. 

Shopping at local small businesses typically offers a more personalized customer service experience, as well as higher quality items that you can usually shop for in-person and not have the stress of shipping delays. Perusing shops in-person is also more eco-friendly, relying on less shipping, which means less air pollution.

Perhaps you’re shopping for the person who has it all. Think outside the box. Consider gifting an experience to your loved one. Granted, travel is difficult and many entertainment options are unable to function due to the pandemic, but consider options like a cooking class, the opportunity to try something new that they’re interested in (like ski/snowboarding lessons), a gift card to a quaint bed and breakfast for a future trip, or a spa/salon gift card. 

Other ideas to consider this holiday season: Donate to charity. Adopt a family. Check out a local farm for fresh produce, honey, or other items for holiday meals. 

If you’re wondering about what small businesses to support this holiday season, look no further. Kaia Earth Skin Care products are for all skin types, including those with very sensitive skin. Kaia Earth is committed to its mission of offering clean, sustainable, ethically produced items, which is an ideal type of brand to support during the holidays--and all year round. 

 Happy Holidays from Kaia Earth!

We all know we’re living in unprecedented times, and with that comes the need to wear a mask whenever you’re outside your house to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Covering your nose and mouth all the time is not ideal for most people, but it’s vital for public safety and will likely be mandated for quite a while.

That being said, while masks are doing a public service in keeping us and those around us safe, they can also be irritating your skin. Whether the masks are giving you dermatitis, dry skin, irritation, or causing breakouts, here are some tips for not letting face coverings ruin your skin:

• It may seem obvious, but wash your face daily, both in the morning and at night. At night it’s especially important to cleanse since you’ve likely been out and about, so your skin has been exposed to your face mask, as well as pollutants in the air throughout the day. Cleansing is essential for healthy skin.

• Moisturize frequently. Perhaps you’re noticing dry patches on your face where your mask covers your skin. Be sure to incorporate a gentle moisturizer (like Kaia Earth’s Intensive Botanical Night Cream and Pure Moisturizer Serum) into your routine after cleansing.

• The American Academy of Dermatological Association recommends this reference guide when deciding on a moisturizer: Oily skin should use a gel moisturizer; Normal or combination skin should use a lotion; and dry skin should use a cream.

• The weather is changing as winter approaches, and with that comes dry air. Protect your lips and prevent them from getting chapped with products like Vaseline or Aquaphor.

• Reduce the amount of makeup you’re applying. If your skin is acting up, giving it a break from makeup can help restore its health and give you back your glow. Cosmetics tend to sneak many harmful ingredients into their products (think: parabens, fragrance, chemicals), so do your research and make sure you are aware of what you’re putting on your face.

• Drink. Tons. of. Water. You may not feel dehydrated, but when your body isn’t getting enough water, it shows on your skin. So bump up your fluid ounces and keep hydrating.

• Check the fabric of your face mask. Maybe your skin isn’t a fan of the fabric of the mask, so it can be helpful to try different types to see what agrees with your body best.

Give your skin the love and attention it needs, and wear a mask! #Moisturizer

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States seven months ago, sending all but essential workers into work-from-home mode.

Many of us are still working from home, and will likely continue this way through the end of the year. Working from home certainly has its perks, but one thing is for sure: Most of us are probably looking at our laptop screens and devices more than ever. We are always on connected 24/7. Without a literal separation between the office and home, it can be difficult to set the laptop down and put work away. Plus, with social media addiction and apps like TikTok that keep you entertained for hours, the majority of our waking hours are spent looking at a screen. Did you know that research has shown that the blue light from our screens is having negative effects on our skin? Blue light, also known as High Energy Visible Light, is dangerous for our skin because it generates free radicals, which damage cells, proteins and DNA.

Recent studies show that blue light causes oxidative stress in the skin, prompting faster signs of aging like fine lines, spots/hyperpigmentation and dark circles. Blue light exposure also dries out skin and can cause irritation and flaky skin due to the electrostatic field that digital devices create. That electrostatic field interferes with our skin’s acid balance and protective barrier.

There is an obvious solution to the problem: Reduce your exposure to blue light. However, many of us work in jobs that require us to look at a computer screen for eight hours a day. So, be sure to take breaks throughout the day--this does NOT include staring at your phone--such as taking a brief walk or preparing lunch. Outside of work hours, grab a book instead of perching in front of the TV, scrolling through Instagram. For iPhone users, there are ways to keep your apps locked at certain times or setting a daily time limit for certain apps. Night mode is also helpful for reducing blue light, especially at night and in the dark.

In terms of skincare products, using SPF every day is important for not only protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays, but from blue light, too. Having a serum filled with antioxidants is also key to caring for your blue light-exposed skin. Antioxidants have shown to be helpful at neutralizing free radicals and repairing damaged skin. If you’re in the market for a serum full of antioxidants, Kaia Earth’s Pure Moisturizer Serum is a no-brainer.

