Does Your Shampoo and Conditioner Have Aloe Vera?

There can be many reasons your hair is suddenly thinning, dull, or experiencing breakage. Let's face it: we put our hair through a lot. The average woman spends 40 minutes a day doing her hair—that could be washing, drying, or styling. And this doesn't include salon visits! Notice we said average. Some of you are top-knot girlies. Even too many top knots can damage your hair.

Shampoo and conditioner enriched with lab-certified aloe vera could help you achieve healthier, fuller, shinier hair. Using a shampoo and conditioner with aloe vera is beneficial for your hair because it is known for its moisturizing, repairing, and nourishing properties. Aloe vera can help maintain the pH balance of the scalp, reducing dandruff and soothing scalp irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, aloe vera can promote healthy hair growth, reduce hair breakage, and add volume to the hair. Aloe vera-based hair care products can provide a gentle and natural way to cleanse and nourish the scalp and hair, making them an excellent choice for maintaining healthy and vibrant hair.

Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Hair Care Products Aloe vera is known for its proteolytic enzymes, which help stimulate dormant hair follicles. This promotes healthy hair growth, adding volume and life to your tresses. Oil and debris build up and block pores, preventing rapid hair growth. Aloe vera naturally cleanses the scalp and reduces sebum production, thus lessening oil and dirt accumulation and accelerating hair growth. Aloe vera contains the active ingredients copper and zinc, which are clinically proven to help hair grow healthy and strong. It also has a high water content (99.5%), which helps lock these nutrients and treat conditions like dandruff. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation and aggravation of the scalp, which indirectly promotes faster hair growth. The chemical composition of aloe vera is very similar to that of keratin. This is why aloe has such a rejuvenating effect on our strands, nourishing them and leading to healthier-looking hair. At the same time, its pH level is naturally similar to that of our scalp and hair.

Don't be so quick to rush out and start growing your aloe vera or purchasing an aloe vera plant. Using the plant's natural gel alone may lead to dryness and frizz. Good news: Key West Aloe has their own lab-certified aloe vera farm and has carefully curated a line of shampoos and conditioners made with aloe vera and botanical extracts for you. Our shampoos and conditioners protect, hydrate, soften, and detangle tresses, making hair soft, manageable, and full of body healthier. The hair cair line is available in four scents: Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner, Key Lime Shampoo & Conditioner, and Mango Shampoo & Conditioner. And these affordable shampoo and conditioners won't break the bank; an 8oz bottle of either shampoo or conditioner is under $20. The complete hair care line is available in 2oz TSA-approved travel sizes.

Aloethera Moisturizing Shampoo | Aloethera Keratin Conditioner | Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner | Key Lime Shampoo & Conditioner | Mango Shampoo & Conditioner

Ways to Work on Your Beauty Routine

Receive the full benefits of Lab Certified Aloe Vera just as nature intended it. Indulge in products to nourish and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. All with our signature Fresh Aloe scent.

Preventing Dry Skin In the Winter: Moisturize and Renew

For all of winter’s sweeping seasonal highs (fireside gatherings, snowy walks, and ice-skating in Central Park), there are a few less pleasant side effects to note. Enter the onslaught of dry, itchy skin that’s currently settling in for the long haul. While switching to a good moisturizer at the first sign of chill proves helpful, the drier climate and indoor heat may have already taken a toll. Fortunately, there’s still time to get serious about a daily routine to ensure a hydrated, glowing complexion.

Environmental Defense

Shield your skin from free radicals with Environmental Defense, a triple protection moisturizer made with SPF 15, 60% Aloe Vera, and Vitamins A, C, and E.

Defends against Photoaging Shields from Free Radicals Protects Skin's Natural Moisture Balance

Shield your skin from free radicals with Environmental Defense, a triple protection moisturizer made with SPF 15, 60% Aloe Vera, and Vitamins A, C, and E.

