Expert Advice

Answer: An SPF of 35 with mineral blocks such as the zinc/titanium combination in Episencial’s Sunny Sunscreen protects from 97% - 98% of the harmful wavelengths of UV rays – without the use of synthetic chemicals. SPF35 is just right for playing at the beach, park or in the backyard.  I’m particularly proud that we’ve achieved a 4-star critical wavelength rating, which is the highest protective rating. Episencial’s Sunny Sunscreen offers a chemical-free formula that glides on easily, without residue, and isn’t sticky, chalky or messy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated their recommendation to suggest that parents begin using sunscreen as soon as baby is exposed to regular sunlight. As long as you choose a mineral - not synthetic chemical - sunscreen, your baby should be safe.  I recommend using SPF35 because an SPF of 50 or even 70 only adds 2%-3% additional protective value.  Plus, the amount of mineral ingredients needed to achieve an SPF 50 mineral-based block results in a product that is chalky white, very cumbersome to use, and very expensive – issues that may dissuade you from using sunscreen!

There has been some concern about the use of nano-particles in sunscreens. The good news is that nano-particles of zinc and titanium are no longer available to sunscreen manufacturers as they are now banned substances. This is because nano-sized metal particles can enter the bloodstream through the skin and potentially cause liver damage.  Episencial minerals are micronized particles that are absolutely safe to use on any skin – even baby skin.  Micro-particles are roughly 10,000 times larger than nano-particles, and are, therefore, much too large to enter the bloodstream. 

Answer: There are many causes of diaper rash. The fact is a diapered baby bottom creates a dark, warm and moist environment – perfect for growing bacteria and fungus.  Even under normal conditions, every square inch of skin has more bacteria than skin cells.  A rash can indicate an imbalance in the amount of bacteria on the skin. So, to rebalance, give that bum as much “air-time” without a diaper, as possible.

Once harmful bacteria and fungi get a start, it can be hard to get rid of them. Diaper rash is bad enough, but it can also make baby girls vulnerable to vaginal infections, so prevention is key. 
I recommend against using wipes with alcohol, fragrances, or any drying agents at all - the best thing is cotton-pads with pure water. Second choice: Use a wipe and then rinse with pure, chlorine-free water to eliminate any chemical residue. All wipes have drying agents to keep bacteria from molding the wipes.

Barrier creams with a high concentration of zinc are the most recommended preventative and treatment for diaper rash. I designed the Episencial Nurturing Balm to create a barrier and healing environment for the skin to do what it is supposed to do - protect our bodies from invaders! The chemical free

Answer: Eczema is a form of over stimulation from a combination of unknown causes probably both internal and external. By addressing the body's needs for a cleaner environment from the inside and out, we create the space for healing and repair.

I recommend evaluating all of the cleaning and personal care products in the home for toxins and irritants (no bleach, ammonia or artificial fragrances). Use fragrance free laundry detergent and only natural fabric softener, or none at all. Importantly, be sure your bathing water is chlorine-free. Eliminate personal grooming products that contain fragrance and preservatives. Lastly, eliminate processed foods from the diet (e.g., crackers). Instead, incorporate more fruits and vegetables for snacks like carrot sticks, apple slices, red pepper "flowers" and cucumber wheels.

For the treatment and prevention of eczema, dermatitis, and allergenic skin, I created Episencial’s Soothing Cream. Fortified with vitamins, probiotics, neem oil, and many other natural ingredients. This all-natural formula actively protects and restores skin. With anti-inflammatory benefits, Episencial’s Soothing Cream helps reduce swelling, heat and pain, to give skin the chance to heal itself. Episencial’s goal is to develop products that optimize the skin’s ability to do what it is designed to do - protect us from bacteria, virus and the elements, and eliminate toxins from within the body.   

Answer: Episencial believes our products and business practices are opportunities to effect positive change in the world. When we say we are “green” it is because sustainability is at the very core of how we conduct business:

• We use botanical, sustainably farmed, and certified organic ingredients.
• We do not engage in animal testing.
• We support alternative energy development. Our products are manufactured in a solar-powered production plant.
• Our plastic containers are recycled, food-grade, non-leaching, with no residues of dioxins, BpA, phthalates, or other xenoestrogens.
• Our paper packaging is manufactured from recycled sources or comes exclusively from certified sustainable resources.
• Our containers and boxes are beautifully designed and sturdy enough to encourage re-use and re-purposing.
• Organic ingredients can be better for the environment and better for the skin.

Organics have more nutritional value with greater antioxidant capabilities than conventionally grown ingredients. This is important because of the skin’s transdermal properties. Many nutrients applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Unfortunately, the same is true for harmful chemicals that are remarkably prevalent in personal care products – even those marketed for children. So, as a parent, you can make well-considered choices about personal grooming products for your children to help protect them and the planet from environmental pollution.
 
Episencial uses smart organic practices. All Episencial products are made with the critical certified organic ingredients. Some products contain a much higher percentage of organic. What is important is that the RIGHT ingredients are organic. Some plants, like thyme for example, are very hardy in nature and don’t require the use of pesticides and fumigants. Others, like strawberry, are sweet and delicious and often do require higher levels of insecticides and such for commercial production. To keep Episencial products affordable, we have selected the ingredients with the highest likelihood of contamination and specifically chosen those to be organic for the improved health and safety of babies and parents.