We live in a very stressful world that can be toxic for our mind, body, and even skin. As a result we are less focused and burned out. As we enter the Spring season and embrace renewal, I urge you to commit yourself to recognizing when you need a mental break. Here are 3 simple ways to manage stress and relax. 

Breathing:  You may be unknowingly holding tension in your chest. Stress shows up differently in everyone. Never underestimate the power of proper breathing. Breathing techniques are one of the easiest and most powerful ways to relieve stress. Harness the power of deliberate breathing, including deep breaths, and slow inhales / exhales to help you feel calm and in control. 



Relaxing Playlist: Music is healing to the soul and it can shape our moods and thought processes. Music can promote relaxation of tense muscles when coupled with relaxing exercises like yoga. Music is a simple and fun way to promote spiritual healing. It is also great for meditating or getting into a spirit of worship. 

Take a Walk: When things get to be overwhelming for me I like to go for walks out in fresh air. Any sort of movement like short walks or jogs are natural stress relievers. Sometimes you have to force yourself to get out of the office and get moving. Walking also promotes blood flow to your brain and it can reset your mind and thought processes. While walking you can also practice the breathing techniques we discussed earlier. 

What are some techniques you use to relieve stress? 

Love and Romance are common Valentine's Day themes but what about Self Love? Can you truly say you love yourself? If so, do your actions and the way you treat yourself reflect love? Negative self talk and lack of proper self care are unhealthy, so this Valentine's Day show yourself some love in these 4 easy ways:

EAT- I've talked a lot about how proper nutrition is the best way to fight acne and skin issues from within. The foods you consume is also a reflection of your self esteem. If you're depressed or discouraged you may try to cope in unhealthy ways by consuming extra sugars, sweets and junk food. Love on yourself by trying healthy new recipes that nourish your body. 

THINK- As a person thinks so they are. It all starts in your mind. Remove that negative self talk by thinking good thoughts about yourself. Speak positive reinforcement over your life. Sometimes we may need a little help in this area. When was the last time you read a good book? I like to read inspirational books that not only feed my spirit but also help me to gain new insights on life. 

MOVE- Exercise is very important in self care as not only does it improve circulation in the body but it also releases endorphins and remove toxins. Getting your body engaged in some form of exercise helps ease tension and anxiety. If you're struggling mentally try incorporating regular movement into your self care habits. 

USE- I'm a big supporter of non-toxic beauty including makeup. Try using makeup products that treat your skin and not harm. This is what Apple Rose Beauty is all about; clean and safe ingredients. This week use the code: LOVE2020 to save 20% off any full size bottle of Apple Rose Beauty organic skincare on the website. 

 The weather’s starting to heat up, but before you grab your bikini and your sunnies and head to the beach, are you perhaps forgetting something? Maybe SPF?

While we all love to soak in the sun’s feel-good rays, (okay fine, and you can’t beat a sexy bronzed glow either!) it’s important to take all the necessary precautions to protect your skin. Too much sun exposure won’t only accelerate aging, it can lead to other frustrating issues such as sunspots.

So before hitting the sand, keep on reading to find out our top natural ways to treat and prevent sunspots.

What are Sunspots?

Before we dive into this article, let’s first clear up what exactly sunspots are. Sunspots are a type of hyperpigmentation that may be up to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. These harmless spots may be flat or raised, and even have the appearance of a wart. They are also more likely to occur in areas that are most often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, ears, arms and back of the hands. 

They are a result of prolonged, unprotected sun exposure, when the body over-produces melanin.

5 Ways To Treat, Prevent And Visibly Remove Sunspots

1.  Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure

Since sunspots are caused by too much time in the sun, the most logical first step in preventing them would be to limit your sun exposure. You may think that avoiding the beach or sunbathing sessions poolside will ensure that your skin stays free from sunspots, however just a few minutes of unprotected exposure everyday builds up over time and can cause these pesky spots. Limit sun exposure when possible and be sure sure to cover up with a hat or sunglasses when you are out in the sun.

2.  Always Wear Sunscreen

We cannot stress this enough! Don’t ever leave your house without it, even on cloudy days! Apply an SPF of at least 30 or higher to areas that will be exposed to the sun. Choose a titanium sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen that contains harmful chemicals that could put your health at risk. 

3.  Rely on Natural Skin Brightening Ingredients

Natural ingredients such as Vitamin C and aloe are excellent for soothing, brightening and rejuvenating sun-damaged skin, as well as promoting the formation of collagen to help ensure your skin stays youthful and plump. Here, at Apple Rose, you’ll find these ingredients along with other powerful antioxidants and nutrients to feed your skin with love and nourishment in our acclaimed Bloom Beautifully Vitamin C Super Serum as well as our Nourish Naturally Moisturizing Treatment. 

4.  Avoid Tanning Beds Completely

There’s not much to say here, except stay away from tanning beds. They drastically increase your risk of cancer, and no tan is worth putting your health at risk!

5.  Try an At-Home DIY Recipe

Of course you can’t go wrong with a DIY recipe, made with all natural ingredients from your kitchen.

Apple Cider and Lemon DIY Toner to Lighten Sunspots

Lemon juice contains citric acid and Vitamin C and apple cider contains alpha hydroxy acids to naturally lighten hyperpigmentation.

Simply combine one tsp of lemon juice and one tsp of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply evenly all over your skin, or just on sunspots if your skin is sensitive. A tingling or burning sensation is normal, however you could add a little water to dilute the mixture if necessary. Use this mixture at night. You can leave it on the skin while you sleep.

We hope these steps help you to be more aware of your skin, and the damage the sun can cause. As long as you follow these tips, you can enjoy a sun-soaked summer all while ensuring your skin stays healthy.