Zebra Black And White Hydroxyapatite-FREE, Fluoride-FREE Toothpaste

Natural is a word that can be misleading. Companies like to slap the word natural on their products but they are not really as natural as they seem. The ZEBRA™ Black and White brand was born when a mom wanted the best for her son, after the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

The word natural can be so misleading to consumers. We see the word "natural" on a product and expect it to be a safe product with clean ingredients. The problem is we have a system that is designed to trick consumers and we need to what is in the product that we are buying.

One mother believes that her children were victims of dirty products and it took the diagnosis of a brain tumor in her son, to question the ingredients that were in the products that she was buying. Meet the person behind the brand Zebra, makers of toothpaste, deodorant, and more.

Zebra Black And White Personal Care Products

 Jenn Thatcher left a successful career as an international artist to found ZEBRA. Jenn believes her children were victims of dirty products and a system that is designed to trick consumers. Her son Jack’s diagnosis of a brain tumor made her even more vigilant at researching every single ingredient in the products her family was using.

 She realized that products are really not always as natural as they seem. She decided if she wanted something truly safe, and high-performance she was going to have to create it herself. This is how ZEBRA was born.

ESTABLISHED IN 2023

ZEBRA was founded on the idea that ingredients should be black and white. Nothing tricky, nothing hidden. Consumers should understand the purpose of every ingredient in every product. Ingredients that are safe, non-toxic, and high-performance, from a brand that seeks to empower consumers, and make the best decisions for themselves and their families all while doing good in the world.

EVERYTHING WE MAKE IS DESIGNED TO BE SAFE & EFFECTIVE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE Toothpaste

 One of the products that Zebra sells is toothpaste and it is one that you need to learn about. Zebra Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE toothpaste is a safer, non-toxic alternative to traditional toothpaste. 

Most people who use natural oral care products know about the dangers of fluoride in toothpaste but it is a newer ingredient Hydroxyapatite, that we need to learn more about. Hydroxyapatite is often touted as a “miracle” ingredient in oral care but it has not been around long enough to know if it is safe to use. 

Is Hydroxyapatite safe to use?

 A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about a new Hydroxyapatite toothpaste that I discovered. I compared this natural toothpaste to fluoride toothpaste. I was excited to learn that the toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite had similar benefits to toothpaste with fluoride in it but was made with natural ingredients. 

Since the release of that article, I have discovered that Hydroxyapatite has the potential to disrupt the body’s natural remineralization processes and negatively impact health. Studies have been done with animals on the effects of Hydroxyapatite and since this ingredient is so new, I am questioning whether I should be using this toothpaste.

Zebra offers a Hydroxyapatite-FREE and Fluoride-FREE toothpaste 

 It was an email from Zebra that had me thinking about my toothpaste. I already knew that fluoride exposure is linked to lower IQ and that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can irritate gums. I learned about these toothpaste ingredients when my younger son developed painful mouth sores from toothpaste.

ZEBRA helped me realize that I need to use a simple toothpaste with natural ingredients. So I reached out to them to see if I could get a sample of their Hydroxyapatite-FREE, Fluoride-FREE toothpaste. I needed to inform my readers about a brand that offers a clean alternative for families who refuse to compromise their health for a clean smile.

  Zebra's toothpaste is powered by natural ingredients like Xylitol and Calcium Carbonate. This natural ingredient toothpaste is available in two flavors ~ mint and coconut. Head here to see the full ingredient list of the Zebra toothpaste.

Zebra sent me other product samples

 Zebra also sent me other products from the Black and White line. From their natural deodorant to their silk dental floss, the black and white boxes with a zebra on them caught my attention. The simple boxes spoke to me and made me want to know more about the ingredients that Zebra uses in their products.

 As a person who is healing from mold exposure, allergies, and asthma ~ I seek out products with safe non-toxic ingredients. I know the effects of what chemicals can do to your body. I suffer from asthma attacks when I am exposed to chemical fragrances and I break out in a rash on my when exposed to chemicals in skincare products. Even something as simple as a handshake can cause eczema on my hand.

