Last year I wrote and article in July of 2011 about what to expect from the new regulations.  The article outlined all of the changes we as manufacturers had to make to make the regulatory changes seamless to consumers.  You can read the article titled “New FDA Sunscreen Regulations.”

There are a number of new things to expect to see in place by June 12, 2012.  Rather than bore you with details, here are some bullets of the major changes

• SPF used to mean only UVB protection.  Now manufacturers have to guarantee that protection is “Broad Spectrum” covering both UVA and UVB
• All the outrageous SPF numbers (i.e. SPF 75, SPF 100+ etc.) are now illegal.  The top rating is now SPF 50+
• The use of the term sublock is no longer allowed.  We can only use the term sunscreen
• Cosmetic moisturizer like Solar Rx must comply with all of the regulation applying to sunscreens
• Waterproof is a no no term.  Now a sunscreen can be water resistent, but the manufaqctuer must prove it and list the minutes of water resistent protectin on the label front
• There is now a very specific Drug Facts label that has to appear on the back of the product with very spefici language.  Below is an image of our new label with the drug facts panel.  The panel looks very similar to the panel we have used for the last five years, but is different.

The Not New Solar Rx – Improved

Solar Rx is not new in the sense that we have not changed the formulation or concentration of the ingredients.  We have been in compliance with the new FDA regulations for the last two years.   That said, we do have a new labels and a few process changes.

Here is the new label in flat art.  You can click on it to enlarge

On the front panel, you will notice the familiar name and description, but now instead of saying sunblock, we refer to the sun protection factor as a sunscreen.  Solar Rx has always been almost identical to Luminos and now we note that on the label as well.  We have maintained our SPF 30+ rating and the acknowledgement of UVA and UVB protection.

The left panel has changed a bit also acknowledging that an alternative use of Solar Rx is as a zinc oxide lotion.   Solar Rx can be used for this purpose because we use uncoated therapeutic zinc oxide.

The big change is on the right side label.  Instead of our Therapy Facts panel, there is the new very restrictive FDA Drug Facts panel with very specific language about sun protection and the effects of UV radiation on skin cancer.

Now Better!

Well, not really!  Confused yet?  Said, we have been working on the process of how we make Solar Rx ever since the very first batch.  The changes in Solar Rx this month were mostly label changes.  What we found in the process of reviewing how we make Solar Rx we were able to make a few changes about how it is assembled in our factory.  These changes listed below have made Solar Rx smoother, silkier and with an improved feel.

On the top of each Solar Rx will be an additional label like the one to the right that acknowledges the new changes we have made to our process.  Our customers are so sensitive to changes in the products that we felt that it was a good idea to acknowledge the fact that we have made some changes and thate the ingredients are still the same and in the same proportions.

So, here is basically what we did.

• We have changed the order of when and how we add some of the ingredients.  This changes how some of the ingredients blend.  Unlike chemical based products, Solar Rx is assembled more like food is created.  In other words, the order of the ingredients is important.
• We have added some ingredients into the cold side of the process instead of the warm portion.  This gives the product a bit of a richer feel
• We have always use a low level sound generator to mix our products and to blend them without adding air to the mixture.  Air/oxygen in a mix directly effects the shelf like of a product.  Most, if not all but Keys, use a homogenizer to whip up their lotions.  We have found that this shears the product ingredients, adds air and increase the volume in a container.  That air reduces the efficacy of the product as well as shortening the shelf life.  We have made a change to Solar Rx by changing the frequency of that infrasonic sound wave.  Well below the range of human hearing, infrasonics, agitates the molecules of a solution in a way that we have found how to use it to blend our products without homogenizing with an aerator type of device.

So, we have made some changes to make Solar Rx creamier, more luminescent and with a better feel.  The label has changed, but not the efficacy.  The look is a little different outside and improved on the inside without compromising the quality that you have come to trust from Solar Rx.

by Wendy Steele, Keys CEO

May is Melanoma month and it is not a celebration.

Around the world, there is a celebration at the beginning of May.  For me as a Melanoma survivor, it is a month where I give thanks for surviving.  It is the first day of May that I begin my summer long campaign to share my concerns, my knowledge and my experiences with people.  My goal is to save lives.

