We use a lot of different essential oils in our different product lines, because we believe in the power of these oils, especially when they're used properly. Here are five important essential oils and what they do for the body.

Lavender: This essential oil helps to correct broken and damaged skin, eczema, burns and sunburns. People who have severe or chronic headaches swear that lavender also works wonders to eliminate headaches when a few drops of this versatile essential oil are applied to the temples. They say it's helpful in relieving the tension and fatigue that come with a pounding headache. Lavender can also be used to calm a person who is prone to panic attacks. Inflammatory skin conditions also benefit from the application of lavender oil. Find this ingredient in: Doctor D. Schwab Cell Renewal Night Cream and Doctor D. Schwab Controlling Balm.

Peppermint: This essential oil is very cooling to the skin, as well as having a stimulating effect. Those who suffer from such afflictions as headaches, fatigue, and muscular pain (such as the kind experienced by over-exercising) will benefit by using this oil. Peppermint oil can stimulate the mental processes, and can help to stimulate poor circulation of the blood. Some students may use this oil to “wake up the brain” before a big test or study period, and those who want to get more out of a workout may sniff a few drops in a handkerchief to pep up the body. Find this ingredient in: Ambrosia Aromatherapy Aromatic / Oil Balancing / Toning Blend.

Chamomile: This is a very mild essential oil. It is known for its soothing properties. Chamomile oil can be used to relieve many skin conditions, calm nerves, soothe headaches, and to relieve muscular spasms. You find this distilled into a tea, and it is commonly served with honey or lemon. Some people use chamomile as a sleep aid. This essential oil may also be used in a sour stomach aid, relieve colds and has a soothing effect on eye infections. Find this ingredient in: Doctor D. Schwab Sensitive Cleanser, Doctor D. Schwab Azuelene Eye Makeup Remover, Doctor D. Schwab Ginkgo Mask and Ambrosia Aromatherapy Wellness Soak Eucalyptus and Basil.

Ylang-ylang: This is a very powerful, almost euphoric essential oil. It helps to reduce nervousness, physical exhaustion, depression, and anxiety. The essential oil is actually harvested from the root, rather than the bark, of the ylang-ylang tree. This tree can be found in its native Indonesia, and is part of the custard apple family. Find this ingredient in: Ambrosia Aromatherapy Aromatic Oil Balancing Toning Blend and Ambrosia Aromatherapy Aromatic Wellness Soak Ylang-Ylang and Orange.

Eucalyptus: This mild essential oil is great for mental and physical exhaustion, and is an insect repellent. Eucalyptus oil is also used for cleaning, deodorizing, and is often found in food supplements, like cough drops and decongestants. Find this ingredient in: Doctor D. Schwab Sensitive Cleanser and Ambrosia Aromatherapy Aromatic Wellness Soak Eucalyptus and Basil.

While there are many more essential oils we use, these are five of our favorites, either in our own products, or in some of the every day products we buy for our home use (although, yes, we're a little hard pressed to tell you where you'd find ylang-ylang at your local supermarket).

Your skin is the largest organ, so why shouldn’t you invest in good skin care? A good skincare routine will leave you with younger, fresher looking exterior, sure to knock years off of your age. Having radiant skin can be your best accessory just by following these few simple steps:

• Always wash your face twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening.

  Women should never sleep with makeup on! No matter how tired you are, always remember to remove your makeup before hitting the sheets.

• Toner isn’t just for the acne-prone anymore.

  To achieve the best results, you will want to swipe a cotton ball saturated with toner over your entire face. By doing this one simple step, you will help balance the pH of your skin so you’ll have a good foundation for any product that you may layer on afterwards. A skin care product can’t do its job when your skin’s pH is off.

• After cleansing and toning your face, you will want to use a good serum – both morning and night.

  Nighttime cleansing calls for a regenerative serum, when your cells are busy repairing the damage done during the day. Serums are typically lotions that are non-oily and water-based that has hydration and/ or regenerative properties when applied to the skin. Serums also have a high concentration of special ingredients that allow for easy absorption by the skin, and are typically applied prior to moisturizing.

• Always use a day moisturizer

  that protects you from free-radical damage caused by environmental pollutants and the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays. Before bed and after your evening serum use, you will want to apply a moisturizer that is specifically for cellular renewal at night.

• Use a gentle exfoliant twice a week to remove dead skin cells.

  Sometimes your skin needs a little help in getting rid of old, worn-out cells — these old-timers cluster on the surface, not allowing the new cells to breathe. A lotion touted as "exfoliating" can slough off the extra skin cells, thereby exposing the fresh, new, and younger skin to the world. Exfoliating can also prepare the skin to better absorb skin care products — like clearing away debris in your yard before applying fertilizer.

• Twice a week, after exfoliating, apply a mask to your face for 20 minutes.

  This will rejuvenate and brighten your complexion.