Use Gentle Cleansers on your face and skin

Aloetherea Body Wash is made with 30% Aloe Vera and no artificial dyes. Aloethera Body Wash will refresh, soften, and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. Receive the full benefits of Lab Certified Aloe Vera just as nature intended it. Indulge in products to nourish and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. All with our signature Fresh Aloe scent.

Aloethera Body Wash will refresh, soften, and moisturize even the most sensitive skin.

Zero In on a Nighttime Routine

Conquer dry skin and wrinkles with our Lab Certified Aloe Vera based moisturizers. Night Moist moisturizes and rejuvenates skin while you sleep. Night Moist is made with 80% Aloe Vera and antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturize and rejuvenate skin while you sleep with Night Moist

Preventing Dry Skin In the Winter: Exfoliate and Refresh

For all of winter’s sweeping seasonal highs (fireside gatherings, snowy walks, and ice-skating in Central Park), there are a few less pleasant side effects to note. Enter the onslaught of dry, itchy skin that’s currently settling in for the long haul. While switching to a good moisturizer at the first sign of chill proves helpful, the drier climate and indoor heat may have already taken a toll. Fortunately, there’s still time to get serious about a daily routine to ensure a hydrated, glowing complexion. 

Buff Your Skin

Salt Scrub Made with Dead Sea Salt, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter to reveal brighter, younger looking skin! Enriched with Sunflower, Avocado & Coconut Oils as well as ultra moisturizing Mango, Shea & Cocoa Butter to soften even the driest skin.

Salt Scrub Made with Dead Sea Salt, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter

Update your Face Cream

Hydrating Matrix Fight signs of aging, boost collagen and restore moisture with Hydrating Matrix made with 50% Lab Certified Aloe Vera, Matrixyl, Antioxidants, Green Tea, Chamomile, Rosemary and White Tea anti-aging peptides and extracts. Lightweight cream-gel plumps skin instantly and makes the skin more resilient.

Hydrating Matrix Fight signs of aging, boost collagen and restore moisture

Jade Stone Facial Roller - Depuff & Tighten Your Skin

Jade Facial Roller Benefits Go Far Beyond De-Puffing Your Face

Jade rolling has long been a practice in traditional Chinese medicine. The stone is believed to have healing properties and be a sign of power and immortality. Over the last few years, the tool has made its way into beauty stores (and onto Instagram feeds) in the Western world, thanks in large part to its de-puffing abilities. What makes it special is that it’s made from natural jade stone which has both spiritual and physical benefits, and is known for its purifying and detoxifying qualities.  And pros say that jade roller benefits include things like lymphatic drainage and improved circulation. Here’s what you need to know.

Jade Roller Benefits

1. Detoxifies and reduces puffiness

Jade rolling is one of the easiest ways to do it at home. Using the tool to massage your face can help reduce some of the fluid buildup, doing away with puffiness. Roll the massager toward your lymph nodes—which are located in your neck, slightly behind your ears—to help stimulate lymph movement.

2. Brightens and firms skin

Jade rollers massage the superficial layer of the skin, and if you pop them in the freezer to cool them down they can calm irritation, tighten pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Relaxes facial tension

If you’re a big-time jaw clencher, treating yourself to our DIY jade roller massage can help do away with some of the tension the habit leaves behind. By putting gentle pressure on your face and neck it helps reduce tension. Use the smaller end of the roller to gently massage along your jawline, and you’ll feel an immediate release of whatever stress you’re holding in the area.

4. De-puffs your under eyes

After a long night of crying, drinking, or eating salt, if you ever wind up with your eyes puffy, a simple jade-rolling routine can help. Massaging your face with the smaller end of the tool can help even out some of the fluid, and it will work double-duty if it’s fresh out of the freezer, since cold temperatures help to constrict blood vessels, which helps to prevent the flow of fluid into the tissues.

