Your skin; it’s resilient, responsive and regenerative.  Yes, yours!

As your body’s largest organ, your skin is your first defense against germs, infections and the environment at large. Weather, time, good health and bad…you name it, your skin is on duty 24/7.  It constantly fights against the elements and in the process, will sluff off and rejuvenate surface cells about every 27 days (1).  This renewing process goes on with or without our help. But what if there was a simple little something we could do to work with our skin towards better overall health?

For the answer to this question, I sought out the knowledge and advice of licensed Esthetician, Mallory Deitrick of Rocky Mountain Day Spa here in Steamboat Springs.

According to Ms. Deitrick, the answer is to “Exfoliate!”  It seems the simple action of a slightly aggressive rub down in the shower on a regular basis is all it takes.  Deitrick explained that our body’s skin requires a somewhat “more aggressive routine than facial skin”, but that both would benefit greatly from regular exfoliation.  “The purpose of exfoliation is to remove dead skin cells, encourage cell turnover and increase and stimulate circulation”, she explained. “Exfoliating every few days aids in the elimination of toxins as well.”

In support of her advice and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter and improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products by enhancing absorption. Regular exfoliation can also help prevent clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts (2).

Benefits, benefits, benefits! And let’s face it, it feels fantastic!  So, we’d better add ‘mood booster’ on to that benefits list as well.

But is there a particular way to exfoliate?  Mallory suggests using a sisal bath mitt or washcloth.  “Using your favorite body wash or MSF bar soap work up a nice lather and begin massaging starting at your toes and the bottom of your feet, then continue up to your chest.” She reminds us to avoid our neck and face “as aggressive natural fibers such as sisal are too abrasive for facial skin.”

When asked if there is a routine we should follow, Ms. Deitrick said it all depends on our skin type. “Oily skin can be exfoliated 5-7 times a week, while normal skin would do well 3-5 times per week. Sensitive skin would respond well to a less aggressive routine of 1-3 times per week depending on how delicate your skin is.”  She urges the use of your favorite sunscreen because exfoliation “does make all skin types more sensitive to sun exposure.”

It's that easy to renew and refresh your skin. So, go ahead, throw out your old cloth washcloth, opt for an exfoliating sisal bath mitt, and enjoy all the many benefits to be had with regular exfoliation.

What's my opinion? Regular exfoliation is like a cup of coffee for my skin, it's so invigorating...you won't be able to do with out!

The best to you always,  Joanne

 ~ Click on photo to shop ~

Do you have more questions for Mallory Deitrick?   You can reach her at  the Rocky Mountain Day Spa in Steamboat Springs.  970-871-6111 https://www.steamboatmassage.com

• 1)  https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin#1
• 2)  https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/meaning-of-  exfoliating

All about the bars! 

14 years ago it all started with a bar...of olive oil soap that is! Since then we have expanded our product line to include 5 different soap recipes. Each of these recipes are gentle and suitable for all skin types and contribute amazing benefits for your skin.

   Premium Olive Oil Soap ~  Olive oil, the original beauty secret! (Actually a favorite of Cleopatra!)  This soap is gentle for all skin types and produces a silky lather that locks in moisture.

• Prevents premature aging & protects against environmental damage. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, K, and E. It also contains high  amounts of squalene (an excellent moisturizer). These help in reducing oxidation, a process that produces damaging free radicals. When applied to the skin, these antioxidants aid in combating premature aging and protects against environmental damage (3)

• Sensitive skin friendly.  Olive oil has a pH level that is close to your skins natural pH. Because of this, olive oil is very unlikely to cause irritation for even the most sensitive skin.

• Moisturizing

Despite a medium to light lather, this soap gives a very clean and buttery feel. This soap contains deeply moisturizing and nourishing properties that with leave you with lasting hydration and skin that is smooth and supple.

  Hemp Seed & Olive Oil Soap ~ Experience for yourself the combinations of hemp seed oil and the moisturizing qualities of olive oil. Recommended for soothing rough dry skin, this soap has a smooth and silky lather. Great for overall body wash. Excellent for daily face cleansing. 

