we’d like to share with you some of our thoughts on skin care. nothing outrageous, everything simple and honest, just the way it should be. common sense really, but not enough is being said about this stuff so we thought we’d put ink to the web and shout it out. in this day and age of the hustle and bustle and bamboozle to get your dollars, plain thinking needs a renaissance.

starting at the head. hair doesn’t need to be cleaned more than once a day, depending on your hair type probably no more than 3 or 4 times a week. if you have dry hair wash once and apply conditioner. if you have oily hair a wash, rinse and repeat is likely in order. our shampoo “jain’s mane” really is suitable for all hair types including dry, dandruffy scalps.

next with the face. a facial cleanser should be natural based and gentle. the synthetics are too harsh. a pure olive oil soap like our “castile 4 real” is arguably the gentlest out there. don’t bother with exfoliation. if you really think you need something extra, wash your face with olive oil soap and a face cloth. the soft cotton loops will be more than enough to slough away the dead skin. as with the body, we don’t recommend washing the face more than once a day. a natural based moisturizer can be beneficial after washing or shaving. the body secrets its own oily moisturizer called sebum. much like nature’s natural oils and butters and like our very own “smooth ease”, but very unlike petrochemical and synthetic moisturizers. stay away from the synthetics for best results.

when it comes to shaving, we recommend for both men and women the double edge or safety razor. old school for a reason. it works, it gives a close shave and it has environmental benefits. plus you can stick it to “the man” by opting out of the ridiculousness of multi-blade cartridges. it takes a little getting used to, but it is well worth it. give it a month and we’re certain you’ll be hooked. the double edge razors last twice as long and cost at least 5 times less than multi-blade cartridges. ladies, don’t be scared, you’ll love it on your legs. just take your time to relearn how to shave with one. a quick tip, don’t add pressure, let the weight of the razor be all the pressure you need. there are lots of great web sites out there that have good instruction. it was good enough for gramps and it’ll be great for you too. it’ll last a life time.

the rest of the body only needs one soapy wash a day and again, it’s best with a natural and gentle soap like “castile 4 real” rather than synthetic and harsh detergents. olive oil soaps are in our opinion the gentlest, but if you don’t have particularly sensitive skin then other natural oil based soaps will be just fine. remember that when using olive oil soap especially, do not expect abundant lather, but do expect a fine and gentle clean. if you do need to wash yourself more than once a day because you’ve had a hard workout then we recommend rinsing with warm water and only using soap on hands, feet, underarms and groin area.

it really is that simple. the fundamental underlying aspects of health and vitality is care and respect for the temple. our bodies are constantly remaking themselves. the stomach lining cells are being replaced roughly every 3 days and our skeletons are practically new every 7 years. in a very real way, we are what we eat. eat well and eat a lower fat vegan diet and your skin will have a glow that no amount of cosmetic application can match. drink plenty of water, letting your thirst be your guide, aiming for between 4 and 8 glasses of water a day depending on your physical activity. your body will let you know...trust it. and lastly, get sufficient exercise so that all of your cells are being pumped and filled to the brim with the best nutrients. with these simple tactics and your authentic efforts your body will always be at its most beautiful, and it will reward you with a life time of vitality.

remember that we are all beautiful, compassionate and intelligent humane beings. children of the universe. brimming with light and love. let it shine on through. light the night and live boldly as a beautiful humane being. a bodhisattva of delight.

you can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older.
- Anouk Aimee