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Yes, speaking with your skin on a regular basis is not only good for your skin but also good for you and your spirit! Every day, speak with your skin as a friend. Caress your skin, hug it and kiss it. Ask your skin how Her/His day is going. Thank it for all it does for you. Ask it if He/She needs anything. Men, don't be shy or afraid (it won't bite), try it. You will have a healthier skin and you will feel much better yourself. I guarantee that it will uplift you. Let's keep a log of your shared experience by responding to this blog. Also, don't forget to take care of your skin by applying Nürish on a daily basis. Thank you, David Levy

Since my previous blog regarding this subject, I had quite a lot of great responses to my enquiry regarding why less men use moisturizers than women. I received a lot of interesting feedback and suggestions; however, most were geared towards the biological differences between men's skin vs women's and personal preferences such as scent... Yes, there are differences between men's skin and women's such as men's skin are generally more oily and thicker (no pun intended), that men tend to spend more time in the sun, men's skin generally wrinkles at an older age than women, and a lot more differences. And there are a plenty of moisturizers that are marketed for this purpose (for men). Non-the-less, the men's skin care market is much less than that of women. which brings me back to the original question of why less men use moisturizers than women. It's an interesting question which I have not yet found an answer too. Google it, if you find anything, please let me know. So, I will hypothesize based on indirect characterization. My previous blog, "Does taking care of your hands improve self-esteem?" talks about the importance of self-esteem and how your hands play an important part in it, both for men and women. However, there is a socially innate and biological difference between how men perceive self-esteem versus women. In general, men acquire self-esteem mainly through their achievements in business/finance and community affairs. However, women in general build up self-esteem not only through community affairs and parenting, but also through how they present themselves in the society. This includes (but not limited) to how they look visually and how they dress. And that's why women take better care of their skin than in general men do. It's a complex conundrum which marketing companies will "kill" to get an answer too. And I know that I have simplified it here for the sake of this blog, but men, heed my advice, learn from women, there is something that we can all learn from them on why for thousands of years they have been taking such a good care of their skin. Try it and see your self-esteem grow. Best wishes, David Levy

Your hands are the doorway to the external world second to your eyes! The same way that you wear your best cloths to make an impression on how people look at you, and the way it makes you feel good, by taking care of your hands, it does the same thing. Before you redirect this email to the abyss, take a moment to ponder the reality of the points below and maybe it will benefit you in ways unimaginable. Consider how often you interact with others and yourself through your hands. Shaking hands, caressing, feeling, touching, handling objects and even receiving and giving money, the basis of your worth (in the material world). Every time you interact like this, you could do so with a "well-groomed" and soft hands or do it with dry, unpleasant hands. Whichever way you choose, you leave an impression on the person you are interacting with and eventually a perceived way of being established within your own psyche. So please, do take care of your hands by manicuring you nails and keeping your skin healthy and soft through 100% natural and vegan Nurish Moisturizing Cream.

Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, taking care of our skin often takes a backseat. However, understanding the significance of moisturizers and incorporating them into our skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. This blog post aims to shed light on why moisturizers are not only good but also necessary for our skin's overall well-being. 1. The Science Behind Moisturizers: Explore the science behind moisturizers and how they work to keep our skin hydrated and nourished. Discuss the role of humectants, emollients, and occlusives in moisturizers, explaining how they help to retain moisture, soften the skin, and create a protective barrier against external aggressors. 2. Hydration is Key: Highlight the importance of maintaining proper hydration levels in our skin. Explain how moisturizers replenish the skin's moisture content, preventing dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. Emphasize that well-hydrated skin appears plump, youthful, and more resilient. 3. Protection Against Environmental Factors: Discuss how moisturizers act as a shield against environmental stressors such as pollution, harsh weather conditions, and UV radiation. Explain how these factors can damage the skin's natural barrier, leading to premature aging, dullness, and increased sensitivity. Showcasing the role of moisturizers in fortifying the skin's defense mechanisms will help readers understand their necessity. 4. Addressing Common Skin Concerns: Highlight how moisturizers can address various skin concerns, such as acne, eczema, and sensitivity. Explain how specific ingredients in moisturizers, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants, can help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing. 5. Anti-Aging Benefits: Delve into the anti-aging benefits of moisturizers, focusing on their ability to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Discuss the role of moisturizers in improving skin elasticity, firmness, and overall texture, leaving the skin looking youthful and radiant. The science of moisturizers revolves around their ability to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss. Here's a brief overview: ·        Skin Structure: The skin has three main layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (innermost layer). The epidermis includes a part called the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead skin cells surrounded by lipids that repel water. ·        Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF): Within the stratum corneum, cells contain a mix of amino acids and salts known as NMF, which acts like a sponge to retain water and prevent the skin from drying out. ·        Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL): This is the process by which water evaporates from the deeper layers of the skin to the outside environment. Moisturizers aim to reduce TEWL. ·        As the first line of defense to the onslaught of the outside world, our skin fends off cosmic UV rays, reaction-hungry free radicals, and the imminent impact of concrete pavement on an icy day. But laboring on the front lines of anatomy can take its toll—wrinkles, acne, and sunburn are just a handful of the common battle scars of daily life. Caring for the body’s largest organ is crucial to overall health—and can allow us to take control over the signs of wear and tear we’d rather avoid. ·        Yet, determining the best skincare routine can be a daunting task. Estimated at $141 billion, the skincare industry produces countless serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and more that promise to fix everything from eczema to hyperpigmentation. ·        Deciphering strange ingredients on the backs of bottles can be overwhelming—and consulting with a dermatologist is the best way to be sure you’re doing what’s right for the skin you’re in—but understanding the structure of skin, how these products work, and the chemistry behind them can help you navigate the available options on your own. Skin Anatomy 101: Everything you need to know ·        Skin is comprised of three major layers: the epidermis, dermis, and sub cutis. The layer hugging our insides is known as the sub cutis—fat that insulates our body and absorbs shock to prevent injury. Directly above sits the dermis, which consists primarily of the protein collagen. Collagen provides our skin with structure to give it strength and flexibility. Finally, the epidermis is the outermost wrapping, and the one skincare products are most concerned with. ·        Of course, a single layer of skin is made up of millions of cells. The top 15 to 20 cell layers of the epidermis are dead and referred to as the stratum corneum. These cells are surrounded by fatty lipids that repel water (just as other fats like grease do). Without them our bodies would swell—and burst—with each shower or dip in the ocean. This waterproof barrier also keeps out all water-based skincare products, making it difficult to add moisture back into dry skin. The stratum cornum Dr. Fayne Frey/FryFace.com Since water from inside our body is constantly seeking to escape—a process dermatologists call trans epidermal water loss (TEWL)—the cells in the stratum corneum attempt to trap it in. To do this, each cell contains a mixture of amino acids and salts called natural moisturizing factor (NMF) which is produced by proteins in the living cells below. NMF acts like a sponge, soaking up water to ensure we don’t shrivel up into nasty human raisins. Tiny holes called pores dot the entire surface of our skin. Each pore is the opening for a follicle made up of a hair and an oil gland. To keep skin lubricated, the gland periodically releases sebum (oil) that travels up the hair and out onto the surface. Sometimes these pores become clogged by dead skin cells, bacteria, or an overproduction of oil resulting in the painful, red pimples characteristic of acne. Meanwhile, desmosomes link skin cells of the stratum corneum together. Enzymes within the surrounding lipids break down these protein bridges when water content in the skin is high, paving the way for younger cells from lower layers to move up. Dermatologists call this cell turnover. When water content is low (thank the icy winter winds, dehydration, or simply the sands of time) these enzymes struggle to break apart desmosomes, resulting in flaky, scaly skin. This is why moisturizing is crucial: it ensures mechanisms in the skin can operate at full capacity. Moisturizers: The backbone of a good skincare routine The water barrier function is the ability of the skin to self-moisturize, and it varies from person to person. Therefore, the degree and frequency to which any individual moisturizes also fluctuates, but most dermatologists agree a solid moisturizer is the backbone of a good skincare routine. Increasing the skin’s water content not only results in softer, more flexible skin, but it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and minor scarring. However, no product can add moisture into the skin (hello fatty lipid layer!) “The word moisturizer is a bit of a misnomer because it doesn’t really add moisture,” says Fayne Frey, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience in the field. “Instead, it prevents water loss from the skin.” Ingredients in moisturizers can be divided into three categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. While most moisturizers are a combination of all three, the ratio is adjusted to tweak consistency and intensity. Humectants are like sponges, and include the naturally-occurring NMF. They attract water from below the epidermis and from the atmosphere, drawing it into the stratum corneum. For people with very oily skin, humectants alone may provide plenty of protection. As a side note here, we do not use any humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid in any of our products.  