Helps moderate oil production.  This is a miracle ingredient! Hemp seed oil can moisturize without clogging your pores and can even help balance and regulate your skin’s oil production. The over production of oil on your skin can lead to unwanted acne. Hemp seed oil combats this by keeping your pores open so they can breathe, emit waste, and glow (2)!

• Anti- inflammatory   Hemp seed oil is rich in Gamma-Linolenic acid, Omega-3s, and Omega-6s. The combination of these three is an absolute power house for fighting inflammation. It also helps in the growth of new skin and cell regeneration (1).

• Moisturizing!  Hemp seed oil is a powerful humectant! This means it draws and locks in moisture to your skin. As this oil doesn’t clog pores, your skin will feel quenched and hydrated with breathability.

   Goat Milk Soap ~ A creamy rich soap reminiscent of an old fashioned milk bath. This soap has a luscious fluffy and creamy lather, is a natural exfoliate, and is soft and gentle. Goat Milk soaps are perfect for the sensitive skin of young and old. Your skin will drink it up!

• Natural gentle exfoliate.  Goat’s Milk soap contains Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are known to treat scars, hyper pigmentation and have natural exfoliation abilities. The lactic acid, a naturally occurring AHA in goat’s milk, has been shown to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells revealing more youthful skin (4).

• Maintains skins microbiome (The healthy bacteria on the skins surface).

Goat’s Milk has gentle dirt removing properties that don’t strip your skin of its naturally occurring lipids. The benefits of maintaining your natural microbiome helps to protect against harmful pathogens and preventing skin disorders like eczema and acne (4).

   Shea Butter Soap ~  Healthy skin is timeless. Exotic and soothing, Shea Butter has been used to naturally protect and rejuvenate skin for ages. Shea Butter is gentle for all skin types, has a creamy and lotion-like lather. This soap is great for anyone experiencing a bit more dryness than usual.

• Moisture! Moisture! Moisture!  Shea Butter contains linoleum, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids. These oils are absorbed rabidly into your skin when applied topically, and act as a restorative fatting agent that rapidly produces moisture. This enhances the barrier between your skin and the outside environment reducing your risk of dryness (5).

• Weather Protection.  Shea butter contains vitamins A and E that help to protect against environmental damage.  It also contains Cinnamic Acid which provides a small amount of UV protection of up to SPF 6 which can aid in preventing dryness and retaining moisture (6).

 **It’s important to note that you should still be applying a higher count SPF to protect against the full effects of sun exposure.

    Glycerin Soap ~ The squeaky clean feel of these soaps will brighten your bathing experience while treating your skin to the softening and deep cleaning benefits of glycerin. Great for athletes, campers as well as armchair adventurers. Glycerin soaps have a light open lather that will not over moisturize.

• Squeaky clean cleansing. The beauty of this ingredient is that it wont add oil to the skin or clog pores, making it an excellent cleanser (7). It gently lifts dirt and grime from the skin leaving you with the ultimate squeaky clean feel.

• Humectant.  Like Hemp seed oil, glycerine is a humectant! Like a sponge, it absorbs and attracts moisture and helps to slow the evaporation of water from the skin.

No matter your skin type, Mountain Soap Factory has a bar for you! It is our hope that you will feel the peace and calming that can only come from naturally made products.

(1) https://thehumminggroup.com/hemp-oil-as-moisturizer/

(2) https://resetbioscience.com/how-to-use-hemp-seed-oil-for-skin/

(3) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321246#benefits-of-olive-oil

(4) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goat-milk-soap-benefits#benefits

(5) https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-is-shea-butter#moisture

(6) https://soap.club/blogs/blog/89342598-5-benefits-of-shea-butter-soap

(7) https://www.ah18c.com/en-us/news/benefits-of-glycerine-for-skin-care

Joanne here with Mountain Soap Factory. Happy February!

Congratulations! We have all hopefully gotten through the crazies of December and the mind-numbing, number crunching year end tasks of January.