I am not cancer free, but I am free from cancer.  My advocacy has taken me to many places and I have met many survivors and unfortunately too many people that have lost loved ones, friends, spouces and parents.  What makes me sad is that they have also lost children.

The stories are wide and varied.  Here is just one subject that I hear all to often every May.

A frantic Mom and  a concerned Dad asking me for advice for their 16 and 17 year olds respectively.  Both the concerned parents were asking essentially the same thing: “How do I convince my teen daughter that she could wear anything and her skin will still look incredibly beautiful?”  Well, as it turned out, this was not just about teen fashion.   This was about preparation for the prom!  It turned out that the biggest issue was caused by the color of the dress and their teen’s steadfast belief that they could not possibly look beautiful in a white dress without tanned skin!  To prepare for their prom, both of these teens were insisting on sunless tanning.  I realized there must be thousands of parents going through this same drama, trying to win over the peer pressure their teens felt to spend the weeks before prom on tanning beds.

I received these requests for advice, because I am a melanoma skin cancer survivor and a skin health advocate.  I briefly pondered the fact that I do not  have a teen son or daughter…and I quickly found myself saying, but if I did I would share with them what I have learned in my life so far.

In fact, being a cancer survivor I have met very brave and fortunate people who have survived advanced melanoma skin cancer.  One of the most courageous survivors I have ever met is a young woman named Brittany Lietz.  I remember attending a Melanoma Awareness Month community college campus event, where Brittany spoke to an audience of mostly 17-19 year olds.  Brittany, a beautiful poised young woman introduced herself by saying she was a 21 year old melanoma survivor and that she had 25 surgeries in the past 2 years.  Brittany followed that bombshell by saying;  “And I am here to tell you that it all started with a white prom dress”.   Brittany explained that at the age of 16 she started using tanning beds so that she would have tanned skin to set off her new white prom dress.  The problem was that she did not know when to stop and became addicted to tanning-she became a “tanorexic”.  Brittany shared; “Here is what you really need to know, the next time you think about spending money on a tanning bed—when you lay down and pull the lid over you—it is just like laying down and pulling the coffin lid over your body!”  The collective shudder response like a wave over the audience, “ugh you are creeping me out!”  Brittany’s response was that she absolutely wanted them to have this kind of reaction!  She did not want others to ever have to experience the 8 inch scars and the barrage of surgeries and hospital stays that she had endured.   Her goal?  Simply to educate teens nation-wide based on her personal experience and to save lives.  Brittany delivered her very informative talk about why melanoma is becoming a young person’s disease. She had facts, statistics and reasons why they should avoid tanning beds and not jeopardize their skin health or future. Brittany shared that in her extensive travels around the country she had never heard a good reason for why people used tanning beds.

Brittany then took questions from her co-ed audience.  One young woman asked; “Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your own children in the future?”  Brittany replied, “Honestly I hope that I live long enough to get married and have children one day.”  Like others in the audience I was moved to tears at that point.  Brittany softly finished by explaining that if she did have children she would educate them to understand that their healthy skin is their first line of defense and they would learn at a young age how to protect their skin and nourish it every day.  Brittany finished by sharing that since she stopped tanning she has received more compliments on her beautiful skin tone than she ever did when she was tanned.

Brittany’s life and story continue to inspire me.  I have learned that it is never too late to pass along what you have learned in life so far!

May is both Melanoma Awareness month and for many Prom Month!

As a founder of Keys my mantra has always been to love the skin you were born with and to wear your natural skin tone proudly.  It is no secret that I am tan adverse.   I am also a melanoma skin cancer survivor and I have had several basal cell carcinoma surgeries.  Education and early detection about skin cancer will save lives and help young people avoid scars that last a lifetime.

I urge you to watch this video “Dear Sixteen Year Old Me” and pass it on to those that you love and care about.