The Benefits of Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an important part of preventative healthcare

Sunscreen is an important part of preventative healthcare. But, while we might not think of it when enjoying some time in the ocean, sunscreen can wash off of your skin and into the water where it can affect marine life. Several common ingredients in sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to disrupt and bleach coral reefs.

So if you're planning on taking a dip, you might want to consider using a sunscreen that doesn't contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. We have plenty of sunscreens available that are specially formulated to be reef safe while still protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun. 

What are the benefits?

If you're someone who's been using sunscreen without much thought about ingredients, you might be wondering why you should make an effort to find and use environmentally friendly brands.

Well, the biggest benefit is that you're playing a small part in saving the delicate ecosystem that houses coral reefs. While the task of saving the oceans is far too big for any one person to tackle, a lot of people making small changes can make a serious impact.

Coral reefs around the world are dying at a rapid rate - studies have shown that about half of the coral in the Great Barrier Reef died over a two-year period between 2016 to 2018. And while there are many factors contributing to this, water pollution is one of the main causes.

Even if you don't plan on swimming in the ocean, you should still consider picking out a reef safe sunscreen the next time you make a purchase. When you wash it off at the end of the day in a sink or in the shower, the residue can still make its way into the water and affect marine life there.

Hot Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Hot Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Summertime means sun, beach, and lots of play outdoors with your dog or cat (did you know that adventurous cats is a growing trend?). Summer can be a great time to bond with your pet. But higher temperatures also mean higher risks for our furry companions - more injuries, more skin and ear infections, and a possibility of a heat stroke.

Provide plenty of water and shade. Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during the summer. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and lead to heat stroke.

Don't shave your pet. Feel free to trim the fur on your pet in the summer, but never shave. Be sure to leave at least a full inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburns. And don’t forget about your pet’s regular grooming schedule, no matter what season it is.

Keep parasites off. In summer, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are practically everywhere. They carry tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme or Bartonella that can put your pet at risk. Ask your vet for the appropriate medical prescriptions to keep your Fido or Kitty pest-free.

Consider a life vest. If you decide to take your doggy or kitty sailing or boating, be sure it wears a life vest in a bright color to stay visible and afloat in case of an accident. Always keep an eye on your furry companion when near water.

Respect the heat. Humans aren't the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Dehydration can be a big problem for pets during the hot weather, too. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces - like Pugs and Persian cats - cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.

Keep bugs away—safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your outdoor pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous for your pet. In the areas where your pets play, it's better to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Also keep an eye out for fertilizer warnings on neighbors' lawns when walking your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.

Beware of antifreeze. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors' cars and puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.

Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet's skin, and follow up by routinely applying sunscreen as part of your summer routine. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets.

Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. Although it's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, always keep a close eye on your pet when they're in or near the water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver. It could prove to be an excellent investment for his safety.

Bring the benefits of Aloe Vera to your dog or cat with products made for your four-legged friends to refresh, cleanse and soothe. Shop Now

The Benefits of Frangipani

Frangipani:

What is frangipani? Frangipani is several tropical American trees, of the genus Plumeria, having fragrant, showy, funnel-shaped flowers of a wide range of colours from creamy to red. 

What are the benefits of Frangipani

It is said to help relieve inflammation, headache, back pain and tinnitus. It is known for its moisturizing effects, as it soothes dry and cracked skin, helping keep skin soft. Frangipani oil relaxes nerves and muscles, and has aphrodisiac, astringent and purifying properties.

Moisturize skin: Glycosides in Frangipani help to get other vital ingredients absorbed into the skin to hydrate the skin by binding onto water molecules. It also supports healthy collagen production.

Anti-ageing: Frangipani keeps skin supple and toned thanks to an organic substance, Lignin. It is also used in anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle and skin toning products. Oxidative stress-induced tissue damage can also be diminished with the use of this essential oil.

How to use for face care Add one drop of essential oil to one dollop of your face cream or lotion and apply every two days. Do not be tempted to add more oil. Higher doses do not work better than regular applications.

