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Did you know that your skin isn’t just a passive barrier? It’s an active participant in your overall health! Your skin is your largest organ, yet most of us don’t think twice about what we put on it. As a certified aromatherapist, I’ve spent over a decade researching the effects of skincare ingredients on the human body. The ingredients we put on our skin don’t just stay at the surface level. Once absorbed and circulating through the body, topical ingredients can impact everything from detoxification to hormone balance. Let’s dive into some interesting facts that might just change how you approach your daily skincare routine. 5 science-backed facts about your skin 🧠 1. Your liver, kidneys & lymphatic system help detox what your skin absorbs. It’s not just about what you eat — your skin can absorb ingredients that make their way into your bloodstream and ultimately into your detox pathways. That means harsh or synthetic ingredients may create extra work for your body’s natural filtration systems.(a) Contrariwise! If you use all-natural products like The Great Omni Oil , you can support your lymphatic system, which provides oxygen, protein, and nutrients to your cells, while sweeping out damaged and cancerous cells, bacteria, and viruses! a) Source: Environmental Working Group ( www.ewg.org ) ⏱️ 2. Some chemicals enter your bloodstream in just 26 seconds. When you apply something to your skin, especially in areas with thinner skin (like your face or underarms), certain ingredients can be detected in your bloodstream in less than a minute.(b) Surprising, right? This is your sign to ditch those aluminum deodorants! Eeek! b) Source: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 🌸 3. “Fragrance” can legally hide over 3,000 undisclosed chemicals. That tiny word on your label, “fragrance”, doesn’t just mean a nice scent. It’s a protected umbrella term that can contain thousands of synthetic chemicals, many of which are linked to skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption.(c) No wonder walking through the perfume section of a department store gives me an instant headache. :/ c) Source: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics 🧬 4. Your skin has its own microbiome — just like your gut. Your skin hosts billions of beneficial microbes that help protect against harmful bacteria and regulate inflammation. So when we use harsh or stripping products, we’re not just affecting the surface — we’re disrupting an entire ecosystem.(d) Here's the cool part: your belly and your skin are both working overtime to keep you balanced, protected, and inflammation-free. That’s why I love supporting both — inside and  out — with soothing, plant-based blends like Tranquil Tummy . 🍊🌿 This blend was made to combat bloating, gas, nausea, and digestion; and it’s also incredibly gentle on skin. So, it is nourishing and comforting to both microbiomes when you’re tummy is feeling off. d) Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology 🧪 5. Some skincare ingredients can mimic or disrupt your hormones. Certain synthetic chemicals used in skincare — like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance compounds — are known as endocrine disruptors. These ingredients can mimic estrogen, block hormone receptors, or interfere with hormone production and metabolism. Over time, chronic exposure may impact reproductive health, mood, metabolism, and more.(e)...Okay, that’s the not-so-great news. But here’s the good news! Many plant-based ingredients, including certain essential oils, support  the endocrine system when used with care. For example: Clary Sage essential oil  is often used to support hormone balance — particularly during the menstrual cycle or menopause. It’s known for its deeply calming therapeutic properties and may help ease tension, pain, and emotional swings linked to hormonal shifts. Geranium  has traditionally been used to support adrenal and hormonal function. And oils like Sweet Orange  and Lavender  are both credited for their ability to reduce stress — which supports cortisol regulation (your primary stress hormone). What we put on our bodies can be part of our healing. When we use plant-based blends with intention, we’re supporting deeper balance. e) Source: Environmental Working Group, Endocrine Society, and studies published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology  and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 💛 Why it matters: At Topsy Blends, I handcraft each product with ingredients your skin can actually recognize — plant-based, non-toxic, and designed to support  your body’s natural processes, not interfere with them. Because, I truly believe that nature knows best. When we respect our skin, we support our entire well-being. Want to shop consciously crafted skincare? Explore the full collection here !