 All of Zebra's products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals. However, their deodorant and floss use beeswax, so they are not technically vegan. Their products are even gluten-free. Their whole product line is safe for the whole family. If you want safer products for your family, then head to Zebra and learn more about their products.

Beauty Products For Those With Asthma and Sensitive Skin

 Most traditional beauty products are a nightmare for those with asthma, allergies, and sensitive skin. From fragrances that trigger an asthma episode to chemical ingredients that cause a skin reaction, you will want to avoid traditional beauty products. Keep reading to discover some skincare and haircare products that this girl with asthma and sensitive skin recommends.

 If you have allergies, asthma, or eczema, then you know the struggle of finding beauty products that won't cause a reaction. It seems that most personal care products are loaded with chemical fragrances or hash ingredients that can cause an asthma attack or a skin rash. Reading the long list of ingredients in the skin care product can be a nightmare as you have no clue what they are. It seems that one needs a chemistry degree to buy beauty products that are safe to use on your skin and hair.

 As someone who has asthma and sensitive skin, I have to be careful with the products that I use on my hair and skin. I avoid all chemical fragrances as they are an asthma trigger. I also avoid harsh ingredients as well as products made with dairy and wheat. So I tend to buy vegan skincare products that are made with clean ingredients and natural fragrances. 

Current Products That I am Trying

 As a blogger who writes about beauty products, I get plenty of offers in my email to review skin care products. I am very picky about the beauty brands that I will work with and before I say yes to the brand sending me a product, I head to their website and check out the ingredients. The main ingredient that I look, at in the ingredients, is fragrance. If I see fragrance in the list of ingredients, then I do more research on their website to see if it is sourced from plants or chemicals. 

 I will only accept the skin product if it is made from plant-based ingredients or if it is fragrance-free. If it mentions synthetic fragrance, that is a no for me. In the past couple of weeks, I have had plenty of skincare products sent to me, and below are the ones that I like. These products have all passed my nose test and the scent did not bother me or cause any asthma symptoms.

1. PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner

 I have been using PURA D'OR hair products for quite some time and I like so many things about this brand. This haircare brand is known for its natural hair products for thicker hair. They are great for preventing hair loss. While I have never had a hair loss problem, I have had a hair shedding problem. Their shampoo and conditioner have helped my hair from shedding and at 59 years old, I still have thick hair. 

 PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner are made with awesome moisturizing ingredients that are free of sulfates, parabens, or any other artificial additives. The light-scented fragrance is 100% plant-based. This shampoo/conditioner set also promotes the repair of damaged hair. 

Buy PURA D'OR Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner 

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2. Grace & Stella Dew-tox & Chill Kit

The Grace & Stella Dew-tox & Chill Kit combines 2 of my favorite Grace & Stella products along with some eye masks. I have featured the Rose Water in my 7 Must Haves For Younger Looking Hair And Skin article. While I have featured the hyaluronic serum in my holiday gift guide for gift baskets post.

 This gift set for soft, beautifully dewy skin and is perfect for last-minute gifts or a gift for your bestie. It includes gold eye patches, hyaluronic acid face serum, and rosewater face spray. The products are naturally scented with plant-based ingredients. The products are also Vegan & Cruelty-Free. 

Buy Grace & Stella Dew-tox & Chill Kit

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3. Shikai Borage Therapy

 Shikai Borage Therapy lotions are perfect for dry skin and eczema. These oil-based lotions are both designed to offer real results for those suffering from extremely dry skin conditions. They are safe for all ages and are non-greasy, non-irritating and fragrance-free. In addition to soothing borage oil and shea butter, the Advanced Formula also contains oatmeal, rooibos extract, and shea butter for immediate moisturization and itch relief.

 I have been using this lotion on my dry cracked heels and it has helped with the deep cracks. My feet also are becoming smoother. Borage Original and Advanced Lotions have been awarded the National Eczema Association seal of approval!