Composed from organic, plant-based materials and free of harmful chemicals and additives like synthetic fragrances, parabens and artificial colors, our Pure Moisturizer Serum is a safe choice. Boasting ingredients like olive oil and calendula flower extract, the Pure Moisturizer Serum is rich in antioxidants to help you fight the harmful effects of blue light. Paired with Kaia Earth’s Intensive Botanical Night Cream, these two products are a necessity in your skincare routine. Learn more about our products and their beneficial ingredients on our website by clicking on the “Our Ingredients” tab. Both our serum and night cream are on sale now!

Dry skin got you down? Look no further: Kaia Earth is here to help. 

Dry skin is common in the wintertime, when the moisture has been sucked out of the air, we spend most of our time indoors where there’s heat, and we tend to minimize our exposure to the cold, but fresh, air. 

But our skin dries can dry out in the summer, too, especially those who are prone to dry skin. Between being in the air conditioning all the time, being out in the sun too long, or not drinking enough water, moisturizer is an absolute necessity to avoid uncomfortable, dry, flaky skin. 

Even those with very oily skin can experience dry patches. Genetics, dehydration and environmental factors are common reasons for dry skin. However, dry skin can be a symptom of  other skin diseases or other conditions such as allergies, diabetes, malnutrition, etc.

Here are some tips to prevent or reduce dry skin:

• Drink a ton of water. The common suggestion is to take your weight, divide it by two, and drink that number in ounces per day (at the minimum). Consuming eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day is another common suggestion.   

• Use a safe, clean, gentle moisturizer and serum on your face and neck in the morning and at night. Kaia Earth’s Pure Moisturizer Serum and Intense Botanical Night Cream were specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Each product is made of organic, plant-based ingredients that are explicitly listed and explained here on the Kaia Earth website. 

• Moisturize the rest of your body using a gentle moisturizer, preferably one without artificial preservatives, colors, fragrances, or parabens. Pay attention to ingredient lists!

• Olive oil is a great, natural tool for treating dry skin. In fact, it’s the key ingredient in our Pure Moisturizer Serum. It’s important not to use too much oil, though, because excess oil can cause a breakout.

• Reduce your exposure to air conditioning in the summer. The dry air will dry out your skin.

• Wear sunscreen on all of your exposed skin with a minimum SPF of 30 when in the sun, and reapply regularly. 

• Use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water can remove the dirt on your skin, as well as some things that protect your skin, so it’s best to use warm water when in the shower or washing your face/hands.

Dry skin doesn’t necessarily go away overnight, but it is certainly treatable. If you can’t get your dryness under control using these methods, consult a dermatologist. 

Happy moisturizing!

Let’s talk about our necks. 

On Friday, June 5 we celebrate World Environment Day, a global initiative encouraging citizens to act #ForNature.

Everything we consume comes from nature--our food, our water, even the air we breathe. The cotton fabric of our clothing grows in nature. Our skin care products we lather on our face come from nature. All of the ingredients in Kaia Earth’s products were thoughtfully designed to come from completely natural, organic materials that are derived from nature. The plants are ethically sourced, and they prioritize animal safety and environmental stability in their resource gathering.

It feels like the world is up in arms. From the coronavirus forcing us into quarantine for months, to the #BlackLivesMatter movement and riots and protests fighting against unjust police brutality toward African Americans, it’s clear we’re experiencing what will become a historical point in time. 

Perhaps you feel stuck, unsure of what to do or how to make a difference with such critical issues. According to World Environmental Day, nature is sending the world a message during these “exceptional” times: “To care for ourselves we must care for nature.”

This seems at once wickedly challenging yet oversimplified. But World Environmental Day has instructions. The website reads, “It’s time to wake up. To take notice. To raise our voices. It’s time to build back better for people and planet.”

We as humans are responsible for acting decisively to protect our environment. The world around us affects the well-being of its citizens as well as the economic development of the world. Celebration of World Environment Day gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving and enhancing the environment any way we can.  

World Environment Day has three steps for getting involved and making a difference: Learn, Share and Act. 

 Tips for educating yourself on environmental issues: 

• Find out what efforts your city is making to address environmental protection
• Find out if the cosmetics and other products you use contain harmful microbeads with the Beat the Microbead app

 Tips for sharing the message on World Environmental Day: 

• Share a meaningful post on social media and tag people/communities/organizations asking them to join in the conversation
• Ensure that you’re using credible sources to counter the spread of misinformation

 Tips for acting on World Environmental Day (and every day):

• RECYCLE!
• Minimize your use of household chemicals that can be toxic for soil and groundwater.
• Explore how to purchase more locally sourced food, skincare and other products
• Take a look at Kaia Earth Skin Care and others environmentally-friendly brands that are delivering excellent products that are safe for the environment.

It’s up to us to rebuild and preserve our environment, so consider celebrating World Environmental Day with Kaia Earth.

Happy May! Mother’s Day 2020 is around the corner, and although most of us are required to stay at home, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate moms around the world.