Every year I speak out every month about my concern for skin cancer and premature aging. I must admit that every year this time, I recall telling Bob that if we are going to pursue Keys as a business, I want to have a sunblock that is the safest, most effective and, oh by the way, it must be clear so I do not look like a mime.  I remember his face sort of grimace as he said, there is nothing that is impossible!  The impossible just takes a little longer.  He quickly followed with his signature quote that, “If it was easy, then anyone could do it!”  Well, he did it and I love Solar Rx.

Every year this time, I gear up for the battle starting in February to write, set appointments, interviews and other events where I can beat my drum about skin cancer, Melanoma and visible skin aging.  About the same time, Bob starts to tell me that it is also a celebration that makes May as Melanoma month important and worth noting.

Buy Two Solar Rx Together and the Second Solar Rx is at 20% Off

First Solar Rx = $26.95 SRP  and the second Solar Rx = $21.50 is 20% off SRP

This year I am still going to scream out, but I am also celebrating by puting Solar Rx on sale.  Because I want you to use enough for the summer, I am making the above offer good for all of May.  When you buy two Solar Rx, the first one is at the regular price of $26.95 and the second will be discounted 20% off ($21.50).  Yes, you have to buy two and I want you to use Solar Rx every day.

This is a very special sale because this time of year we sell out of Solar Rx.  No matter how much we make, we sell out.  So, creating this sale is for your benefit.   Not only will you save on buying two, you will be protecting you and your family from premature aging and skin cancer.

Please remember that Solar Rx is not a go to the beach sunscreen.  It is a daily moisturizer sunscreen that protects you from ambient UV radiation in your office, your car and when out and about.  It is not for sports, swimming or when you perspire.  Great under makeup or as a clear foundation, Solar Rx has your first line of UV defense in mind.

So, Click Here to go to the Keys Store to buy Two Solar Rx.

Wendy

When we began to add toners, elixirs and fusions the complication factor went higher.   We recognizing that for people with dry skin they needed a more emollient foundation compared to someone with oily skin.  Even though we have only a few broad function products compared to other companies, we needed to communicate the functionality of each of our products and how they would fit into a day and night regime for people.

So, being a bunch of engineers, we set about to create three charts that show how to use our products, when to use them, why and in what order.  Like us they are simple and I hope easy to understand.

Click on the icons below for the chart that best fits your skin type

Here are the three categories in link form.  Each are in pdf format on single letter size images which can be freely reproduced unmodified.

• Normal Skin Keys Regime
• Dry Skin Keys Regime
• Oily or Acne Prone Keys Regime

Please give us feedback and comments or suggestions for changes.

Also, new on our Keys Online Store, are Build Your Own Regimes.  Click Here to go to the store specials.

Bob Root, Keys Chief Scientist & Founder

Reflex is one of the oldest new products we have.  I know that does not make sense.  It does to me because I developed Reflex almost five years ago and have been testing it since under the code name of Silken.  My problem was that the delay had nothing to do with developing the product, packaging or refinement.  My problem?  At least three of the ingredients I needed were not available in quantities greater than a few gallons.  If you keep in mind that I need thousands of liters or gallons to bring a product to market, a single liter is only good to prototype and lead to frustration.  As if it was a sign from the heavens at this place in space and time, providers showed up with production quantities of high grade organic virgin avocado oil, virgin Tamanu oil and our own ability to volume extract our Muras.  Later in the aricle below, all the ingredients are described and it was the fact that I can buy ample quantities of raw materials without compromising quality facilitate the launch of our new product by its real name.  Reflex ProBiome is unquestionably a big deal because of its ingredient quality.  Now we can produce it in manufacturable quantities.

Dramatic Skin – Keys Reflex ProBiome Anti-Aging Fusion

A biome is an ecological community operating together in harmony. Since we began Keys, we have treated the skin and its flora as a biome or eco-system. Reflex ProBiome feeds the community offering functional nutrients for the skin and friendly flora. Chemicals in skin care products destroy the skin’s flora and create imbalance on the skin. Reflex ProBiome is designed to restore the balance and make skin look remarkable.