See my blog on this subject. Scientists can create NMF in the lab, so it sometimes pops up in products. But glycerin and hyaluronic acid are more common humectant ingredients. Glycerin, also known as the “moisture magnet,” is a water soluble alcohol. Because it holds several times its weight in H2O, it can occasionally draw in so much of the substance on a humid day that it begins to feel sticky. But because it’s very cheap, it’s abundant in everything from cleansers to eye creams. Another common humectant, hyaluronic acid, is a carbohydrate found in copious amounts throughout the body from skin cells to connective tissues. Some companies market it as an anti-wrinkle ingredient that can promote collagen growth, but it’s actually too large to penetrate deep into the skin, according to Frey. However, because it is such an efficient humectant, it can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping them up with moisture. Lighter, oil-based substances such as jojoba oil or squalene are classified as emollients. Emollients are typically unsaturated fatty acids that are prone to oxidizing. Oxidation is when components in the oil break down due to heat, light, and oxygen exposure, turning the product into a rancid, smelly, and unsightly mess (read: bacteria heaven). The third category, occlusives, are the heavyweight champions of the moisturizer world. Thick, fatty, and waxy, these substances prevent dehydration by forming a water-resistant barrier on the surface of the skin. These ingredients might feel greasy, sticky, and gross—the category includes beeswax and petroleum jelly—but studies consistently show that they don’t actually clog pores. And they’re super effective. But a moisturizer usually won’t just include any of those three components. While they get a bad reputation for being unnatural, preservatives are also essential: “You stick your hands into theses jars and introduce bacteria, and all of these lotions and creams are actually really nice mediums to grow mold,” says Victoria Fu, a cosmetic scientist with a degree in chemical engineering. “You need preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria.” Common preservatives that needn’t sound any alarm bells include phenoxyethanol and disodium EDTA.  Nurish uses only 100% natural and plant derived preservatives such as Aspen Tree Bark extract. Desmolytics: Shed dead skin to leave the past behind you. While they may sound intimidating, desmolytics are just a fancy name for chemical exfoliates. A healthy stratum corneum sheds cells every two or three weeks according to Fu and her fellow cosmetic chemist, Gloria Lu, who started a science-backed skincare blog. But as we age, skin’s ability to shed old cells, a process called desquamation, slows. Desmolytics speed cell turnover by breaking up the protein bridges—desmosomes—holding cells together, revealing a fresh and smooth layer beneath. In the short term, exfoliating treats flaky skin, but in the long-term it can improve acne and hyperpigmentation, a harmless condition where patches of skin become darker, usually as a result of aging or sun damage. The two main classes of desmolytics are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). Both are water-soluble weak acids. Glycolic acid, a molecule in sugar cane juice, is the smallest of the common AHAs, so it penetrates deeper in the skin—but can also result in more irritation. Therefore, those with sensitive skin should look for products with lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are larger in structure. BHAs like salicylic acid are another alternative for those with sensitive skin as they are weaker than AHAs.  Nurish Exfoliating Gel uses natural Aspen Tree Bark extract instead of harsh acids as an exfoliating agent. Actives: Potent skincare products with laser focus. Printed in bold letters or metallic font across a glass bottle or porcelain tube, actives are ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide that generate a bunch of buzz, but are rarely really explained. While dermatologists disagree on their efficiency, actives are a class of skincare ingredients meant to target specific dermatological woes. Some of the most common actives are from a class of Vitamin A derivatives known as retinoid, and include trendy ingredients like retinol and retinoic acid. While retinol is widespread in drugstore and over-the-counter products, Fu and Lu say most of the existing scientific research backs retinoic acid, which is only available as a prescription-strength cream. FDA-regulated retinoic acid is the gold standard for skin rejuvenation, Frey says, but long-term effects are still unknown. It is not suitable for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. Dermatologists and scientists are unsure of the molecules’ exact mode of action, but they seem to target nuclear receptors in skin cells that alter how they grow and differentiate, increasing epidermal thickness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Over-the-counter products in the U.S. contain retinol—a fat-loving compound that likely penetrates the skin, where enzymes then metabolize it into retinoic acid. Frey says in her experience retinol works well for acne, but it’s anti-aging claims are murkier due to poorly designed studies. Because it potentially speeds cell turn over, any retinoid product must be worn alongside sunscreen and is best applied at night. Vitamin C is another frequently heralded skincare active, but science backs only its chemically active form, L-ascorbic acid. If products list another Vitamin C derivative, it is best to steer clear. Active Vitamin C works by targeting free radicals in the air. Free radicals are unstable atoms formed by UV rays and pollution that cause a wide range of damage to the skin, from hyperpigmentation to wrinkles. Unstable and reactive, Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it latches onto these free radicals so your skin doesn’t have to. “Your body has its own natural antioxidant defense system to help us battle these day-to-day stressors,” says Lu. “But with topical products the idea is to supplement and strengthen our own defense system.” But Vitamin C’s reactivity means it breaks down rapidly when exposed to oxygen or sunlight. Therefore, it must be kept in dark bottles or aluminum tubes, and used rapidly. The best packaging to ensure L-ascorbic acid’s efficiency is an airless pump. Due to its ability to irritate the skin, it should not be applied at the same time as retinoid. Vitamin E is another highly effective and antioxidant skincare active which is healthy for the skin.  Here too, only the natural form as D-alpha Tocopherol is known to support antioxidant properties. A lesser-known favorite of Fu and Lu’s is Vitamin B3, sometimes referred to as Niacinamide. According to the two chemists, Niacinamide is known to regulate sebum—the oil our skin naturally produces—and brighten complexions. The relatively gentle active is suitable for even those with dry and sensitive skin. Sun protection: Your ultimate skincare secret weapon No matter which actives, exfoliates, or moisturizers you decide to invest in, Frey, Lu, and Fu all agree the most important product is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. “More and more studies show that protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays is by far the best anti-wrinkle product,” says Frey. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVAs are longer in wavelength and penetrate deep into the skin, causing signs of aging. UVB are the rays that cause sunburn since they are shorter in wavelength and target the surface of the skin. Regardless of their ability to age the skin, both rays cause cancer, which is why Frey strongly recommends wearing sunscreen 365 days a year—even when it’s overcast or cold. PopSci recently awarded a 2019 Best of What’s New Award to SPF company Supergoop for its protective eyeshadow, but the company has an entire fleet of products designed to make sun protection fit seamlessly into any and all of your daily beauty routines. Regardless of aesthetics, skin health should always come first.  Check out our line of all natural and vegan skin care products here. Conclusion: Moisturizers are not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin. By understanding the science behind moisturizers and their numerous benefits, individuals can make informed choices when selecting the right moisturizer for their skin type and concerns. Incorporating a moisturizer into a daily skincare routine is a simple yet effective step towards achieving and maintaining optimal skin health.

