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FAQ Why is cleansing so important? What are the benefits of a toner? What kind of moisturizers do you have? What is the aloe-based herbal serum? Why would I use the aloe serum versus the oil serum? Do you have any facial creams? What do scrubs do for the skin? What is the difference between an herbal mask and a wet mask? Why are masks important to a skin care ritual? What are flower essences and gem elixirs? Which line is right for my skin? Can I use products from different lines? Why should I put oil on my skin if I have oily skin? Won’t it make the problem worse? How long do your products last? Why do I need to store some GPA products in the fridge? Why are there some variations in the same the products? What can I expect when I start your line? Why is my skin breaking out after trying your product? Do you use certified organic products? What preservatives do you use? Do you have any vegan or vegetarian products? Do you have any gluten-free products? What ages can use your products? Do any of your products contain SPF? Are you a socially responsible company? What do you do to minimize impact on the environment? What does natural and organic mean on a label? Why is cleansing so important? Cleansing the skin is necessary to remove dirt, pollution, makeup and other impurities that build up on the skin. Some of nature’s best cleansers must contain oil because the skin makes and has a natural layer of oil called sebum. A cleanser must be able to mix with the skin’s natural oils to help remove unwanted residue from the face. This may seem difficult to believe, but natural oils that mimic the skin’s natural sebum are a wonderful way to cleanse the skin. This is why most of our cleansers contain natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, sesame or olive. However, we do carry some cleansers that are oil-free for those who feel an oil-free cleanser is necessary. The main purpose of holistic skin care is to bring balance back to the skin. Often overuse of harsh, alcohol-laden cleansers, toners and creams cause the skin to produce too much oil in an effort to replenish the moisture that it loses due to these unhealthy commercial products. Follow cleansing with our toner and facial herbal serum, then finish your beauty ritual with one of our facial oil serums or moisturizers. Splash your face with lukewarm water. Put a few pumps or a small scoop of our cleanser into your palm. Add a few drops of water or apply the cleanser directly onto your face and neck. Gently massage your face and neck in an upward, circular motion working the cleanser into your skin. Use a washcloth if you like, but please use one designed especially for the face. Cleanse for at least 30 seconds or up to a few minutes. Ideally you should focus on healing and purifying your skin as you go through your skin care routine. Rinse off the cleanser with warm water. Most cleansers will rinse off easily without leaving a residue, but we have some cleansers that have extra oil in them to help restore balance to dry skin. They leave a moisturizing, protective layer that is light enough for pores to breathe through and will not clog the skin. Pat skin dry with a soft towel. What are the benefits of a toner? Toners are an important step in the skin care process for a variety of reasons. They help close the pores that have been opened during the cleansing process. They also help restore the skin’s natural pH balance. The skin creates a barrier called the acid mantle, which is controlled by the sweat glands and the sebaceous glands. This barrier protects the body from diseases invading it through the pores. We often strip the acid mantle with the use of harsh soaps and chemicals when trying to cleanse the skin. This is counterproductive because bacteria, makeup and pollution are allowed an easier passageway into the body. The body then has to overwork to re-create the acid mantle producing extra oil, which can lead to acne and/or dry skin. Toners help the skin create a harmonious balance. Toners follow cleansing. They are applied by spritzing them onto the face and neck. Follow up with our serum or moisturizer. You can also spray toner into your palm, add a few drops of our serum, and mix them together before applying to the face. Either application method is acceptable and depends on personal preference. Toner can also be applied to a cotton ball to remove makeup and dirt from the skin. Repeat this process until all residues have been removed. Toners are also great for whenever you feel like your skin needs a pick-me-up or if excess oil accumulates and you want to freshen up. What kind of moisturizers do you have? We have two types of facial moisturizers: oil-based serums and aloe-based serums. Moisturizers are a crucial final step in the beauty ritual process. They provide a protective barrier between your skin and the outside world, where pollution, bacteria, viruses, makeup and chemicals can damage to your skin. Moisturizers hydrate the skin cells and soften the skin providing a rejuvenating effect. Our oil-based serums are a unique, penetrating blend of oils including jojoba, almond, avocado, sea buckthorn, pumpkin seed, rosehip, borage, macadamia nut, sesame and coconut combined with essential oils, flower essences and gem elixirs that address specific concerns and deeply nourish the skin without clogging pores. Oils are cleansing to the skin and help balance it even if you are prone to acne. They regulate the skin’s natural sebum production while keeping the skin looking fresh, healthy and radiant. Place a few drops of serum into the palm of your hand and gently massage or pat the serum onto cleansed skin. You can follow with a spray of toner, but