Click Here to Go to Keys Store for Reflex Probiome

Reflex ProBiome is the culmination of four years of development combining modern skin age reversal without chemicals, hormones, synthetic steroids or fillers. Using Reflex ProBiome, you can expect reduction or elimination of fine lines, reduction of expression lines, skin toning, skin surface sculpting, firmness and more even skin color. The smooth luminescent finish and quick absorption into the skin are hallmarks of the quality of Reflex ProBiome. Simply we would place Reflex ProBiome in any competition against ‘any’ other anti-aging
or wrinkle solutions. Besides our confidence in Reflex ProBiome performance, it is completely made from natural unmodified ingredients.  At $24.95, it outperforms international chemical laden brands at a fraction of the cost.  The reason is simple 7 natural pharma grade ingredients compared to 50-75 ingredients that sometimes include hormones, Botox and exotic aggressive chemicals.

The secret of Reflex ProBiome is the combination of natural ingredients, the quality of the ingredients and the fact that all ingredients are whole and functional. Functional ingredients are those that are not over-processed and contain the whole properties from nature. Functional ingredients are on purpose and perform needed features and benefits to maximize skin appearance, hydration and skin health.

Reflex ProBiome is made from the purest organic oils assembled to replicate the skin’s own sebum while offering tetrapeptides, triglycerides, fatty acids, quadracarotenoids and nutrients that affect skin cell shape and health. Combining Organic Virgin Avocado oil, Organic Virgin Tamanu oil, Shea oil, ancient renowned Black Seed oil, Bergamot essential oil and the undisputable performance of Carrot Seed oil with our own Miras organic extract makes Reflex ProBiome a functional anti-aging product that is created from pure natural ingredients.

Expectations

The only tangible gauge of a product’s performance are the results! All the marketing hype, before and after advertisements and claims of other wrinkle serums, creams and toners are just that…hype. More, many products that do actually perform contain either fabricated synthetic ingredients, hormones, modified stem cells or hydroxyl acids to name just a few permutations.

Reflex ProBiome provides:

• Fine line reduction or elimination
• Expression line reduction
• Regenerative skin firmness
• Keys trademark luminescence
• Maximum ‘Tri-level’ skin hydration
• New smoother skin tone
• Some skin sculpting
• More even skin color and appearance

Under The Hood

Reflex ProBiome performance comes from the highest quality natural ingredients that each adds to a high degree technical functionality. Highest grade ingredients in therapeutic proportions maximizing performance without fabricated chemicals. Here is each ingredient in a brief description. We encourage you to search the internet for more information on each ingredient and you will undoubtedly understand how and why we chose each one.

Organic Virgin Avocado oil is rich in the essential fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 9 to assist in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Virgin avocado oil contains high levels of proteins, minerals and Vitamins A, B1, B2, and D + E. Anti-aging antioxidants are highly compatible with our skin’s own sebum phytosterols, provide protection from water loss in the skin and increase the surface lipids. It is great for all skin types from sensitive, dry to oily offering moisturizing, soothing and protection.

Organic Black Seed oil is an ancient remedy that dates back to 900 BC Egypt. It contains 35% oil, most of which are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) and 21% protein. The EFA’s like Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) acid help strengthen and maintain cell integrity, heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, reduce wrinkles, and heal wounds.

Organic Virgin Tamanu oil is from Vanuatu. It contains many lipid forms including phosholipids, neutral lipids and glycolipids. Calophyllolide, lactone and calophyllic super-fatty acid offers antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral and some anti-cancer properties. Globally, it is an anti-inflammatory oil that calms, conditions and smooths skin.

Wild Crafted Ghana Shea oil is a complex fat that contains the following fatty acids: oleic, stearic, linoleic, palmitic and linolenic. It absorbs quickly into the skin acting as a super-emollient with no residue or oily feeling.

Organic Carrot Seed oil is an essential oil pressed from carrot seed. The main constituents of carrot seed oil include a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, limonene, b-bisabolene, geranyl acetate and carotol. Generally, the oil offers carotene and pure whole vitamin A. It acts as an astringent, hydrator and humectant with strong anti-inflammatory properties while also detoxifying the skin.

