Organic Living in Guatemala
Guatemala: a diverse country that produces a wide variety of agriculture. Visitors are delighted at the taste of a “real fruit” or the sweetness of local tomatoes. At our Lake Atitlán hotel some of our guests have even accused us of putting sugar into a smoothie because the fruit is so naturally sweet.
Many are now paying attention to the products they eat, yet to fully sustain our bodies with radiant health, it is important to pay as close attention to the products we apply to our skin, hair and nails.
Just because your skin-care line comes in a beautifully packaged container does not mean it is safe. Quite the opposite. Read the label, if you can. In North America, government regulations allow virtually any ingredient to be used in the manufacture of products that we use daily on our skin, hair and nails.
Most cosmetic companies try to offer products that are not irritating, so they feel good at first use. However, over time, the chemicals they contain will add a toxic load into your body’s vital organs. Research clearly shows the connection between commonly used chemicals found in soaps, shampoos and skin creams, and many see the wisdom of organic body products.
Check your label and you may find these harmful ingredients that are the most common found in body products:
Mercury (causes kidney damage); Dioxane (a form of known toxin formaldehyde); Nitrosamines (liver carcinogen); DEA (carcinogen); Cyclomethicone (a clear, odorless silicone); Ammonium laureth sulfate (can cause eye and skin irritation, suspected human carcinogen); Polyethylene glycol or etheylene (carcinogenic to humans).
Most of these compounds are absorbed easily by the skin, yet the body has no way of ridding itself of them. The toxins eventually get spread through the body and can damage organs. We all know that a healthy diet is important, so is de-toxing the very products we use to keep ourselves “looking healthy.” An easy detox program can actually be relaxing and rejuvenating. However, what makes our body healthy is not only what we put inside it but on it as well. Using organic skin-care products is more than an option. It is a very real necessity that is gentle on our internal organs and allows us to handle the stress of daily life with greater ease and grace.
Why all the fuss? The epidermis (skin) is the largest organ of the body. It easily absorbs anything that is applied to it—lotions, creams and other skin products. Because the skin is so highly absorbent, we suggest avoiding applying anything you are unwilling to eat. The next time you read a label for a product, use our simple rule: If you can eat the ingredients, you can use it on your body. That simple.
At our Avesa Oasis spas in Lake Atitlán and La Antigua Guatemala, we took time and care to develop products that we simply could not find elsewhere. We wanted to be sure that the ingredients were sustainably produced; local farms supported; and a cottage industry flourished. It took time to find the right combination, and the results are worth it. Guatemala offers so many choices and varieties of ingredients.
From a very special and mineral-rich black salt to macadamia oil and organic coffee and cocao, our spa products are natural, fresh and truly nourishing to the health of your skin … and your body.
When you want a healthy body and healthy skin, remember that it is not only what you put inside that matters. What you apply on your skin matters as well; while here in Guatemala try to take advantage of our fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables. Remember to drink plenty of water and exercise daily as you explore our beautiful country.
If you want the best for your body and your skin, then make sure that you use only natural skin-care products with products you can pronounce and eat! It really is that simple.
www.LakeAtitlanSpa.com, email: office@tosaspa.com
