Cleaning your home is an important and necessary job. Of course, it’s not always fun, but you don’t want to make things worse by damaging your skin with the products you’re using.

Sometimes even the best store-bought cleaners can get onto your skin and cause irritation and dryness. Gloves don’t make you bulletproof, either. The cleaner can leak into the gloves or simply hit your skin in other spots. Not to mention the ingredients in many of these cleaners can be bad for your eyes and lungs.

That’s why today I wanted to offer some cleaners that you can easily make at home with gentle ingredients. That way, when and if you do get cleaner on your skin, it’s nothing to worry about!

Are citrus and vinegar disinfectants?

Many of the cleaning mixtures below call for a type of vinegar or citrus. These are both great deodorizers and do have some ability to kill bacteria, but they’re not technically disinfectants. If you need to make sure you’re killing all types of bacteria – including pathogens – then you should consider something stronger. But for everyday cleaning, that’s not usually necessary! 

Even though these mixtures aren’t as harsh as store-bought cleaners, it would still be a good idea to wear gloves when handling these, especially if you have sensitive skin. The acidity of vinegar and citrus can cause irritation. 

 Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble, as it will eat into the stone. 

1. Scented all-purpose cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this fresh-smelling all-purpose cleaner:

• One part white vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary sprigs

Combine all ingredients into an empty spray bottle, shake, and let infuse for about a week before using. Once done, you can use this cleaner to wipe down garbage bins, wall stains, hard water stains, and more.

2. Kitchen cleaner and deodorizer 

Here’s all you need for this simple, yet effective, kitchen cleaner:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

This mixture is great for kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your fridge. To deodorize and create a nice shine, rub the above ingredients into the surface as a paste. Then, rinse and buff dry. 

3. DIY glass cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy glass cleaner:

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup white or cider vinegar 
• ¼ cup 70% concentration rubbing alcohol 
• 1-2 drops orange essential oil (optional)

Combine these ingredients into a spray bottle and use them on your windows. Due to the alcohol, it may be best to wear gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Don’t wash your windows on a hot, sunny day, as the cleaner will quickly evaporate and leave streaks. If you’re cleaning mirrors, spray the solution onto a cloth or paper towel before wiping.

4. Homemade brass cleaner

Easily put together this polishing cleaner with the following ingredients: 

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt  

For this one, dampen a sponge with the vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on the salt. Lightly rub the sponge over the surface – this could work for decor, door handles, or bathroom fixtures – and then rinse well with water. Dry it off with a soft cloth right away. 

5. Natural marble cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple solution:

• 2 drops gentle dish soap
• 2 cups warm water

Mix these two ingredients and then soak them up with a sponge. Use the sponge to clean marble, rinsing well after, and drying with a cloth immediately.

Natural cleaners

Chances are, you have many of these ingredients in your home already. So, not only are these cleaners better for your health, they’re easier on the wallet as well! 

Remember, it’s crucial to protect your skin from not just the outside, but the inside. 

Complete Collagen+ can help with that.

>>> Click here to learn how Complete Collagen+ can help strengthen your hair, skin, and nails

If you know anything about me, it’s that I LOVE putting Complete Collagen+ in my coffee. With the caramel taste, it creates a delicious drink that’s sugar free!

But believe it or not, I’m not the first one to come up with putting collagen in coffee (it just hasn’t always tasted so yummy).

Collagen itself has a neutral taste, so adding it to foods and beverages to give them an extra boost is a popular choice for many looking for better skin, nails, hair, joint health, and energy levels. 

But this has some people wondering…

Does the hot coffee impact the collagen peptides?

Collagen and heat

The main concern with collagen and coffee is that the heat of the coffee will destroy the quality of the supplement.

Generally speaking, when proteins are exposed to high temperatures or acidic and alkaline solutions, they become denatured and their structures can change slightly. 

This does include collagen. But you have two reasons to not worry…

The first reason is because of the amount of heat that collagen can endure before breaking down. 

Researchers exposed collagen proteins to the extremely high temperatures of 302–788ºF (150–420ºC) and found that the collagen didn’t even start to degrade until 302ºF (150ºC). [1]

The boiling point for water is 212°F (100°C) and coffee is typically served at 195–205ºF (90–96ºC) – much lower temperature ranges.