Keys Miras® Extract comes from the distillation of forsythia fruit. This is a Keys exclusive development. We wort the forsythia fruit and extract it for high levels of Betulinic and Oleanolic acid. These are both naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoids which have anti-retroviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a more recently discovered potential as an anti-cancer agent.

Bergamot Essential oil in Reflex is a non-photosensitive purified oil specifically used for its anti-wrinkle and scar reducing properties. It reduces infection caused by flora imbalance on the skin. The aromatherapy aspects include stress reduction and lowers tension. This calming effect directly benefits overall well-being.

Reflex ProBiome has:

• No Botox
• No Estrogen
• No Steroids
• No Snake Venom
• No Leech Extract
• No Stem-Cells
• No HLA’s
• No ‘Dirty Dozen’ Chemicals
• No Preservatives
• No Fragrance

Reflex ProBiome Medicinal Aspects

Each ingredient in Reflex ProBiome carries two distinct aspects. One is the appearance it gives the skin and the other is skin health. Every ingredient has a natural medicinal aspect to it offering performance, efficacy and results when it comes to common skin disorders and problems. The quality of the ingredients and the therapeutic proportions provide a level of therapy for the skin. Years of research into natural alternative medicine and the revered properties of natural oils and extracts brings us a wealth of reported benefits to the ingredients in Reflex ProBiome. These include, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, antiseptic, anti-fungal, bacterial and flora balancing added to all the anti-aging regenerative properties. In our tests with these ingredients, our customers have reported dramatic positive results in addressing:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Burns
• Post surgical scarring
• White dry patches
• Skin Dryness
• Cracking lips & skin
• Skin Itching
• Pre-Cancerous anomalies

If you would like to download the literature in PDF format, click on the literature icon.  You can also view the brochure as a virtual literature by Clicking Here

Here is the Reflex ProBiome Label

Tips to Stay UltraHealthy While Traveling

 Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, with family, friends or solo here are some tips to stay UltraHealthy while away from home.

1.    Plan ahead.  This is the MOST important factor.

2.    Bring a meal or two with you. Whether you are traveling by plane or car, you do not want to get caught without an UltraHealthy meal.  If you are traveling by car make sure to pack a cooler filled with UltraHealthy goodies.  If you are traveling by plane most food will be fine for several hours being cooled by the air conditioner of the plane or an airport.

3.    Stay hydrated!  Bring a stainless steel water bottle with you.  If you are traveling by car you can bring a water filter such as a Pur or Brita and stop along the way to refill.  If you are traveling by plane you must empty your water bottle before going through security and can refill it on the other side at a water fountain.  Or wait until you have boarded the plane and ask the flight attendant to fill your bottle with water.  By doing this you not only save money by not purchasing bottled water, you also avoids toxins from plastics and you help the environment.

4.    Google local health food stores, co-ops, farmers markets, or Whole Foods in your destination city prior to your trip.  If you will have access to a car, you can easily shop at one of these places upon arrival.  Or better yet, arrange to stay in a hotel within walking distance and save on the gas.

5.    Pack snacks.  If you won’t be able to get to a grocery store soon after arrival or if your destination is too remote, be sure to pack UltraHealthy snacks in your suitcase.  I generally take raw nuts, lara bars, kind bars and brown rice protein powder.  Breakfast is always a challenge for me while traveling since I don’t eat gluten, dairy, or eggs, so I make almond scones and take those with me.  I will share my recipe below.

6.    If you can, opt to stay in a place that has a full kitchen such as an extended stay hotel, Hampton Inn Suites, or rent a house or apartment. If you don’t have that option then request a refrigerator in your room.  Many hotels offer these for free or a small daily fee.  If all else fails, clean out the mini bar and use it as your refrigerator.

7.    If you are traveling for work and have limited time for eating out or preparing your own food, let the hotel know your dietary preferences and have them prepare a meal for you to take to business meetings and the like so you are not left to eat whatever takeout food is provided at the meeting.

8.    App it!  Use apps or websites such as YELP or Urbanspoon that allow you to sort resturants by type (including gluten-free and organic) as well as read reviews.

Traveling and staying UltraHealhty can be a breeze with a little planning and preparation before you go.