Buy Shikai Borage Therapy

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4. MyChelle Pumpkin Renew Face Cream

 MyChelle Pumpkin Renew Face Cream is great for all skin types. This cream blends antioxidant-rich Cloudberry Extract and Pumpkin Seed Oil to moisturize and nourish your skin. This cream is made with clean ingredients and made without GMOs, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, urea, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. MyCHELLE products are also vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist allergy-tested.

Buy MyChelle Pumpkin Renew Face Cream

5. MyChelle Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser

 MyChelle Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser is a fruit-infused facial cleanser that removes dull, dead skin cells to promote stronger, radiant skin. The multi-fruit AHAs and antioxidants purify pores and help improve skin’s texture for a glowing complexion. this facial cleanser is made with clean ingredients and made without GMOs, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, urea, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. MyCHELLE skin care products are also vegetarian, cruelty-free, and dermatologist and allergy-tested

Buy MyChelle Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser 

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6. Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Kit 

The Love Wellness Bye-Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Kit tightens and depuffs skin by supporting circulation and encouraging lymphatic flow for spa-level sculpting at home. This three-product skin care kit is easy to use and promotes firm skin. 

1. The Firming Clay Body Mask is a "prep-step" made to support both the activation of lymph nodes for lymphatic drainage while promoting firm skin.

2. The Detoxifying Body Oil keeps skin hydrated during lymphatic massage to better support lymph node drainage and the movement of lymph fluid through the body.

3. The Bloat Lymphatic Massager is a depuffing, body-sculpting massage tool. This massager encourages lymphatic flow and boosts circulation. The ergonomic massage tool features 7 lymph moving roller balls and is effortless to hold, making at-home lymphatic massage accessible and easy.

4. Digestive Enzymes Kiss digestive woes goodbye with our safe, effective blend designed to help provide bloating and gas relief and promote healthy digestion.

The Love Wellness Bye-Bye Bloat kit has undergone 3rd-party safety testing and ingredient purity testing. The traceable ingredients contain fruit extracts, herbs, and flowers as well as plant-based fragrances.

Buy Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Kit 

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7. Rahua Hair Care 

 Rahua's hair care products are made with plant-based derived ingredients like mango & passion Fruit. This company has a vast variety of hair products for all hair types. The company sent me a variety of products that are perfect for those with dry curly hair. These products are made to nourish, protect, and transform hair all while offering a sensorial escape to the Amazon through their natural ingredients. Plus, each product purchased saves an acre of the rainforest. They are also cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

1. Rahua Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner ~  This color-safe natural hydration shampoo and conditioner set infuses hair with intense moisture to help with dry, dull appearance & revitalize shine & texture. Rahua hydrating shampoo and conditioner is for dry, damaged hair and all hair types. This rich and creamy formula is infused with our plant-powered complex crafted with rare Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars. The hair products have a nice plant-based scent of mango and passion fruit. Buy Rahua Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner Set

2. Rahua Enchanted Island Vegan Curl Butter ~ This leave-in styling cream is made for curly hair. The cream helps define and shape curls while giving them hydration, strength, and shine. It also is great for frizz resistance and a healthy scalp. Buy Rahua Enchanted Island Vegan Curl Butter

3. Rahua Legendary Amazon Hair Oil ~ This hair oil contains Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil Extract. This flower oil helps to support healthy hair with dandruff, split ends and hair growth. The hair oil is quick-absorbing and goes deep into the hair to nourish and repair. The real botanical scent made my hair smell awesome. Buy Rahua Legendary Amazon Hair Oil

4. Rahua Heat Protection Shield ~ This natural spray is made with plant-based ingredients and helps to protect your hair from heating tools like curlers and hair dryers. The heat-protective spray seals in moisture and adds a protective layer to your hair all while smoothing the cuticle layer of your hair. The scent is natural-based and leaves a nice aroma on your hair. Buy Rahua Heat Protection Shield 

5. Rahua Aloe Vera Hair Mousse ~ This alcohol-free, nutrient-enriched, and antioxidant-rich blend, ensures that your hair stays nourished while maintaining ultimate shine.