But if you still weren’t feeling fully confident in this putting-collagen-in-your-coffee business, then here’s another reason you can put your mind at ease…

Here at EverBella, we wrap our collagen in lipids called micelles and liposomes. These are fatty molecules that are natural to your body. First, the collagen is wrapped in a micelle, which serves the purpose of assisting the collagen through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. This micelle is then wrapped in a liposome, which protects the collagen from breaking down in the digestive tract before it can get to the intestinal wall. 

These liposomes aren’t invincible to heat, but they don’t begin to break down unless boiled. 

So, long story short, as long as you’re not drinking your coffee while it’s literally boiling (which I hope for your sake you’re not!) then you don’t have to worry about losing any of the collagen’s potency by adding it to your coffee. 

When you add Complete Collagen+ to your coffee, not only are you providing your body with one of its most needed proteins, you’re making your coffee taste delicious!

>>> Click here to see how else you’re supercharging your coffee with Complete Collagen+

Think of it this way…

You’re having coffee anyway. You may as well add some beneficial stuff to it!

References and resources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21723833/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18226454/ 

Do you feel especially zonked at the end of each day? Or do you feel tired throughout the day no matter how much sleep you get?

This could be happening for several reasons. One of them could be that you’re doing (or not doing!) something that’s just draining the energy right out of you.

In today’s article, I’m going to go over 8 things that could be negatively impacting your energy levels and preventing you from being at your best every day!

1. Too much caffeine

This one may or may not be surprising. Caffeine is supposed to give you energy, right? Well, of course! It can make you feel like you can achieve anything.

Well, except for sleep…

Research has found that having coffee even six hours before you hit the hay can impact not just how long of a sleep you get, but the quality of your sleep. [1]

Now, I’m not saying ditch the coffee. I’m not a monster. But experts do recommend not having a cup of joe – or any caffeine – after 2PM. 

2. Multitasking

Nothing feels better than knocking out a bunch of tasks at the same time. It’s called multitasking. This term comes from the 1960s, when computers were first being developed, to describe the capabilities of a computer. 

And that’s just it…

Computers can multitask, but we can’t. Our brains can’t actually focus on two things at once. So, when you’re doing what you think is multitasking, you’re actually switching between the two tasks. 

This constant re-focusing exhausts the oxygenated glucose in your brain, making you tired, and actually less efficient at completing your tasks. [2]

3. Dehydration

You know those people that walk around reminding you to drink water? 

Listen to those people!

Especially if you feel tired. Research shows that even mild dehydration can plummet energy levels, especially in women. [3]

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have some water. At that point, you’re already dehydrated. Casually drink water throughout the day, setting an hourly alarm to have a few gulps if you have to!

Hydration is needed for your body to function properly. It’s a relatively easy way to help keep yourself healthy and energized!

4. Complaining

Sure, we all complain about things here and there. But here’s the thing about complaining… it changes nothing.

Well, almost nothing. Researchers have found that complaining, criticizing, and focusing on the bad can have negative impacts on your productivity. 

It was found that those who focused on the positives and, instead of complaining, looked for ways to improve things were more protective and energetic. Those who simply complained were much more drained at the end of each day, with nothing more to show for it. [4]

5. Going online before bed

Before bed, it’s best to unwind. Something like knitting, reading, or listening to a podcast are good options. But bringing your phone, tablet, or laptop to bed are not good options.

The blue light from these devices can negatively impact your sleep-wake cycle. It does so by interrupting the release of melatonin – the hormone that tells your body it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. [5]

As a result, it can take you longer to fall asleep, and once you do, your body may not properly go through the sleep cycles, such as REM. This leaves you groggy and tired the next day.

Try to avoid these at least an hour before bed. And if you do need to be on a device right before sleep, most of them should have a blue light filter, or “night shift mode” that you can toggle on. Alternatively, you can find a blue light filter for the screen or blue light filter glasses.

6. Skipping the gym

It doesn’t have to be at an actual gym, but if you’re skipping your workout, it may be tiring you out.

Wait, what?

Yeah, it doesn’t seem to make sense until you look at the science. Researchers state that this has to do with the mitochondria in our cells – the less energy you expend, the less energy they produce. [6]

A 2013 study out of the University of Georgia found that just one bout of exercise increased energy levels. Fatigue decreased mostly after low-to-moderate exercises which lasted at least 20 minutes. [7]

So, even if you’re not feeling up to it, getting your exercise in – even just a light one – can help boost your energy levels for the day. 