How to use for body care Use no more than 4 to 5 drops for every 5ml of body lotion or carrier oil. Apply the mixture all over skin and pat dry or allow full absorption.

Shop our favorite Fragipani products

Create Your Own Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

COVID-19 PREVENTION

When it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, nothing beats good old-fashioned hand washing.

But if water and soap aren’t available, your next best option, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

All it takes is two ingredients (three if you want to add essential oils for a scented sanitizer) to make your own hand sanitizer at home.

What ingredients do you need?

Making your own hand sanitizer is easy to do and only requires a few ingredients:

Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent alcohol volume) Aloe vera gel like Aloe Max 100 Option: Essential Oils 

The key to making an effective, germ-busting hand sanitizer is to stick to a 2:1 proportion of alcohol to aloe vera. This keeps the alcohol content around 60 percent. This is the minimum amount needed to kill most germs, according to the CDC

Hand sanitizer Recipe:

2 parts isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent) 1 parts aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands smooth and to counteract the harshness of alcohol) Aloe Max 100 Option: 10 drops of essential oil

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a bowl, ideally one with a pouring spout like a glass measuring container. Mix with a spoon and then beat with a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel. Pour the ingredients into an empty bottle for easy use, and label it “hand sanitizer.”

Hand sanitizer is a handy on-the-go way to help prevent the spread of germs when soap and water isn’t available. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help keep you safe and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

What's Happening This Year in Key West?

Greetings from Key West Florida Mural at The Cuban Coffee Queen. Photo: Cayobo via flickr

If traveling more is one of your new year's resolutions, make sure Key West is on your travel list. We have great weather all year long, wonderful people and rich history—what's not to love about our little slice of paradise?

We've made planning your tropical vacation to Key West easy by shining a light on the coolest events happening every month. Check it out below.

Generally speaking, the best time to travel to Key West is from March to May. The winter crowds thin out so both airline and hotel prices will be easier on the wallet and the weather is perfect!

On a tighter budget? Consider traveling in the offseason during the months of June to November. But be aware, while the prices may be down, the temperature and chances for rain are up. As long as you pack for changing weather you should be fine.

Key West Calendar of Events 2019 Sign inside Bo's Fish Wagon January - March

January 18th - 19th: 59th Annual Key West House & Garden Tour

January 23rd - 29th: 10th Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival

January 29th - February 2nd: 2nd Annual Mile 0 Fest

February 2nd: 12th Annual Rock & Roast Fest

February 23rd - 24th: 54th Annual Old Island Days Art Festival

March 2nd: 57th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest

March 7th: 10,000 Maniacs in Concert

March 30th: 2019 Key West Gala

Photo: Key West Food & Wine Festival April - June

April 4th: Beach Boys in Concert

April 6th: 38th Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run

April 19th - 28th: 37th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration

May 8th - 12th: 24th Annual Key West Song Writers Festival

June 1st: 43rd Annual Swim Around Key West

June 5th - 9th: Key West Pridefest

June 15th: Swim Around Key West

Photo: Flickr - Cayobo July - September

July 4th - 7th: 7th Annual Key Lime Festival

July 16th -21st: Hemingway Days & Sloppy Joe's 39th Annual Papa Look-a-Like Contest

August 8th - 11th: 23rd Annual Key West Lobsterfest

August 21st - September 2nd: 10th Annual Key West Brew Fest

September 4th - 8th: Womenfest Key West 2019

Photo: 13th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival October - December

October 15th: Official 2019 Stone Crab Season Opening

October 18th - 27th: 40th Annual Key West Fantasy Fest

November 2nd: 27th Annual ABC 5K Walk/Run

December Events: TBA

These are just the major events happening each month, check back to our blog to see a more detailed list of events.

Do you have any Key West Travel tips? Comment below or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media!

KWA Team