A week or so ago, I found myself somewhat burnt out and in need of a break. Do I push through, do I just stop and take a break? I couldn’t help wondering how the heck does everyone else temper their workload during these unprecedented times. The nurses pulling 14+ hours a day.  The executive that needs to keep motivated so that they in turn can motivate. The teachers (God bless the teachers!) that are constantly finding innovative ways to teach our youth from their kitchen tables. 

Are we conditioned to believe that prioritizing play is counterproductive to our work efforts? If we DO prioritize play, why must it immediately result in a sense of guilt? Interesting question.

I went seeking answers. I asked 3 super successful executives, each with super high-pressured jobs, what their thoughts are on play, personal time and the balance of the modern job. Their answers are simple, inspiring and offer takeaways for all of us. Turns out, according to these execs, guilt should have nothing to do with carving out personal playtime. In fact, these folks say, yes work hard, and YES carve out your personal time because you’ll be better for it. Interestingly enough, throughout the interviews each of them admitting that “perfection is NOT required”, even with regard to play and guilt. (Phew!)

It starts with attitude.    “One thing I sometimes find frustrating is when other people define “play” for me. I like my job and I like farming, so sometimes hard work is my “play.” I believe the answer is in one’s attitude. Being “present,” appreciating the people around you, smiling and feeling good about what you are doing, to me can be fun. Work is not a bad word to me. Work is not the opposite of play.  BUT, with the right attitude, anything can be more fun.”

     Annette Jones, DVM, California State Veterinarian

Manage your energy, not your time.    “For me it’s all about getting outside and breathing deeply. I don’t think it matters what you do, as long as it helps you reset. For me it’s biking. Skiing does it too. And sometimes so does a nice nap. With everything going on in life these days, it’s critical that we find a way to regularly reset. I have an agreement with myself and my boss. I manage my energy not my time. Whenever my energy is not where it needs to be, I take a break and do what I need to reset.”      

      Paul Bezy, Global Head of Technical
                                                                Development Quality, Roche/Genentech

Mentally close your office door.   “Modern workers are able to carry work pressure and stress with them wherever they go.  If you find yourself constantly checking your work email or tuning into your Teams dashboard on your smart phone, you know exactly what I mean. An important question to ask becomes how can we create a healthy balance as our lives at work and lives away from work become increasingly intertwined? The most effective way that I have found to create this balance while staying in touch with my inner child is to block off dedicated time for doing the things that make me happy with the people I love. Whether it’s a full week, a weekend, or just an afternoon I work extremely hard to metaphorically close my office door. I find that when work and life don't compete with one another, but support and enrich each other, I am substantially happier, more productive, and ready to calmly overcome challenges when I open that office door again.”

       Nick deRoulhac, Director of Operations,
                                                                DISC Surgery Center at Newport Beach

The takeaways...

Adjust your attitude, hit reset regularly, nap and close that metaphorical office door.  Even more importantly, be OK with doing these ‘you’ things!  The adage “work hard, play harder” seems to be at the heart of being successful for just about everything.  Trending in the modern workplace from the top down, and spilling into our personal life, this approach fosters balance.

To all this I must add 'spontaneity'. To me, spontaneity is the very basis of how we played as children.  It involves imagination and the playfulness of mind to grasp the sometimes-fleeting opportunity for unexpected joy.

So yes, I found my answers, and they are answers I knew all along.  But it’s helpful to be reminded of them nonetheless.  So, before the burn out comes again, I plan to follow the advice of my mentors and without guilt, invoke the power of play (or reset, or napping!) on a much more regular basis.

Be well!

This year just be grateful for the simple things.

Hey there loyal MSF friends, it’s Joanne here.

Okey, by now we all realize that this Thanksgiving will bring a totally new way to celebrate one of our most beloved holidays.  And celebrate, we SHALL!