7. Slouching

Did you know that slouching can drain your energy levels? Well, you do now.

Poor posture can have many negative effects on your health like decreasing circulation, causing headaches, and increasing pressure on the joints. 

But research shows that it can also tire you out. Poor posture and the consequences of it require more energy to compensate for the misalignment of the spine. [8]

It can be hard to remember at all times, but be mindful of your posture while standing and sitting. If you work at a desk, consider investing in an ergonomic chair that can support your back and ensure that your screen is at eye level so you’re not looking downward all day.  

8. A deficiency 

If your body isn’t getting the nutrition it needs, you will certainly feel the effects. 

Trust me, I’ve been through this.

Your body needs vitamin B12 to form red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, delivering it to the cells that need them. Which is all of them.

So, if you’re low on vitamin B12, it’s like suffocating your cells.

This can lower their output…

And greatly impact your energy levels. 

To learn more about this click here.

References and resources:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/sleep-newzzz/201312/new-details-caffeine-s-sleep-disrupting-effects
2. https://www.sciencealert.com/how-multitasking-drains-your-energy-reserves-and-what-you-can-do-about-it 
3. https://today.uconn.edu/2012/02/even-mild-dehydration-can-alter-mood/ 
4. https://www.thecut.com/2015/03/being-negative-at-work-will-drain-your-energy.html 
5. https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/press-releases-detail?id=1962 
6. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-for-energy-workouts-that-work#1 
7. https://news.uga.edu/uga-kinesiology-exercise-boosts-energy/ 
8. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/slideshows/10-ways-poor-posture-can-harm-your-health?slide=4 

Men like to rock beards for many reasons. It could be for confidence and looks, or comfort and warmth. If you have a beard, or you know someone who has a beard, you know that it can take some upkeep.

But what about the skin underneath?

The unfortunate truth is that facial hair can absorb moisture, taking it away from the skin. This can lead to dryness or itchiness. What’s even worse is that facial hair can catch dirt and oil near the hair follicles, clogging pores and causing acne. 

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grow a beard. If you follow the tips below, you can keep the beard and have healthy skin beneath (which can help make your beard even nicer)!

My husband does these and, well, just look at his fabulous beard! >>> 

Clean thoroughly and often

Don’t worry, I’m not accusing you of not washing your beard! But it is crucial to wash it extensively at least once a day. 

In the shower, let the steam of the warm water loosen the hairs of your beard, then give it a nice wash with a facial scrub. 

If you’re using beard oils, it’s a good idea to do a wash again at night, as these oils can get trapped around the hair follicles and lead to inflammation. 

Treat your face like your scalp

Alternatively, if your beard is extra thick and/or extra long, just treat it like you do the hair on your head!

In the shower, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to work it into the skin so that you can free up those trapped oils and dirt. 

Exfoliate regularly (but not too much)

When you shave, you remove the top layers of the skin. This acts in place of exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, allowing your skin to be cleaner, at lower risk of clogged pores, and better able to absorb hydrating products. 

But when you have a beard, you’re not shaving this away. As a result, it can build up. This is why it’s important to exfoliate.

To do so, get your beard and the skin beneath it wet with warm water. Then, in a circular motion, apply an exfoliating face wash (a cream-based cleanser with abrasive ingredients designed to actually scrape away the dead skin) to the skin beneath the hair. 

Be sure to only exfoliate 2-3 times per week. Doing so more than this can risk the skin becoming too sensitive and vulnerable to damage.

Moisturize after washing

Now that your skin is clean, exfoliated, and clear of built up oils and gunk, it’s time to hydrate!

Find a moisturizer that’s free of fragrances, parabens, and other ingredients that can harm your skin. Work it into your beard and the skin beneath until absorbed.

Inside and out

Like the hair on your head, your beard is fueled by the nutrients and compounds you consume.

That includes collagen.

If you’re taking care of your beard on the inside and the outside, you’ll have the best beard in town!

>>> Click here to see the amazing things an absorbable collagen can do for hair growth (whether on your head or your face)

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. As such, its health is important. Not only does it affect the way you look, but your skin has crucial jobs such as tipping off the immune system that there’s an issue – like an influx of pathogens – and managing inflammation. 

If you want your skin to be as healthy as can be, it’s best to know as much as you can about caring for it. But there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around out there. So, to make sure you’re not mistakenly doing anything that can actually harm your skin, today I’m going to cover 28 skincare myths and how much truth they carry. 