it is not necessary. You can also combine the oil-based serums with our herbal-infused serum for a lighter moisturizer. This is great in warm climates, during the summer, or if you have blemished skin. The number of drops necessary for adequate hydration depends on your personal skin type. It is best to start out with a small amount of oil as you can always add more as needed. Initially you will feel the oil on your face, but it absorbs into the skin quickly leaving behind perfectly hydrated, happy skin. What is the aloe-based herbal serum? Our organic aloe-based serums are infused with a variety of Chinese and Western botanicals including lavender, rose hips, chamomile, myrrh, chrysanthemum and frankincense plus gem and plant elixirs that provide the skin with a concentrated, powerful dose of antioxidants, vitamins and essential oils suitable for all skin types. Why would I use the aloe serum versus the oil serum? Our aloe-based serums can be used as an oil-free moisturizer if you have very oily skin or you prefer oil-free moisturizing. You can adjust the amount depending on your needs. Two to six drops is usually sufficient. The serum can also be used in conjunction with our oil-based serums either underneath as beneficial, concentrated extracts for the skin or at the same time as the oil-based serums. Only a few drops are needed. Depending on your skin type, a few drops of one of our aloe-based serum and a few drops of our oil-based serum mixed together in your palm will give you a wonderful, light, nutrient-rich moisturizer that your skin will thank you for. Do you have any facial creams? We do not currently manufacture facial creams. What do scrubs do for the skin? We have a variety of scrubs that are designed for different skin conditions. Scrubs remove unwanted dead cells that often lead to blackheads, acne, dryness and wrinkles. Most of our scrubs have gentle plant- or fruit-based exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells, which make the skin appear dull or lackluster. Scrubbing the face also brings circulation to the area, which benefits skin tone and elasticity. Most of our cleansers are made with very mild exfoliating grains. Your skin will benefit with more invigorating scrubs used in addition to regular cleansing. Use scrubs with caution if you have sensitive skin. A scrub should be applied to a cleansed face and neck. Use a generous amount. Work the scrub in small circles to invigorate blood flow to the facial area, which will stimulate a deeper effect. Scrub for one to five minutes. The scrub may either be rinsed off with warm water or wiped off with a facecloth. For a deep-acting skin treatment you can also leave our scrubs on for up to one hour. Gauge the amount of time you leave the treatment on depending on the sensitivity of your skin. Keep in mind that salt and clay scrubs or masks require less time because they are stronger acting than sugar scrubs. What is the difference between an herbal mask and an exfoliating mask? We have two types of masks: one is a wet mask that is premixed and ready to apply; the other is a dry powder that you mix with an ingredient of your choice including yogurt, honey, avocado, aloe gel, banana, apple cider, egg whites, whole egg, green tea, black tea, herbal tea or juice such as carrot, pineapple, cranberry or pomegranate. Our herbal masks give you the flexibility to experiment with a multitude of ingredients allowing you the opportunity to experience many different and beneficial beauty treatments all in one jar! Why are masks important to a skin care ritual? Masks are a crucial part of any skin care regime because they offer a rich, deep-acting effect that is not obtainable through daily cleansing. The ingredients in our masks are specialized and potent to facilitate great positive changes in the skin. They also help flush out the pores and cleanse the face in a strong, effective way. Apply a thin to thick layer of the mask to cleansed skin. Make sure to take the time to relax. This will enhance the mask’s effects. Leave the mask on for at least five minutes. Gentle masks can be left on for up to an hour, but the invigorating salt and clay masks should only be left on for up to 15 minutes. Ideally you should put on a mask before you take a shower or a bath as the warm steam will allow greater absorption of nutrients through the skin. Follow with our herbal serum and one of our moisturizers. Steams are a crucial part of any skin care system. We are bombarded with thousands of chemicals in our daily life making steams a necessary addition to any skin care practice. Steams allow for a deep cleansing of the pores. They soften the skin by opening pores and allowing perspiration to assist in the elimination of toxins and blackheads. Steams also stimulate greater circulation to the face, which improves the skin’s appearance, tone and texture. When the pores are open they are able to receive the healing properties of herbs in an accelerated manner making them more effective. Use: Varies depending on skin type Cleanse face before you steam. Put 2-3 tablespoons of each steam into a glass bowl or a ceramic pot (do not use metal). Pour 4-5 cups of boiling water over the herbs. Hold your face over the bowl being careful not to get too close to the steam. You should stay about a foot above the bowl. Drape a towel over your head creating a tent to trap the steam. As the water cools, you can get closer. Close your eyes and breathe in the herbs and steam. Ideally you should do this for 5 -15 minutes. Follow with one of our scrubs or facial masks, then moisturize. What are flower essences and gem elixirs? Flower essences are diluted herbal infusions or decoctions, made from the flowering part of the plant, which