Our own family is settling into the stark reality that we won’t be gathering in our usual ways with all the trimmings, family, friends and traditions.  (…and we have a LOT of Thanksgiving traditions!)  Sadly, across our country this is a reality that we all share. For this year at least, we won’t be able to enjoy Grandma’s holiday potato casserole WITH Grandma, or share all the family festivities with crazy Auntie Lu.  But I contend, we still have the opportunity to be thankful and show our appreciation in new ways while bringing happiness to others. (and c'mon, this isn't a forever situation we're living through!)

It’s so dang easy to dwell on the “we can’t” of it all.  But here’s what we can do…create special moments of thankfulness for yourself and your loved ones this month.  Taking care of you has never been so important. Easy for me to say, but if you’re a mother of two and the day doesn’t have enough hours, it’s a whole different story.  Truth is a simple cup of tea and some music in the background (once your jungle is finally quiet ) can be very rejuvenating. Can’t sleep for all the pressures in your world? In those wee hours write a list of the things in your life you are thankful for, and in the morning reread it.  Sleeping on the positive will make your morning a little less challenging, and reflecting on your list in the morning will keep your positive thoughts present in your day ahead.  No matter what you do, choose to be kind to yourself. You really can’t take care of others if you haven’t taken care of yourself first.  Yup, you first!

And what about the needs of the ones around you?  I understand how draining this can be.  But kindness doesn't have to be lavish, cost money or take a lot of time. Remember that the simplest things are the best, and positive attitudes are contagious.  A simple sticky note on your neighbors door will go a long way in brightening up their world.  Telling folks that they matter doesn’t cost a thing but the effects are priceless. Do you have an elderly family member or neighbor that's alone this holiday season? Offer to wash their car and watch them smile with gratitude!  Good exercise for you, happiness for them…WIN, WIN!  And while your at it...leave behind a few groceries and a barista made cup of coffee. (order two...you deserve it. Win, Win, WIN!)

Just choose to be positive…then share your positivity with everyone.

During these challenging times, try making your Thanksgiving Day celebration special all month long. Notice the need and share a kindness.  I feel that remaining grateful takes the power away from the “we can’t” of our world.  So go ahead, write a little snail mail note to Auntie Lu, ask Grandma for her secret recipe and call that nephew of yours.  When you brighten someone else’s day, your day will brighten as well. Guaranteed!

This year, even if by yourself, celebrate what IS good in your world and share that goodness with others. Don't forget to set a place at your holiday table for your fur family, they can truly be the sweetest company of all!

From our family to you and yours, we wish you wellness this holiday season in mind, body and spirit.  Stay grateful and share your thankfulness with others.

The best to you always, from your Mountain Soap Factory family.

WOW…Its been 8 years!

To celebrate our online anniversary, today we are reinstating our

Mountain Soap Factory

Soap Box Blog!

Back on October 1, 2012 we launched our Mountain Soap Factory online store from our ranch in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. But when was the first bar poured? It was during a 4H project in 2007 that we (actually our daughter Julia) made our first bar of soap. Over the years thanks to countless County Fairs, Christmas Shows, and Farmers Markets our reputation grew organically by word of mouth. 

Today we want to thank all of our loyal customers from the past 8 years for supporting our online family business. We love our customers like family and recognize how they have directly helped to build our company. We also send out a warm welcome to our newest customers. MSF is so grateful to all of you for supporting our Colorado made products. Welcome to the family!

We hope you will enjoy reading future posts, browsing our pages and finding your favorite soaps.  Each month on the Soap Box Blog you can look forward to learning about upcoming Mountain Soap Factory events, monthly promotions, discussion of current fun world topics, and from time to time, learn a few interesting soapy facts. 

So come along, join us, and spend a moment in the mountains every day when you use our family made products.

The best to you always, from your Mountain Soap Factory family.

What the heck is the difference between Hemp and marijuana?  And what’s the big deal about growing it commercially in America?

It’s been a little over a year since marijuana was legalized here in Colorado. LOTS of money has been made by the dispensaries and consumers seem happy, but public opinion on the subject is as varied as the folks you ask. Colorado has neighboring states angry and our Federal government finds itself at odds with State law.  With so many ‘facts’ flying around, I decided to do a little research on the subject in hopes of debunking a few myths and becoming more properly informed on the topic. Many of you may already know all this, but here’s what I’ve learned.

