Many of you know that I fell into being an entrepreneur a number of years ago when searching for a natural remedy for my infant daughter’s eczema. Her then-pediatrician was insisting we use a prescription steroid cream, and we wanted to try a more natural approach to begin with. We were blessed to find a product line that gently soothed her red, inflamed skin and removed the ugly, scaly patches. I’m often asked what products we use(d) on her, so I thought it might be helpful to put together a post on how we found such great results and the exact products we use.

A few things to note: I am not a doctor, and this should not be mistaken for medical advice. I’m simply sharing what has worked for us. I cannot guarantee that everyone will have the same results. A number of our customers have shared with us that they’ve found incredible relief using our products on their eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, and we’re so thankful to make products that have helped them out. Also, I probably went way overboard in the beginning compared to most parents – using many different products to moisturize and soothe my baby’s skin but I was willing to do whatever it took to provide her some relief and avoid the harsh steroid creams. As you’ll read, our ‘regimen’ is much more relaxed now because her flare-ups are very few and far between, which I think has a lot to do with the fact that we were so hyper-vigilant about it in the beginning.

We started by bathing her in lukewarm water with a few Butter Beans, making sure she didn’t soak for too long. We’d take her out of the bath and just barely pat her dry, making sure her skin was still damp. Then the WHEREVER Body Cream was slathered on from head to toe. We’d finish off by using the Whipped Shea Butter on any scaly patches.

Her skin quickly started showing improvement, and soon we were only using the Butter Beans or Milk Bath every once in a while. We’d still moisturize from head to toe at least once a day, sometimes twice, and continued with the Whipped Shea Butter on any patches we saw or felt.

Fast forward a few years, and we now use our Eco Baby Botanicals Lullaby Lotion after her bath. I specially formulated this lotion with herbs and oils that nourish and soothe the skin, and this became our staple product we used on her long before we launched the Eco Baby Botanicals product line. She bathes with the 2 in 1 Shampoo/Body Wash because it is a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture. About once a month she’ll use the Massage / Bath Oil or Milk Bath, though that’s just because she likes to have ‘spa time like mom’. Any flare-ups tend to happen when the seasons change, and we’ve found the Whipped Shea Butter still works the best on deeply moisturizing any patches that pop up. We’re blessed that she very rarely needs anything extra and that our simple routine has helped her find such relief.

With colder weather on the way, many children and adults find their eczema gets worse. The two products I’d recommend for anyone with eczema would be:

1) Eco Baby Botanicals Lullaby Lotion (this is a favorite product of many customers of all ages, so don’t think it’s just for kids!)
2) Whipped Shea Butter

We’ve had some customers find such relief that they stock up on these items to have them on hand year round for the entire family. In these instances, we’re able to create bulk-size containers for you, and at a slight discount from regular retail prices. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.

Yes, another big announcement today – so many exciting things are happening here at Vintage Body Spa and Eco Baby Botanicals! A few times a week we get emails asking if we have an affiliate program, so customers, fans and friends can sell our products and earn a commission from those sales. We’re finally happy to announce that our affiliate program has launched today!

For details and to sign up, visit our affiliate page. You can start earning money today and get your first payout before the holidays!

One of my favorite products, Rhassoul Clay, is October’s product of the month! It is on special for 20%, so just $12 ~ an amazing deal for a versatile and beneficial beauty treatment.

Rhassoul clay, also known as Ghassoul Clay or Red Moroccan Clay is mined from beneath the Atlas mountains in Morocco. This clay has been used since ancient Roman times for a variety of beauty treatments, including soap, shampoo and skin detoxifier and conditioner. Rhassoul makes an excellent facial or body masque as it pulls toxins from deep in the skin.

When you purchase Rhassoul from Vintage Body Spa, you also receive a list of formulas you can mix at home to use in a variety of treatments, no matter your skin type. Take advantage of this month’s special offer and try some Rhassoul clay today!

Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Description: Eucalyptus globulus is also known as Australian blue gum or fever tree. This evergreen tree can reach up to 200 feet tall. There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus trees, and 20 of those are harvested for essential oils. Eucalyptus trees have long, narrow blue-green leaves and creamy white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs.

Largest Producing Countries: Australia, Brazil, and Spain

Scent: Eucalyptus has a distinct fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous, woody scent. Eucalyptus blends well with other wood and herb essential oils, particularly lavender and lemon.

Properties: Eucalyptus is one of the most familiar essential oils, often used as a decongestant, to clear stuffy heads and relieve headaches through inhaling and in vapor rubs. Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, so it is often used to treat respiratory problems. It is also great to use as an insect repellant and treating insect bites. Stimulating and refreshing, it is used to clear the mind and promote concentration. Helps neutralize odors, which is why it’s a natural choice to include in our Pedicure Prep Set.

Precautions: Eucalyptus oil should be avoided while pregnant and for those with high blood pressure and epilepsy. Excessive use may cause headaches. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Vintage Body Spa Products with Eucalyptus Oil: Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Salt Soak, Whipped Sugar Scrub and our Pedicure Prep Set.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of eucalyptus oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy

We are such big fans of the Sassimi spa wraps . They are so soft and uber-comfortable. When we learned they had released the Lanai collection, a group of loungewear we knew we had to offer them to our customers. Talk about comfy! The bamboo jersey blend has such an incredible feel, you won’t want to take these pieces off. They’re lightweight and pack so easily, you’ll be able to take them on vacation to wear poolside, or even as you relax at home. Bamboo, of course is an eco-friendly, renewable resource so you can feel good about your purchase while you’re enjoying its luxurious feel. Even though bamboo can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, you’ll find these pieces are very reasonably priced.