Bob Root, Keys Chief Scientist & Founder

Functions and Uses

Keys products have many uses and functions.  When we develop a new product it is designed to solve problems and make people feel good.  We use pharmaceutical grade natural ingredients in therapeutic proportions to create products with functionality.  This functionality is broad and reaches across various parts of the body and often crosses over to pets.  This series of articles in this category is designed to feature the uses of the products.  This is how and why I design.

Omni – Skin Elixir

Below the description is a table showing many of the uses of Omni.

Omni is a technology term derived from the Latin word Omnis meaning “all.” When we began to develop AquaVit, it became clear that our Arianne ingredient had wonderful properties. Omni was originally being developed with an ingredient we named Miras. Miras is a special ingredient that comes from the fruit of the Forsythia plant and has very high levels of Oleanolic which is known to have many healing and cleansing properties for the skin without harming the skins probiotic EcoSystem.

To create Ariane, we blend & distill whole organic orange, lime, cranberry, cucumber, juniper berry, star anise, cassia cinnamon, anise seed, ginger and clove. Miras is created by blending the fruit, leaves and roots of the Forsythia plant to create a blend that is very high in Betulinic and Oleanolic . Betulinic is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid which has anti-retroviral and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a more recently discovered potential as an anticancer agent. Oleanolic or oleanic is a naturally occurring triterpenoid, widely distributed in food and medicinal plants, related to betulinic

What you can expect is framed in the products name, Omni. Omni can be used anywhere on the body with a widening expectation of results for various skin conditions. Because of the wide variety of facets about the product, we originally tested it as a relief for burns, scrapes, cuts and rashes. We test by asking a group of our customers that want to be testers for our products. When we sent it to them, they started to come back with all sorts of testimonials that included skin conditioning, dandruff relief, acne relief, anti-itch and scar healing. We even had some of our testers use it for sore throat, gum problems and allergy based itchy skin. Although we only recommend Omni for skin issues, we continue to hear uses pouring in from our customers.

Omni has natural anti allergen features as well. Eyes that are irritated by pollen, danader and other allergens receive an cooling effect when you spray Onmni around the eyes (not in the eye). These natural and made allergens cling to the skin around the eye causing itching of the soft tissue. Omni appears to have a great natural anti aging benefit because the Oleanolic has known positive effects on aging skin or UV damaged tissue . With Omni you get younger looking skin without the itching during allergy season.

”Omni has been in development since we started Keys. Time, science and pure resolve by our design team have brought this concept of a natural broad spectrum relief product to the market. At first, I was amazed at all the things people said it would do. Now I just ask them to tell me what is does not do. I simply love Omni as just a facial refresher. The scent is spicy with tones of exotic orange and sweet sage. I spray it on when I am tired, itchy or feel dry. It is very exotic and yet very simple” Wendy Steele , Key CEO and Founder

Well, the Jonathan team has been doing some redesign of the products packaging and some of the products to be more compliant with the Safe Cosmetics campaign.   Your favorites are back plus some new changes making the products even better.

• Jonathan Shampoo is now a thick rich liquid shampoo that cleans deeper and conditions.

• Jonathan Conditioner is richer

• Jonathan Styler is an even better leave-in styler

• Pure Paste, the natural version of the famous Jonathan Dirt, is cleaner, greener and offers a deeper styling pomade

• Jonathan Dry Shampoo is cleaner and offers a quick in between shampoo alternative to conventional shampoo

The packaging is a new style offering convenient packaging in greener containers and labeling.

You can click here to go to the Jonathan products in the Keys Hair Care Category on our store.

 Your thyroid gland is like the engine in a car – when it is under-active everything slows down leading to weight gain, fatigue, poor concentration, constipation, infertility, low libido, depression, slow heart rate and low body temperature.  When it is overactive your metabolism speeds up leading to weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, fast heart beat and loose stool.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your neck region and produces thyroid hormones.  Thyroid hormones are the Ultra-metabolism hormones.  How well your thyroid is functioning is inter-related with every system in your body and if your thyroid is not running optimally then neither are you.

It’s estimated that half of all people with an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism are never diagnosed.  That means that there are many people with a completely treatable condition that are not being treated.