1. Hot water is good for your skin – False 

Whether it’s your face or your body, washing with hot water strips even more oils and natural moisturizers away from your skin than a simple wash is already doing. The result is dry and itchy skin – or that tight feeling. The skin on your face is especially sensitive to hot water, so if you’re planning on having a hot shower, wait to wash your face with warm water instead. And, as always, be sure to moisturize after.

2. Only teenagers get acne – False

It’s true that elements of puberty, like an increased production of oil in the skin (sebum), can cause acne. But there are many other causes of acne as well which can occur or stick around regardless of age.

3. Cucumbers will eliminate the bags under your eyes – Half true

While it’s true that placing a cool, moist cucumber over your eyes can help reduce puffiness, compressing anything that’s cold over your eyes will have the same effect. 

4. Face exercises will remove wrinkles – False

Unfortunately, once you get wrinkles, they’re not going anywhere. Though you may be able to minimize their prominence through certain means, stretching the skin of the face will likely only make them worse or even create new wrinkles.

5. Eating carrots turns your skin orange – True

If you ate a dozen carrots every day for several weeks, there’s a chance that your skin will actually develop an orange hue. This is due to the carotenoid in carrots called beta-carotene – an antioxidant that gives carrots (along with other fruits and veggies) their color. But because it takes so much beta carotene to happen, this phenomenon is quite rare.

6. Pores open and close – False

Contrary to popular belief, steam won’t open your pores to let them breathe. Pores don’t open and close, but they do loosen.

7. Chocolate causes acne – False

As far as we know, no food on its own is going to cause acne. However, aspects of a diet can. Too much sugar – from any source – can contribute to an acne breakout. 

8. Lips don’t sunburn – False

Just like your skin, the lips can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. In fact, they’re even more vulnerable than your other skin. Be sure to use a lip balm or a product that offers SPF protection.

9. Indoor tanning is safer than being in the sun – Mostly false

The UV rays in tanning beds are no less serious than the rays from the sun, and some even argue that it can actually be more harmful. However, the good thing is that you have more control in a tanning bed over intensity and duration.

10. Waterproof sunscreen lasts all day – False

In terms of how long it lasts, waterproof sunscreen isn’t all that different from the regular stuff. If you plan on being outside all day, be sure to reapply your sunscreen once every few hours. 

11. Acne is genetic – True

Though there hasn’t been a specific gene found that causes acne, it’s widely accepted by researchers that acne runs in the family.

12. Toothpaste will kill a zit – Half true

It seems like an old wives tale, but it could actually work! Some toothpastes do contain ingredients that are found in acne treatment creams. However, the problem is that they can also contain ingredients that may harm the skin, worsening the inflammation. 

13. SPF protection is all the same – False

When applying sunscreen, you want protection from both UVA and UVB sun rays. These can both damage the skin in different ways. However, some products – like makeup, for example – may only offer protection from UVA or UVB, not both. Be sure to check the label and see which kind of protection your products are offering. 

14. Makeup makes you age faster – Mostly false

This one does depend on the quality of product you’re using, but most makeup can actually be beneficial for your skin. If you wear good quality makeup as directed, wash it off nightly, and follow a proper skincare routine, there’s no reason why makeup should harm your skin.  

15. The sun can treat acne – Half-true

Sun exposure may be able to reduce inflammation on the skin. However, this is because the sunlight suppresses the immune system and the immune cells in the acne. This short-term fix is not recommended due to the long-term consequences, like reduced immunity and increased skin aging.

16. It’s good for skin to feel tight – False

Many people may think that tight skin means no wrinkles. In reality, this means that your skin is too dry and void of its natural protective oils. 

17. You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days – False

As much as 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds. If it’s light outside, the sun’s rays are getting through. No matter the weather, if you’re going to be outside for a long period of time, be sure to protect yourself!

18. Men don’t need to moisturize – False

Skin is skin, regardless of who is wearing it. Moisturizing helps the skin from getting too dry, which can lead to irritated or cracked skin.

19. You can sweat out toxins – False

Your body mainly uses the kidneys and liver to clear out toxins. Sweat is predominantly water, with traces of salt and fat, and its purpose is to regulate body temperature. 

20. You should pop pimples – False

Though you may be able to do this in a careful manner, it’s generally recommended to not pop those whiteheads. Yes, nobody wants to show the world one of these, but popping it can lead to scarring and may allow bacteria to get inside, where more problems can arise. 