The Lanai collection has three pieces: a top, pants, and a robe. Wear them separately or together. You can also wear the pants or robe with any of the original spa wrap collection. Pieces come in a variety of colors, and they make a wonderful gift. How about treating mom this Mother’s Day and replace her old, worn out robe with some luxurious loungewear? This week only, through April 30th, enjoy free shipping on the entire Sassimi line!

Are you looking for a unique gift idea to pamper that special someone year round? Want a way to remind them how much you care each and every month but don’t want to head to the store, purchase something and deliver it? Then let us save you time and money with the Indulgence of the Month Club! Available in 3, 6 or 12 month memberships, you simply choose how long you’d like to give the gift of pampering.

Each month your special someone will receive a box containing full sized goodies from Vintage Body Spa. The contents will vary each month. Recipients will also find additional treats some months, such as sample sizes of new or not yet released products. We’ll even handwrite a note with your personalized message. Each month’s gift will ship via USPS Priority Mail to be received mid-month and shipping is included in each membership’s price.

Purchasing an Indulgence of the Month Club membership is a great way to give the gift of pampering year round. Perfect for the spa enthusiast, the person who has everything, or the busy mom who needs to be reminded to take some time for herself. You’ll be the hit of the holiday when you present this thoughtful gift and will be remembered every time a new package arrives. Send as many months as you wish – every month brings new products and a new indulgence!

We are so thankful to be able to do the work we love creating natural spa products for you and your family. We’re having a Thanksgiving sale on some of our most popular items to thank you for your continued support! The sale will run from Friday, 11/26/2010 through Sunday, 11/28/2010.

Take 15% off eye pillows, Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Salt Soaks. Remember that our Butter Bars are on special for 20% off during the month of November as well. Treat yourself or start your holiday shopping.

Thank you for your support. 2010 could not have been our best year yet without our loyal customers continuing to purchase our products as well as spreading the word to their friends and family. We have grown by leaps and bounds thanks to you. We look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

As cold weather settles in, protecting and nourishing your skin is important to keep it from becoming chapped and dry. One of my favorite products to use for deep moisturizing is our Butter Bar. In fact, this lotion bar is referred to as our ‘ultimate moisture therapy’. It’s a great product to prevent dryness and cracking , but it is just as good at restoring moisture and healing areas that need attention as the blend of cocoa, mango and shea butters penetrate and hydrate the skin.

Simply take the Butter Bar out of the tin and hold it in your hands. Your body heat will cause the bar to melt slightly. Rub the lotion into your skin. Be patient – it may take a little while to absorb, but it is worth it! I used this religiously during my last pregnancy and it protected my expanding belly -not a stretch mark to be found! Now my favorite way to use the Butter Bar is to pamper my feet and heels. Just before bed I slather on the Butter Bar and then put on a pair of socks. When I wake up, my feet are super smooth.

This month, all Butter Bars (even the vegan version that includes fair trade unrefined cocoa butter that has a heavenly natural chocolate scent) are on special for 20% off. Stock up on one or two to pamper your skin throughout the fall and winter and grab a few more for holiday gifts – they make great stocking stuffers!

What is your favorite way to use our Butter Bars? Leave your comments below.

Here at Vintage Body Spa we are keenly aware of the ingredients we use in the personal care products that go on our skin (the body’s largest organ) every day. We love to educate our readers and customers about the natural ingredients we use so that they too can be comfortable with and proud of the fact that Vintage Body Spa products truly are gentle and safe.

Today’s ingredient highlight is honey. Not only is this a yummy food (mmm…I’m craving vanilla ice cream with warm honey drizzled on top right now!) it has amazingly beneficial properties when used in skin care. Honey, as you know, is created by honey bees using nectar from flowers. Honey has antioxidant (protects from the sun’s damaging UV rays and helps fight the signs of aging) and anti-microbial (destroys or inhibits the growth of disease causing bacterium) properties. My favorite property of honey is that it is a humectant – it absorbs and retains moisture, so it draws moisture from the air and helps to lock it into your skin, keeping skin hydrated and supple.

If you’d like to try some of our products that contain honey, I recommend our Cleopatra’s Luxurious Milk Bath (in Oats & Honey) or the Daily Moisturizing Lotion. We’ve also got bars of goat’s milk, oatmeal and honey soap that are curing right now that are absolutely divine! Look for them on the site soon.

This month’s special is an unprecedented 40% off our incredible Butter Beans! These mini-bath fizzies are unique in that unlike traditional bath bombs, they contain a high amount of cocoa butter to transform your bath into a luxurious spa. You’ll emerge from a relaxing soak with soft, supple skin.

Our Butter Beans are small (approximately 30 to a jar) so you can use as few or as many as you’d like in your bath (my 3 year old loves to hold one in each hand and watch them fizz. I tend to use 4 in my baths, but you can use as few or as many as you’d like!) If you used 3 per bath, one jar would provide 10 spa treatments at an amazingly low price of $1.20 each! Now tell me – when was the last time you could have ANY relaxing, pampering spa treatment for only $1.20?!?!?

Cocoa butter has long been used to moisturize skin and prevent dryness. It can be especially soothing on sunburned skin. Simply dissolve the Butter Beans in lukewarm water and soak for 15 minutes. Pat skin dry after the bath and if needed, apply lotion (I recommend our Daily Moisturizing Lotion). This should help lock in moisture and keep skin from flaking and peeling.

Be sure to stock up on all our available Butter Beans scents with this month’s special – we won’t be running this kind of promotion again! Discount also applies to our Fair Trade Butter Beans using Fair Trade cocoa butter – the light chocolate scent of these Butter Beans is simply heavenly!