have an affinity for addressing emotional and mental issues. They are similar to homeopathic remedies because they are diluted and potentized to increase their effectiveness. Dr. Edward Bach, an English homeopath, developed his own set of remedies in 1930 and they have been used ever since. Gem elixirs are created using the same methods except gemstones are immersed in the water for a certain period of time to infuse the water with the energy and healing effects of the gems. Essential oils are aromatic volatile liquids distilled from flowers, roots, seeds, shrubs and trees. Essential oils have been used medicinally since 4500 BC. Modern uses are to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi; stimulate the regeneration of tissue; and to oxygenate the cells. Essential oils have an affinity for the emotions as well because they are proven to affect the limbic system of the brain, which is the storehouse of the emotions. When an essential oil is released it stimulates the olfactory system (our sense of smell), which has an almost instantaneous effect on our sense of taste and the limbic system (our emotions, long term memory, behavior). The most common emotions affected by our sense of smell (and essential oils) are anxiety, fear, joy, depression and anger. Keep in mind that ADULTURATED OILS DO NOT HAVE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. They must be pure! Which line is right for my skin? You may email us at essentials@goldenpathalchemy.com and we can help you decide what is the best line or product for your skin type. In general our lines are as follows: Awaken - normal skin Can I use products from different lines? Of course! We all know how our skin reacts to different environments, different seasons and different climates while on vacation, during times of stress and with monthly hormonal changes. Our products can be used for all of the phases that our skin goes through so you can mix and match as needed. Why should I put oil on my skin if I have oily skin? Won’t it make the problem worse? Putting oil on your skin will actually help regulate the sebum that your own skin naturally makes. Applying a small amount of oil will normalize your skin’s own oil production with time. How long do your products last? We have a variety of products that have different shelf lives. Our products are not like conventional cosmetics filled with synthetic chemicals and preservatives that are made to sit on a shelf for up to three years. We make fresh skin care that is meant to be used as living nourishment to infuse your skin with the radiance it deserves! We package our products in smaller sizes, use cobalt glass bottles to reduce exposure to light and use droppers and pump tops to prevent contamination. We recommend using cleansers and masks within three to six months of purchase. All of our other products have much longer shelf lives. Why do I need to store some GPA products in the fridge? Our cleansers and masks will last longer when stored in the fridge, especially during the summer or if you live in warmer climates. Most are fine next to the sink if you use them in a reasonable amount of time. We recommend six months to a year after purchase. Why are there some variations in the same the products? We hand make every batch of products so there are some slight variations between batches. Our products lack synthetic emulsifiers so some products might need a little shake or stir to bring them back to their original consistency. What can I expect when I start your line? Using fresh food for your skin makes as much of a positive difference as eating fresh food does in your diet. When we change our diet to include more fresh, organic and healthy food our body responds by detoxifying so that we can live with greater vitality. Most of us have been unable to avoid putting loads of chemicals and toxic substances, found in almost all personal care products, on our skin. When we change our lifestyle and choose more organic, truly fresh and natural products instead of the toxic conventional products, our body rejoices! When you wash your face with our rich cleansers your skin will feel more supple immediately. We know it can feel strange at first to have this soft protective layer on the skin, and it may even feel oily at first, but trust us your skin will thank you. You may even find that you need to use less moisturizers or creams because your skin’s natural moisture is being maintained instead of stripped away. You may also find that you like to use a different cleanser in the morning and in the evening. If you use the Renew coconut cream cleanser in the evening, for example, you might not need to apply moisturizer at night. Just let your skin soak in this luxuriant treatment while it relaxes, renews and breathes throughout the night. Why is my skin breaking out after trying your product? In the beginning the chemical burden is lifted and your skin finally has the opportunity to expel the toxins from the skin. Just like when we detoxify the body we may experience some breakouts or changes in our skin as the toxins are pushed out of the body. We have a specific line to aid in the detoxification process and minimize the appearance of blemished or redness called “PURIFY.” Most conventional skin care products parch and strip the skin of its natural oils and radiance, but GPA products gently remove dirt and impurities from the skin using botanicals and oils while helping to nourish and moisten the skin. Do you use certified organic products? Most of our products are comprised of certified organic ingredients. We denote the certifying agency in the ingredients. Some products are simply not available organically grown, but times are changing and there are more resources available to us now, so we are always striving to find certified organic ingredients for all of our products. We try to buy all of our Chinese herbs from growers in the United States. About 95% of all of the herbs that we use have been organically sourced in the U.S. and we continue to foster relationships with growers to get all of our herbs organically grown. Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through the skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. United Kingdom researchers found measurable concentrations of six different parabens in 20 human breast tumors. The study highlights the need for more research on the potential link between products containing parabens and increased breast cancer risk. Many companies, including Compact signers, have begun phasing out parabens from their lines by marking their products as “paraben-free.” Parabens are commonly listed on product ingredient labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben. WE DO NOT USE ANY PARABENS IN OUR PRODUCTS. Phthalates (pronounced THA-lates) are plasticizing chemicals that are probable human reproductive or developmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. Phthalates cause reproductive birth defects in laboratory animals, particularly males. Two phthalates often used in cosmetics (dibutyl and diethylhexyl) have been banned in the European Union. Unfortunately, phthalates are still found in some nail polishes and hair sprays, and are commonly hidden on ingredient labels under the term “fragrance.” We recommend that consumers steer clear of products with fragrance, especially pregnant women, babies and pubescent young adults. Please read Skin Deep’s report Not Too Pretty (2002). See our news section or www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. What preservatives do you use? We use only essential oils, botanicals, salt, raw honey and sugar to preserve our products. Do you have any vegan or vegetarian products? Most of our products are vegetarian/vegan. We only use a few ingredients that are animal derived, such as honey, pearl and oyster shell. You can check the full ingredient list on each individual page. You can also email us for a complete list of vegan products. Do you have any gluten-free products? We don’t yet. If you have Celiac disease we cannot guarantee that our products have not come in contact with all grains since we do use oats in many of our products. You can check the full ingredient list on any product on our site or you can email us for a list. No! We never test on animals nor do we source from anyone that does. We are a member of PETA and can be viewed on their CaringConsumer.com site under Companies That Do Not Test on Animals. Click Here. We are also a member of Leaping Bunny. Click here to see all certified Leaping Bunny companies. This applies to products that are not tested on animals and to ingredient that are not sourced from companies that do. We are a cruelty-free company. What ages can use your products? Our products are meant for young adults to very mature adults. Men can use all of GPA’s products. The Refine Healing Herbal Serum makes a wonderful aftershave and many men enjoy the Purify Line if they have problem skin. The same guidelines for picking a GPA line apply to men and women. Do any of your products contain SPF? No. Our products contain naturally occurring sunscreens but we do not add SPF to our products. Organic foods and herbs are grown without the use of conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers. They are free from contamination by human or industrial waste and are processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. We are a member of the Organic Consumers Association, which strives to preserve the standards for organic certification in both food and the natural product industry. www.organicconsumers.org Wild-crafted herbs are organically grown herbs that are cultivated naturally in the wild for medicinal purposes. They are harvested in a manner that doesn’t affect their source or environment in which they are grown. They are grown organically without any use of pesticides or fertilizers, but they have not undergone the certification process to be labeled “certified organic.” Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering producers in developing countries and to promoting sustainability. We use a variety of fair trade ingredients whenever possible. Are you a socially responsible company? Yes. Please see our holistic values page. What do you do to minimize impact on the environment? Please see our holistic values page. What does natural and organic mean on a label? Unfortunately both of these terms have been thrown around very loosely in the natural products industry without much value behind them. If you become familiar with reading labels on products then you can decide for yourself if the product you are purchasing is pure. If you cannot pronounce it then it probably isn’t natural. Naturally derived is not a safe measure either! Some of the top offenders in the natural product industry are: propylene glycol (and its derivatives), sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS – and its derivatives), fragrance, mineral oil, parabens (propyl, methyl, butyl or ethyl), imidazolidinyl and diazolidinyl urea, synthetic colors (FD&C or D&C) and triethanolamine (TEA). We use glass because it is the best for our customers and our products. Glass is inert whereas plastic leaches and outgases bisphenol-A, which is a xenoestrogen. This synthetic estrogen has many potential hazards and we avoid it in our products. Essential oils can also dissolve plastic and glass prevents that possibility. |
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