The title is a little misleading in the sense that I am not uncovering anything here but posing a question. Even though men in general work more with their hands than women, why is it that they use moisturizers much less than women? The question is not if there is a difference between moisturizers for men and for women, or that men's skin differs than that of women (I will cover this in a different blog). But why men in general use less moisturizers than women. For now, I don't have an answer, but would like to read your responses and structure my next blog based on your comments. So, please don't be shy and share what you think regarding this subject by responding to this blog (email me by pressing the email button below). By the way, I am an equal opportunity blogger, addressing my question to both sexes.

I am dumfounded to see people spending sometimes twice or even three times the regular price for organic and vegan food without giving it a second thought, and when it comes to moisturizing creams, look for the least expensive ones (not that all expensive creams are good) or not even bother to look at the formula.  At best, most of us buy moisturizing creams based on how it feels on our skin. Several years ago, I posted a blog about the importance of “not putting anything on your skin that you won’t put in your stomach”.  See my video on YouTube.  In this blog I would like to briefly explain why. The skin is the largest organ of the body because it covers an area of 1.7 square meters (183 square feet).  That’s about 8 regular size blankets.  That’s a lot of blankets to keep you warm in the winter. The skin is a sponge and will absorb almost anything you put on it. It acts as a sensory organ and helps regulate the body temperature. It protects other organisms in our body and is responsible for protecting them from harmful sun rays, external bacteria and other assaults. It helps in elimination of some toxic products of our metabolism. The skin contains growths of nerves, blood vessels, hair follicles and glands. It ensures that very little moisture leaks out. It keeps all your other organs in place! You would have a hard time walking around with all your internal organs hanging around. So please, the next time you want to buy a moisturizing cream, be kind to your skin.