Achieve healthy, styled hair regardless of your hair type with our Aloe Vera Mousse. Packed with rainforest-grown ingredients, it provides lift, hold, and styling flexibility. This hair mousse is infused with aloe, sugar cane, guayusa leaf, and rahua oil. Every pump of our liquid to-mousse-formula creates a rich, airy weightless texture that leaves your hair feeling like it’s in the clouds, offering endless styling possibilities perfect for creating voluminous blowouts, long-lasting curls, and sleek ponytails. 

Buy Rahua Aloe Vera Hair Mousse

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 Beauty Products For Those With Asthma and Sensitive Skin

 As a person who has fragrance sensitivities, all of these products passed my sensitive nose and lungs. Before I tried any of the products, I did a smell test. I opened up each product and tested the scent. I was able to tolerate and enjoy all of the scents from each product.

 None of the products made my skin itch nor did they cause any rashes. I loved how all of the skincare products made my skin soft. The hair care products made my curly hair soft and manageable. Check out all the products through the included buy links and you just might just discover some new products for your beauty routine.

How to Help Teens Overcome Various Mental Health Issues: A Full Guide

 Supporting teens as they navigate mental health challenges is crucial for their development and well-being. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress are common among adolescents and can impact their social, academic, and emotional lives. Addressing these issues with care, understanding, and the right resources can make a significant difference in a teen’s life. Here are some ways to help teens overcome mental health issues and build resilience.

1. Seek Professional Help When Needed

 Sometimes, mental health challenges require more than family support alone. Consulting with professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or counselors, can provide teens with structured support tailored to their needs. Therapy offers a safe space where teens can express their thoughts and emotions without judgment, helping them learn coping strategies to manage their mental health. In cases where a teen’s mental health concerns are more severe or persistent, seeking out a teen residential center may be beneficial. These centers provide intensive, round-the-clock support and offer specialized therapeutic programs designed to address complex mental health needs. With professional guidance, teens can learn effective ways to manage their mental health, setting them up for healthier futures.

2. Foster Open Communication

 Creating a supportive environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their feelings is key to addressing mental health issues. Many adolescents struggle with expressing their emotions, especially if they feel they’ll be misunderstood or judged. By fostering open and non-judgmental communication, parents and caregivers can encourage teens to talk about their struggles, making it easier to identify when they need help.

 Regularly checking in with teens and showing genuine interest in their lives can help build trust. Avoiding criticism and instead listening with empathy lets teens know they’re not alone, making them more likely to seek support when they need it. Open communication provides an essential foundation for mental health support within the family.

3. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

 Physical health and mental well-being are closely linked. Encouraging teens to maintain a balanced lifestyle can positively influence their mental health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a nutritious diet all contribute to emotional stability and resilience. Physical activity, in particular, releases endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce stress.

 Encourage teens to engage in activities they enjoy, such as sports, music, or hobbies, as these can offer healthy outlets for stress. Educating them on the importance of limiting screen time and practicing mindfulness can also help them manage stress more effectively. By making healthy choices, teens can build a foundation for long-term mental and emotional health.

4. Provide Access to Peer Support

 Teens often feel more comfortable sharing their feelings with peers who understand their experiences. Peer support groups, whether in school, community centers, or online, can offer a valuable outlet. Connecting with others who face similar challenges fosters a sense of belonging and helps teens realize they’re not alone in their struggles.

 Encourage teens to seek positive, supportive friends who lift them up and understand their challenges. Peer support can be an effective tool for coping with mental health issues and building social resilience, offering a different type of support from family and professionals.

 Helping teens overcome mental health issues involves a blend of professional support, open communication, healthy habits, and peer connections. By providing these resources and fostering a supportive environment, you can empower teens to manage their mental health challenges effectively and set the stage for a resilient, healthy future.