Myth: Hemp and Marijuana are the same.

Yep.

Turns out, this is true....“Marijuana and hemp both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but are different varieties...” (FAQ’s VoteHemp).  Put simply, it’s the difference between a Poodle and a Great Dane...both dogs, different breeds. Hemp and marijuana both contain the controversial chemical THC...just in measurably different potencies which are, by law, monitored.  One gets you high, the other couldn’t if it tried!

Myth: The Cannabis industry is a relatively new economic opportunity here in the US and therefore should be subject to rigorous research regarding its economic viability and social implication.

Wrong. 

So this is where it gets interesting. Way back in the 1700’s, because of its incredibly diverse applications, American colonists were required to plant hemp in order to help build our young country. In fact, it was considered patriotic to do so. And get this, George Washington, along with having his own hemp plantation, made it possible for Americans to pay their taxes with the stuff (Will).  Seems George was taking the term ‘cash crop’ to a whole new level.

(Click here for more info about George and hemp)

In the article, The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America (and yes, this is a real article!), there are all sorts of interesting historical facts about hemp in America. Another I found particularly interesting was the fact that commercially grown hemp met its demise in the mid 1950’s with the advent of synthetic fibers. Right up there with detergents, also developed in the 50’s, synthetic fibers were toted as the “way of the future”. (but we'll leave the discussion of the 1950's scientific advancements in America for another day...)

History shows that between the 1700’s and the 1950’s hemp was put to work building our nation; fighting wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWI, WWII) and actually supplying the fibers for the fabric of our country....drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper (Will).

Great for back then, but what good is it to us nowadays? Well, from what I have read, there are countless economic and global opportunities connected with growing commercialized hemp in America, starting with its relatively small environmental footprint. Requiring few pesticides and no herbicides, this ancient plant has far reaching modern applications. Forget, for a moment,  the medicinal uses of hemp's cousin, marijuana. Paper, clothing, beauty products, fuel, foods, plastics, building materials... the list is endless as to the uses of hemp. Not to say anything about the potential it has, much like its cousin, of contributing billions of dollars to our economy.

Why indeed, Henry?  Once upon a time, the powers that be in America understood the distinction between hemp and marijuana and capitalized on the benefits for the betterment of all. Left with more questions then I started with...I have to wonder, why is the United States the only industrialized nation where growing commercial hemp is illegal?  Politics, money, and special interest group’s come to mind....oh, and did I mention politics?

"Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs." Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

Will, Oscar. "The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America." Farm Collector. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

To shop our fine Hemp Seed Oil soaps, click the banner below.

Happy Chinese New Year!

It’s the year of the Wood Sheep (or Goat) ...the year 4713 on the Chinese calendars.
What will Wood and Sheep mixed together bring? According to the Chinese beliefs, the Sheep is kind, tender and sympathetic. In the traditional Chinese teachings, sheep bring creativity and are considered an elegant pastoral animal. Because of their softer side, they are symbolic of peace and harmony. So the year of the Sheep is expected to bring us tranquility after a year of fits and starts. Combined with the evergreen and renewing characteristics of Wood, the Sheep's characteristics will offer clarity and understanding.

Very interesting stuff!

Here’s my take. Reveling in a new year, no matter the cultural origin, offers one the opportunity to celebrate new beginnings. I, for one, can always use a ‘do-over’ and the chance to refresh my ordinary. Basically put, I need every opportunity to climb out of whatever rut I may have recently fallen in!

The Year of the Wood Sheep is projected to be a “year for contemplating and appreciating what has already been accomplished, to think about bringing goodness to others, to take a deep breath and calmly look at what's ahead.”

Brilliant! I can do that!

Wishing you a moment to 'refresh your ordinary' on this Chinese New Years day.  May you enjoy new found wisdom and health in this, the year of the Wood Sheep.