• Hair feels dry or damaged
• Hair is resistant to chemical services (color/highlights, perms, relaxers/straighteners)
• Hair is discolored by iron build-up (orange or rust color)
• Hair is discolored by copper build-up (blondes tint green, dark hair darkens)
• Hair lacks body and shine
• Hair is thinning or breaking
• Color fades too quickly
• Highlights turn “ruddy” or discolored
• Perms fall out
• Scalp is flaking, itching or inflamed
• Scalp is dry
• Symptoms of Dandruff/Eczema on scalp
• Skin feels dry
• Skin flakes
• Symptoms of eczema on skin

Domestic well water is ground water. The source of ground water is from rain passing through aquifers, which are layers of minerals. The acidity (pH below 7) of rain increases the dissolving effect of minerals. These dissolved solids are found in the water when pumped above the ground and used for bathing.

The majority of ground (well) water is hard. The level of calcium that is found naturally from the ground determines the hardness of water. While calcium is the element that determines hardness of water, there are many other elements in well water that effect hair, scalp and skin, most notably iron, copper and magnesium. To learn more about how calcium, magnesium, iron and copper adversely affect hair and the wellness solution, click here.

There is good news! All of the symptoms and conditions caused by the minerals in your well water can be controlled or prevented with the Malibu 2000 Just for Well Water kit formulated specifically for well water users. The Just for Well Water System Kit helps remove and prevent attachment of minerals safely and gently and is beneficial for all hair types and all ages.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It endures constant exposure to toxins, free radicals and oxidation.

Since your skin secretes oils and toxins during the night, cleansing in the morning is necessary to prepare skin for moisturizer and makeup.

It is also very important to cleanse your face every night, especially if you wear makeup. When you sleep, your pores open and your skin breathes, so anything on your face will be absorbed into your skin. In other words, everything that is on your face - cosmetics and environmental pollutants - will be absorbed into the deeper levels of your skin.

Using the proper cleansers and cleansing tools will keep your skin fresh and youthful looking. Scientific research has confirmed that topical vitamin C and E help to protect skin against free radicals which breakdown skin tissue and cause premature signs of aging. It is important to know that the benefit to your skin in performance and protection depends upon the percentage and form of vitamin C and E in the skin care formulas.

In Prevention Magazine's April 2002 issue, Amy Newburger, M.D., associate physician in clinical dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons states, in reference to vitamin E, "You can find this antioxidant in just about any beauty product. Unfortunately it usually isn't present in high enough concentrations (5% or more according to a recent study) to really do your skin any good."

Vitamin C, another vital antioxidant, also helps protect the skin against free radical damage (oxidation). However, as Dr. Newburger confirms, vitamin C is very unstable, breaks down quickly, and must be stored correctly to remain potent. Her recommendation, "Look for products in opaque airtight containers. A pump dispenser is great for sealing out oxygen and extending product life."

Be aware, just because vitamin C is included in an ingredient list doesn't necessarily mean that it is in the proper form or percentage ratio to achieve its' claims. The use of vitamins (especially vitamin C) requires knowledge of the proper percentages, pH, and the delivery system.

Choosing a cleanser is almost as important as the act of cleansing. A product that is too harsh can strip skin of natural oils, and leave it dry and irritated. Look for cleansers that rejuvenate the skin at the same time they cleanse it. A gentle goat milk soap and herbal glycerin can help remove excess oil as long as they don't dry your skin.

For most skin, soaps are alkaline and can be irritating. It is best to use a cleanser that's close to the skin's normal pH level, which is usually around 4.5. Nourishing shea butter is useful for dry, wrinkled, or irritated skin.

Also consider your skin type when choosing a cleanser. If your skin is oily, avoid products that strip away all the oil as well as those with added moisturizers. Look for ingredients that have antiseptic properties like witch hazel and herbs and therapeutic essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint.

For dry skin, a nonabrasive cleanser that contains nourishing properties such as olive and coconut oil, can help keep the skin soft and dehydrated. Aloe vera and balancing essential oils of chamomile, lavender, and rose are useful for all skin types.

Washcloths and loofahs can damage delicate facial skin and are known to harbor bacteria. It is recommended that you use a soft cloth designed specifically for the face.

After your skin is clean, the next step is to use a toner. Using a cleanser on your face will raise your pH level, even if you use a cleanser that is pH balanced. It is important to use a toner formulated to return the acid mantle (a natural layer that covers the skin) to its normal level and help rebalance the skin after washing.

Using a toner reduces pore size, so that fewer pollutants are absorbed into the skin. Look for toners that contain aloe vera. Aloe vera is one of the best skin nutrients available and you can use pure aloe vera juice (found in most health food stores), poured onto a cotton cosmetic round. Keep it in the refrigerator for an invigorating experience! Aloe vera has an exceptional ability to penetrate the skin. It is absorbed into the skin four times faster than water and has a pH level nearly identical to that of the skin.

If your skin is especially oily, an astringent (similar to a toner, but with a high alcohol content) can help absorb excess oil and kill bacteria. Extracts and essential oils including camphor, menthol, tea tree, and citrus also help control oil.

EC Mode offers salon quality, vitamin based botanicals for the hair, scalp and skin. I have been using their product line for nearly six years with excellent results. My cleansing routine is simple - Facial Cleanser and the EC Mode Wrinkle-Less System Kit with Orange Essential Oil.

Their Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 12% fresh-dried, naturally-derived L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Simply open the attached package of dried vitamin C and add it to the liquid serum when you are ready to use it. Other vitamin C skin care products are in liquid form, often derivatives of vitamin C, and require additional ingredients (and preservatives) to attempt to stabilize the liquid. These ingredients can dilute the potency of the vitamin C plus, given that it is already premixed the vitamin begins breaking down from the time it is formulated to the time you purchase the product and use it.

EC Mode Hydro-Driver Moisturizer is formulated with 5% vitamin E to scavenge free radicals and prevent premature signs of aging, stimulate natural hydration of skin, increase skin's smoothness and help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also reduce and prevent scar tissue, fade age spots and control symptoms associated with skin conditions (rosacea, eczema, dermatitis).

It is best to use botanical based and all-natural cleansers, toners, moisturizers and cosmetics. Your complexion will love you for it and your skin will be radiant.

The EC Mode Wellness Collection includes vitamin-based botanicals for your hair, scalp and skin. Available through a licensed professional or online wellness salon store only.