I believe there are likely two main causes for this under diagnosis and under treatment of this very common condition.  First, many symptoms of thyroid imbalance are vague and most doctors spend only a few minutes talking with patients to sort out the cause of their complaint.  Second, most conventional doctors use only one or two tests (T4 and TSH) to screen for problems.

Let me first explain how the thyroid gland and its hormones work so that you may better understand what I am saying.

Thyroid hormone production is regulated by a feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. Hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) synthesis and secretion. In turn, TSH stimulates production and release of T4 and T3 from the thyroid gland. When enough T4 is produced, it signals to TRH and TSH that there is enough hormone in circulation and not to produce more.

About 90% of the hormone produced by our thyroid gland is T4, which is an inactive form of the hormone.   After T4 is made, a small amount of it is converted into T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone.

Therefore, if your doctor is only checking TSH and T4, then they are only checking the inactive form of thyroid hormone.  However, your TSH and T4 levels could be within normal range but you could have a problem converting T4 to T3, and therefore have symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Ideally your body would make this conversion from T4 to T3 properly and effectively, however many people do not.  There are several factors that contribute to making this conversion.Several nutrients including Iodine, vitamin D, vitamin A, tyrosine, B vitamins, selenium, zinc and iron are all critical to proper thyroid function and hormone conversion.  Gluten sensitivity and mercury are also implicated in thyroid imbalance.

To complicate matters more, T3 also gets converted into either Free T3 (FT3) or Reverse T3 (RT3). It’s the Free T3 that really matters in all of this, since it’s the only hormone that can attach to a receptor and cause your engine or metabolism to rev-up. The role of Reverse T3 is not well known, however, I do see it elevated in persons under extreme stress and those who have mercury toxicity.

I like to think of FT3 as the gas pedal and RT3 as the break pedal. In my practice, checking FT3 and RT3 are the most important blood test when assessing thyroid function and imbalance.  If your doctor is not checking these when screening for thyroid imbalance or assessing optimal state for those on thyroid replacement medication, then you could have an underlying thyroid imbalance that is going undetected.

Do you suffer from any of the following?

• Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
• Cold hands and feet
• A body temperature consistently below 97.6 degrees
• Fatigue or Insomnia
• Constipation or loose stool
• Dry skin and nails
• Depression or anxiety
• Low libido
• Infertility
• PMS
• Poor concentration or brain fog

Is your engine running optimally?  If you are suffering with any of the above symptoms, then likely your thyroid is out of balance and your engine needs a tune up!

Close Shave?  I am often asked why we do not make a shave cream or shaving soap.   My answer?   We already do!

I was recently at a farmers market in the California Desert and asked by a man who complained of razor stubble and bumps from his shaving cream.  He asked if we would develop a shave cream that was all-natural, would not burn his skin, would not chafe, would not dry his skin and would not drag like other natural shave creams.   I said we already do and a lot of men and women use this special product every day.   Smiling, I told him that it was our Mangrove Shampoo!Remember that Keys believes in making products that solve problems and make people feel good.  This is our mantra.  We also say that our products do many things beyond what the label says.

Yes, Mangrove provides a thick lather that quickly softens hair.  The pH is nearly that of normal skin and the added avocado oil soothes the skin while providing lubrication for the razor.  The blood orange essential oil also provides lubrication while also toning the skin.

He asked if there was a special regime that he should follow because of the super dry climate and his naturally dry skin.  Here is what I told him.

1. Lather Mangrove on wet skin and let it stand for a few minutes to soften his beard.
2. Shave with plenty of fresh water.
3. Rinse the face and leave wet.
4. Use our Tortuga lotion by placing a pea size drop in the palm of wet hands and spread it over the hands.
5. Then gently take the hands and massage in the Tortuga into the skin on the entire face.
6. Let dry naturally without removing the Tortuga….That’s it!

The same is true for women.  Lather, shave and while the skin is wet apply a thin layer of Tortuga.

So, there is no need to have a separate shave cream in your shower of medicine cabinet.  Mangrove is all you need!

Simple!

Here is to close shaves

Wendy