I am going to digress a little from my usual posts on skin and skin health care and talk about spirituality. I say a little because, bottom line, no matter what your line of work, a large percent of how you work involves spirituality and the way you balance your inner-self or the way you operate, which ultimately effects your work, the products/services you sell and the people you work with. If you have read my previous posts, you know that I aspire to a holistic and natural way of life. Throughout the years, I have found that most prominent religions and philosophies have a common denominator in energy levels and how they work together. For example, in both Kabalistic and Transcendental meditations, there are ten spheres of influences or Chakras. Generally the top three spheres/energy levels are Devine sourced or initiated and the lower seven are Devine sourced in the corporeal/animalistic soul energy triggers or levels. It is here (the lower 7 spheres) that we as humans need to deal with and create a balance. This subject is to deep to be covered in this short blog. For those who are interested in pursuing this subject deeper, there are many sources such as Chabad webpage or other sources which deal with self development such as Life and Leadership Coach Carolyn Mahboubi. For the purpose of this blog, I will go over the basics, and then relate it to my journey in creating Nurish. In Jewish mysticism of Kabala the ten sephirot or spheres of energy consists of the following levels: Chochmah, Wisdom Binah, understanding Da'at, knowledge (between the eyebrows, central brain) Chesed, mercy, kindness (right arm) Gevourah, strength (left arm) Tiferet, beauty (torso, heart) Netzach, victory (right leg) Hod, Glory, Splendor (left leg) Yessod, foundation (sexual organ) Malchut, kingship (mouth speech revelation, feet) The highest energy lever or sephirah is called Keter (crown)which is not included here for many reasons which are out of the scope of this blog. in Hinduism or Buddhism, there is the concept of Chakra (wheel or circle) which also has 5 or 7 (depending on the source) main realms of energy that needs to be in perfect harmony and balance for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of a person. The 7 Chakras are as follows: Sahasrara, crown Anja, between eyebrows Vishuddha, throat Anahata, heart Manipura, navel Svadhishthana, sexual organ Muladhara, base of spine In all aspects of spirituality, it is taught how each level works individually and the importance of their exponential combination. Individually, each level by themselves might not only be unproductive but detrimental to the "ultimate goal". For any process to be successful, there must be a balance between all different combinations of the 7 energy levels. Now that we had a quick and a very simple review of what these energy levels are and the importance of balancing them spiritually and physically, how does that relate to my creation of Nurish Moisturizing Cream? The study and implementation of Biodynamics helped me in creating my formulation, which is made of Aloe leaf juice (an aqueous phase) and natural skin loving oils (oil phase) without the use of any synthetic or non-natural emulsifiers and chemicals. Oils and water (Aloe Juice leaf) living together in balance and harmony. Simply, Biodynamics is the balancing of the ten Sephirot/Chakras in nature! Be well, be healthy, be wealthy and don't forget to take care of your skin, because your skin loves you, protects you and surrounds you to create a "vessel" whereby all these alchemy can happen.

In this blog, I will go over some basic information on what generally constitutes a quality moisturizing cream versus one that is not. I will not go into the specifics of what creams are good for what skin types. I will leave this for another blog. Picking a moisturizer is a must, no matter what kind of skin you have - oily, dry or combination. Depending on your skin type and skin condition, you might want to use a lighter cream or a heavier one. In this blog I will address the overall quality versus the specifics, such as skin type, age, climate, skin condition... ( I will cover this in a separate blog). What to look for in a a quality moisturizing cream: Read the ingredients on the label and familiarize yourself with them. Are they synthetic chemicals (usually names that you cannot pronounce)? Is the first ingredient water? Are the active ingredients and the good oils at the bottom of the list? some manufacturers put a drops of the expensive ingredient in a full batch so that they can claim it on their label. Price - Although price is not an overall indicator of the quality of a moisturizer, but in general it does show that expensive and good quality ingredients have been used, instead of the product being 90% water. Effectiveness - Different skin type might need different creams. If you do not see results within the 1st or 2nd application, change your cream. Listen to your skin - Your skin will tell you if it likes the moisturizer or not! It will tell you right a way if it is happy or not. Trust me on this, if you don't believe me, try it. Next time when you apply your moisturizer cream and massaged it in for about 30 seconds, wait for another minute and then feel your hands and ask them how they feel. They will tell you! Are they telling you that they feel great and lively? or unsatisfied and heavy? Do they want more or had enough?... Let me know what they say by responding to this blog. Happy speaking, Best wishes, David

EWG Skin Deep is a data base web site that is committed to testing and reviewing personal care products and their ingredients for safety, toxicity and carcinogens. They rate products, ingredients and chemicals based on hazard and data availability. The scoring is from 1-10 with 1 being the safest. At Abundant Earth, Inc., creators of Nurish, we are committed to creating products with ingredients that are rated as #1 on EWG Skin Deep data base. Check our You Tube video.

It has been several years that I have launched NÜRISH line of skin care products. In my deep belief of "staying true to your nature" and aspiring to improve on it, I make it a point to stay in tune with my dedicated customers and listen to their feedbacks. Through out the years, I have made small tweaks to Nurish's formula and it's pricing structure based on those feedbacks. Every time improving on a good thing. Thanks to you, my top seller, Nurish Moisturizing Cream has had a phenomenon growth spirt and to celebrate, I am offering a discount coupon of 20% over and above the special reduced price of $19.98. When you sign in to shopnurish.com use the code "Thank You" and receive your 25% discount on all Nurish products. Thank you, David