Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to an array of frequently asked questions about hair, skin and how to lead a balanced life. Have a question of your own? Each month, our panel of experts will review your questions and will select several to answer. Simply use the link below to make a submission.

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skinback to top

Q
What is a body polish and should I be using one?
A
A body polish is a mildly exfoliating scrub. It can be helpful if you want softer, smoother feeling skin. If you don't have an underlying skin condition, it is fine to use a body polish to pamper your skin leaving it smooth, bright and glowing. As always, remember to moisturize after you exfoliate.
Q
How do I decide if I should be using a lotion, butter, or oil gel?
A
Much of this depends on how dry your skin is as well as your personal preference. An oil gel is great if you like to moisturize immediately after bathing as it helps seal moisture into the skin. Our body butter is our most moisturizing product, so it is ideal for those looking for intense moisture or for use on trouble spots like elbows and knees. Lastly, our lotion is a great all-around 24 hour moisturizer.
Q
My elbows and knees always seem to be drier than other parts of my body? Is there anything I can do?
A
Absolutely. You can start by using a body polish to gently exfoliate away existing dry skin. To help prevent the dry skin from coming back apply a richer moisturizer, such as our body butter, on those areas.
Q
How can diet affect how moisturized my skin looks?
A
The effects of diet on the skin is an area in need of more research. We know that the extremes of malnutrition can result in skin changes such as easy bruising (scurvy or inadequate vitamin C) or dry skin (inadequate fat). For most people with a balanced diet the problem of dry skin is more likely related to the weather and their personal hygiene practices.
Q
My skin doesn't look or feel as firm as it used to. Is there something I can do to help?
A
We lose collagen in our skin as we age resulting in a less firm feel. Well hydrated skin and products that contain substances that increase circulation can result in a firmer feel. In a clinical study, our HydraSculpt Firming Lotion, containing collagen and ginseng, was proven to deliver visibly firmer skin in 2 weeks.

hairback to top

Q
My hair is constantly breaking and shedding. What can I do to stop it?
A
You first want to determine where the breakage comes from. For instance, if the ends are breaking and you can see small pieces of hair on your clothes, more than likely the breakage is a result of the styling process. Cut back on using gels, spritz, thermal irons and dryers. To get the best look, trim your ends and use a light cream before blow drying or thermal curling, such as the Soft & Beautiful Extra Lite Crème Moisturizer. If you notice a white colored ball on the ends of longer strands that are falling from the scalp, this could signify an internal problem or complications from medication, stress or dietary issues. You should visit a professional stylist or dermatologist to analyze your concerns.
Q
My hair is limp and lacks body. How can I get my hair to keep body and shape?
A
You should avoid using heavy creams or oils on the hair that can easily weigh it down. Also, avoid getting your hair too straight during the relaxing process. Blow-dry your hair upside down and use a light sheen spray, like the Soft & Beautiful Oil Sheen Conditioning Spray. Finally, use a spritz on the hair before and after curling or rolling for long-lasting style.
Q
My daughter's hair is extremely tangled after shampooing and it is painful for me to comb it out. Any suggestions?
A
Yes, there are a couple of options. For girls who have thick, curly hair, you might want to consider a long lasting hair manageability solution, like the Soft & Beautiful Just for Me Texture Softener. The Just for Me Texture Softener will keep your child's natural curls and waves and will also make the hair easier to comb and manage. Another option you may want to consider is the Soft & Beautiful Just for Me Curl Smoother. It moisturizes, softens and detangles, leaving hair manageable and helps to create easier styling.
Q
My hair is relaxed, but I want to transition to a natural style. Do you have any suggestions for styling and maintaining my hair during the stage between relaxed and natural?
A
There are a few options:

1. Consider a Texturizer. The Soft & Beautiful Botanicals Texturizer is a great alternative to wearing a relaxer and will ease your transition from your current relaxed style to a natural one. The Botanicals Texturizer will soften your hair without making it straight by gently removing some of the natural wave pattern.

2. Braids or extensions are also an option for some who find it hard to deal with cutting off all of the relaxed hair at one time.

3. The quickest and easiest way to transition from relaxed to natural is to cut your relaxed hair off at the new growth point and let your hair grow from there. But remember, hair only grows about a 1/2 inch a month. To get the "natural look" while transitioning, you can twist, "cornrow" or braid your hair in small sections using the Soft & Beautiful Botanicals Sculpting Foam; then let dry. Do this weekly as your hair grows out.

lifeback to top

Q
How do I know if I'm stressed out?
A
Do you find yourself rushing from one activity to the next, from the time you wake up in the morning until you go to sleep at night? Does your to-do list seem to grow more and more each day? Are you living to work rather than working to live? Is your social life disappearing because you don't have time for friends and fun? If you answered yes to anyone of those questions, you're probably not only stressed but overworked as well. So carve out a period today to do absolutely nothing. It might just be twenty minutes. It might be a few hours. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable and pleasant, and just be.
Q
What is the best way to get rid of stress?
A
1. Take all of your vacation days every year: Make a personal contract with yourself for your vacation and personal time. Plan for this and make the necessary arrangements to take time off for your normal routine to relax and rejuvenate.

2. Take your rest seriously: Just as the lunch hour has become shorter and vacations have shrunk, the amount of time American's sleep has decreased steadily over the last century. Today, as activities and workloads increase the more important sleep becomes. It is essential that you take your sleep seriously.

3. Reconnect with what matters most: Create a space for what you want. Identify the thing you've been hesitating to let go of. Refuse to allow it to crowd your schedule and your vision any longer. Take the steps you know you need to take to let go.
Q
My daily to-do list always seems to include things for everybody but myself. How do I schedule time for myself and actually take it?
A
Take out your calendar or your PDA, and make regular appointments with yourself. If you need to ask for help, then ask for help. Delegate things that you don't have to do yourself so that you can create the space you need. It is essential that you practice consistent self-care. When you do, you have more energy for the people and things that rely on you. Also, at the end of each day make a progress list. It is easy to focus on what you haven't done, but each day acknowledge what you have achieved. It is important to recognize that your personal life wants and deserves just as much attention as your work life and your to-do list. If you decide to use a to-do list make sure it includes things "to-do" for yourself as well. Even if you don't have something specific to do, refuse to allow your to-do list to crowd your personal space.
Q
I want to separate my personal life from my work life. Is that possible?
A
Absolutely! For starters, plan your work around your life. This may sound like a luxury to some, but it shouldn't be. Believe it or not, your work should serve your life. If it doesn't, then begin by planning your work around what is most important to you. When your work day ends, mentally shift from professional life mode to personal life mode. This is a chance for you to practice discipline because that is exactly what it takes to "leave your work at work". The key to remember is that you are pursuing a self-care lifestyle-one that does not give work a higher spot on your list of priorities than your personal life.
Q
Can stress effect the way I look?
A
Stress can affect both the way you feel and look. Not dealing with stress appropriately causes an imbalance in your life. You find yourself not exercising, not eating well, and both your energy and emotional stability are dwindling. The first and most important element of your self-care is good health. Without your health, there is no need to worry about being busy because you won't have the option.