• When you step outside, don’t forget your hat!

  Always wear protection when going out – a hat and sun-protective clothing can do wonders for your skin. Even cloudy days can damage your skin.

  

  Doctor D. Schwab Moisturizing Group: Sensitive Cleanser, Sensitive Moisturizer Day & Night

Botanical skin care company donated gifts for the stars to benefit spcaLA

(San Diego, CA) February 28, 2011 – San Diego botanical skin care company Doctor D. Schwab sponsored the 83rd Academy Awards with gifts baskets for the stars containing best selling products including Sensitive Moisturizer, Ginkgo Mask, and Ginkgosome Day Time Serum and Ginkgo Lift moisturizer, both with the latest Grape Stem Cells. The products are made with the purest organic and natural ingredients combined with the latest in natural skin care science.

The gift baskets were included in a luxurious "invitation only" lounge for nominees, select talent, directors, producers, stylists, press and media. Nominees from The Fighter, True Grit, Kings Speech and more each donated $20 to the spcaLA to gain access to what many were calling "the ultimate" gift suite. The gift baskets were given to celebrities including Amy Adams, Michelle Williams, Annette Benning, Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges, Christian Bale and more. The spcaLa asked celebrities to sign a poster which was auctioned off with a gift bag from the event.

About spcaLA

The spcaLA society services include animal sheltering, cruelty investigation, adoptions, and humane education. Please visit www.spcala.com.

Included in the Gift Basket

G.S. Ginkgosome | Day Time Skin Perfecting Serum with Grape Stem Cells

An age defying day time serum which provides a visible improvement to skin tone, texture, firmness and vitality. Contains powerful age-defying Tripeptides, Oligopeptides and Grape Stem Cells. Comes in an airless container to keep the product fresh and contamination-free.

Find it online at http://www.doctorschwabca.com/serum/ginkgosome.html

Ginkgo Lift® | Age-Defying Moisturizer plus Wrinkle Filler

A moisturizer and wrinkle filler in one which immediately reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and hydrates for a smooth, radiant complexion. Natural extracts, proteins and polymers are encapsulated with Sodium Hyaluronate in our Alphasomes® skin delivery system for targeted delivery of active ingredients. Comes in an airless container to keep the product fresh and contamination-free.

Find it online at http://www.doctorschwabca.com/moisturize/ginko-lift.html

Ginkgo Mask | Revitalizing Age-Defying Mask

A revitalizing blend of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to help revitalize skin. Use 2-3 times per week; ideal to use after exfoliating.

Find it online at http://www.doctorschwabca.com/exfoliate-peels/ginko-mask.html

Sensitive Cleanser | Soothing Milk Cleanser

A balanced, bio-active skin cleanser that thoroughly cleanses and moisturizes without irritation. Aloe, Eucalyptus and soothing extracts provide gentle yet effective removal of oils and residue. The mild, all-natural Orange scent refreshes and reinvigorates.

Find it online at http://www.doctorschwabca.com/cleanse/sensitive-cleanser.html

We love when people love our products, and we wanted to share the latest reviews of our products with you from February and March.

Sensitive Cleanser

“I love this face wash. I tried an all natural face wash from the internet that worked a little to prevent breakouts, but it was so rough on my face, considering I break out regularly, and it dried my face out. Since I have used this face wash, my acne has clear, my face is less red, and I break out rarely. My face also never feels dried out. I love it!! I will definitely continue to use this over any other face washes out there. I've been looking for products that work for quite a while now... and these are perfect products for clearing up my acne and keeping my skin beautiful!" - Casey

Watch the Sensitive Cleanser Video on YouTube

Read the Sensitive Cleanser Review Online

Sensitive Moisturizer Day/Night

"My face always has red spots and is super sensitive. Every lotion I've used for dry skin burns my face. THIS LOTION is AMAZING. It feels so good and I can tell it is working without the burning sensation from most other lotions. I have used a lot of products on my face, but when I went to get a facial and they used these products at the salon I got totally hooked and had to buy them for myself. I got this with the face wash and herbal toner. I love all of it." - Casey

Read the Sensitive Moisturizer Review Online

Puff Away® Eye Gel

“I only give honest reviews, and after using this eye gel was amazed at the difference it makes! I have tried all the expensive gels, and a few secret mixes for minimizing my fine lines (why they call them fine lines and not bad lines I don't know!) and my skin has visibly tightened and looking younger.

This gel really does take away most of the puffiness under the eyes also! I was VERY pleased about that! I am ordering the Eye Intensive Moist gel to add to the effects of the Puff Away Eye Gel, as I now trust this company for great results! I am mature and although already lucky enough to have good skin, I shall use these new gels without wasting money on anything else!” - Donni De-Ville

Watch the Puff Away® Eye Gel Video on YouTube

Read the Puff Away® Eye Gel Review Online