With the coronavirus pandemic, now more than ever we should encourage those around us to maintain healthy lifestyles--especially our mothers who have cared for us throughout our lives. And living a healthy lifestyle means having a good skincare regime. 

Unfortunately, now is not the time for trips to the salon for a blow out or to the nail salon for a mani/pedi or to the spa for a facial or massage, but there are still wonderful ways to practice self-care on Mother’s Day--or any day for that matter--during quarantine.

Perhaps Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to break out your bag of nail polishes and offer an at-home mani/pedi to your mom. Put on some music and pamper her while spending quality time together.

Face masks are another great way to relax with your mom on Mother’s Day. If you don’t have any of your favorite masks on-hand, and you don’t have time to order any more before Sunday, there are tons of recipes for DIY face masks with home products like olive oil, egg whites and honey. 

Follow the mask up with your favorite moisturizer--try our Pure Moisturizer Day/Night and Intensive Botanical Night Cream, gentle enough for any age and skin type--and you will feel rejuvenated. If you can’t be with your mom on Mother’s Day, try virtually masking together on FaceTime or Zoom.

You can whip up breakfast for your mother, or cook her favorite meal or bake her favorite dessert. The choice is hers! And if you’re forced to be apart on Mother’s Day, drop off cookies or a meal on her doorstep if you live within driving distance. 

Sunday is dedicated to honoring all that our mothers have done and sacrificed for us. From growing us in their belly to nurturing us as we grew up, our mothers are the reason that we’re here. They deserve to be doted on and a day to themselves to sit back, take a load off and put their feet up.  

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there, near and far. We love you and we celebrate you! 💕

How to celebrate Earth Day's 50th anniversary while following stay-at-home orders.

April 22, 2020 marks 50 years celebrating Earth Day, a holiday that is very important to us here at Kaia Earth.

From the outset of the business, owner Gloria Onderdonk ensured that Kaia Earth lived up to its four core values: beauty, sustainability, love, and giving back. She quickly joined 1% for the Planet, an initiative that establishes a commitment to donating 1% of Kaia Earth’s sales to nonprofit organizations whose mission is to protect the environment.

We’re experiencing an unprecedented time with the coronavirus pandemic, so Earth Day celebrations are a little different this year and most of us will have to honor the earth from home due to social distancing restrictions. So step outside and notice the animals around you: The birds flying gracefully in the sky, the squirrels prancing around and climbing trees, and dogs running about and barking in yards.

There’s a saying that depression means you’re dwelling on the past and anxiety is when you’re worrying about the future. Animals, however, are ever-present, always living in the moment. In this way, animals are a reflection of our inner child, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the present moment like we did when we were young.

In times of stress, anxiety, despair, etc., we can turn to animals and pets for comfort. Pets have a way to communicate with us without words. We can tell when our pet is hungry, wants a treat, wants to go outside, or wants cuddles. In the same way, pets can wordlessly read our moods. They know if we’re upset or if we’re happy. Pets are forgiving creatures who love us unconditionally. The bond between humans and animals is a special relationship that shouldn’t be ignored or taken for granted.

So on Earth Day, stay present. If you have a pet, look to them for guidance on living in the moment. Many dogs are thrilled by running outside. It’s a brand new scene for them every time. There may be a squirrel or a bird for them to chase after, or a neighbor strolling by for them to greet. Animals can find joy and serenity in every moment. It’s time we try to toss our human nature to the side and try enjoying the present moment like the animals around us.

Happy Earth Day. 

The coronavirus pandemic has sent much of the world into a state of isolation. Government mandated social distancing has everyone staying home, and many people are growing uncomfortable in their inability to go out and be social and see friends, loved ones and even strangers.

But quarantine has provided us with a very unique opportunity to pause, reflect and take a deep look at ourselves. What do we bring to the table in life? What are our strengths? Our weaknesses? Our likes? Our dislikes?

This is the perfect time to get quiet and discover or re-discover passions. Maybe it will spark an exciting new project. Or maybe it will be a small window to your future.

We can choose to see this period of uncertainty as a chance for spiritual growth. The universe has isolated us to give us the chance to find our soul’s purpose. It’s normal to experience visceral feelings of fear as it seems like the world is in an unsettling position, however, it’s important to stay grounded in the face of adversity to find your own path that can lead to spiritual evolution.

It may feel like you’re growing apart from friends and family, but that’s not the case. We’re all in the same boat. So, at Kaia Earth we encourage you to spend your time wisely during this time of crisis and search for your purpose in life. It will initiate a feeling of peace, gratitude and understanding in your life, which will combat the fearing and isolation.

We don’t know how long this will last, but we can choose not to stay stagnant. Listen to your body and rest when you need it. Nourish yourself with healthy meals. Meditate or spend extra time praying to your higher power for clarity and purpose. Practice self-care, whether that means taking a bath, doing a face mask or reading a book. Break out your journal and record your thoughts, feelings, fears, experiences during this unprecedented time in our lives.

Take life one day at a time and re-acquaint yourself with YOU. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home