22. Moisturizer reverses wrinkles – False

Using a moisturizer won’t remove any wrinkles you already have. Though, it can help keep your skin hydrated as you age, making the wrinkles less pronounced. It may also prevent or reduce future wrinkles.

23. Giving a cut some air will help it heal faster – False

Of course, always listen to your doctor’s advice on managing any wounds you may have. But removing the bandage to let it breathe may cause it to dry out, which slows the healing process.

24. Frogs cause warts – False

Okay, I know this one isn’t as pressing, but just in case, I wanted to bring it up! Despite their own bumpy skin, frogs do not cause warts. Warts are caused by a virus carried in humans, not frogs.

25. Stress causes acne – True

While not the only cause, it’s certainly one of the reasons you may see acne in adulthood. Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance that triggers breakouts. 

26. Shave against the grain – False

Especially for sensitive skin, it’s best to shave in the direction that your hair grows. Though shaving against the grain may give a closer cut, it may pull at hairs before they get cut, causing irritation and ingrown hairs. 

27. Butter heals burns – False

While the idea is to keep the skin moist, applying butter right after a burn may cause the fat to lock in the heat and cause damage. If you burn yourself, it’s best to apply cool water to the affected spot immediately. However, if the burn appears to be really serious, cover it in a clean cloth or towel and head to the emergency room, as even cool water could cause further damage to a severe burn. 

28. Wearing a hat causes hair loss – False

The idea here is that a hat “suffocates” the hair and stunts growth. But hair gets the oxygen it needs to grow through the red blood cells via hair follicles. Hair loss is largely genetic or due to a deficiency. 

Skin myths

I hope that these 28 skin myths help you take better care of your skin. Remember, before you do something to your skin, be sure to know all the details. Everything you do to your skin on each day adds up and impacts it – whether you see it straight away or not. 

If you’re unsure about something, do a quick search on the internet first!

Want to know the details of collagen?

>>> Click here

When you hear about collagen, you may find people talking about the “different types” of collagen. But what does this mean? And how do you know which kind you’re taking?

There are actually at least 16 different types of collagen. However, the most abundant are types I, II, and III, each named after the order they were discovered. Simply put, these different types refer to which part of the body the collagen can be found. 

Today, I’ll cover these three main types of collagen, along with which kind is in EverBella’s Complete Collagen+ and why.  

Type I

It’s no wonder that type I collagen was discovered first, as it is the most abundant type of collagen in the body by a landslide – accounting for about 90% of all the body’s collagen.

It’s made of densely packed fibers and provides structure to the skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth. This is the type of collagen you want when you’re looking to preserve the health of your skin, hair, and nails. 

Like all types of collagen, type I collagen levels begin to deplete after about the age of 25. Your body begins to make less collagen, and the collagen it does make is weaker than before. This decline worsens with age.

Since type I collagen is the most prevalent, the loss of this type can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and brittle nails. And that’s just on the outside. On the inside, it can negatively affect the health of bones, tendons, joints, and organ tissue.

If you’re looking for the health benefits that people outline when they talk about collagen in a general sense, type I collagen is what you’re looking for. 

Type II

This type of collagen, unlike the densely packed fibers of type I, consists of more loosely packed fibers that can be found in the elastic cartilage which cushions the joints. 

This type is much less prevalent in the body, but still plays a role in helping to keep bones and cartilage healthy.

Type III

Type III collagen is often found in the body alongside type I collagen, improving skin elasticity and hydration. It’s found in large quantities within the intestines, muscles, blood vessels, and uterus. 

Outside of type I, type III collagen is the most important for keeping the skin young and healthy. 

Which types of collagen are in Complete Collagen+?

Here at EverBella, we use type I collagen and type III collagen in our Complete Collagen+ formula. 

Because type I is the most abundant type of collagen in the body – and it supports the health of your skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, organ tissue, and teeth – we believe that it’s the most crucial type of collagen you should be giving your body. When this collagen depletes, you’re losing almost all of the collagen in your body!

Since type III works in tandem with it – further supporting skin health – we also believe that it should be included.

This is why we use grass fed beef, or “bovine”, collagen, as this source includes both of these collagen types. 

Complete Collagen+ is also infused with our patented micelle liposomal delivery system. 

To learn why this is a MUST (and to see what other beneficial compounds are in our formula) click here.