+ A Safe & Soothing Guide for Pets & Firework Season Our pets are family—whiskers, wagging tails, and all. And with the Fourth of July coming up (aka firework season), a lot of us are looking for ways to help our furry friends feel safe and calm during the celebrations. For many natural-minded folks, essential oils come to mind—but when it comes to using them around pets, especially cats, it can feel like the internet is either shouting “YES, LAVENDER!” or “ABSOLUTELY NOT, EVER!” Let’s take a deep breath (maybe with some properly diffused calming oils) and talk about how to use essential oils responsibly and safely around our beloved dogs and cats. First, Let’s Talk Cats & Essential Oils Cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs—and that’s not a myth. Their livers lack a specific enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) that helps break down certain compounds in essential oils, which means they process things more slowly and can be more prone to toxicity. BUT! This doesn’t mean that essential oils are automatically off-limits... Here’s what renowned aromatherapy expert Robert Tisserand has to say about it: “You can diffuse essential oils around cats safely, so long as there’s good ventilation, you only diffuse small amounts for limited periods of time, and your cat has the freedom to leave the room if it wants. A few parts per million of aromatic vapor in the air is not likely to be harmful, but be careful to avoid build-up of vapors over many hours.” He also reminds us that even humans  can experience symptoms from over-diffusing (hello, headaches and fatigue!), so it’s less about “is this oil safe for cats?” and more about how much  and how often  it’s being used. Helpful tips when using essential oils around cats: Keep the room well ventilated (open windows or crack a door) Diffuse in large spaces, for short periods (think 15-30 minute bursts, max) Always make sure your cat can leave the room freely Avoid using essential oils on  cats or in their bedding/toys/etc. Dogs + Aromatherapy Dogs tend to handle essential oils better than cats, and some oils can be wonderfully calming for them, especially during stressful times like fireworks or thunderstorms. Still, they’re more scent-sensitive than we are, so gentle is always the way to go. A few years ago, my dog, Manuka, had a big old lump on the edge of his nose. (left photo shown here-- poor little guy!) I took him to the vet, and though she was unsure what the lump was, she suggested removing it (for $800+…yikes!). Since it didn’t seem like the lump was bothering him, I ended up doing some research and putting a natural balm on his nose multiple times a day that was diluted properly with infused skin-nourishing essential oils of Myrrh, Frankincense, Cedarwood, and Vetiver. Within a month, the lump was completely GONE. (photo on the right). I was shocked…and so grateful that I only had spent about $18 instead of $800!!  Takeway: essential oils can be extremely helpful for our dogs when used properly & safely. Best Dog-safe Essential Oils : (when diluted and used properly) Lavender (great for calming) Roman Chamomile Myrrh  Frankincense Cedarwood (Atlas or Virginian) Vetiver Tips for Calming Dogs with Essential Oils: Diffuse calming oils in a central (large) room before the fireworks (or a stressful event) starts Keep your dog nearby with cozy blankets, their favorite toy, and some white noise Try a calming spray (very lightly misted in the room—not directly on them) If applying topically (like to the collar or chest), always use a very low dilution  (0.25–1% // 1-5 drops max per 1oz carrier oil) and test for sensitivity first, and refer to the handy list above. As a certified aromatherapist, I diffuse essential oils throughout my house with my dog present, and he's as healthy, calm, and cozy as could be (unless he sees a squirrel or the neighbor's cat...then he goes a lil' crazy, but what dog doesn't?!) I just make sure I allow him space to come and go as he pleases when I'm diffusing essential oils in a well-ventilated space. I also never apply essential oils topically on his skin or fur without diluting first. Go slow, go light, and observe how your pet responds. If you want to skip all the fuss with essential oils and your dog, a great option is hydrosols! They are healing waters left over from the steam distillation process and only contain trace amounts of the actual essential oils. Hydrosols = gentle, natural, ultra-safe. Lavender, Rose, Neroli, or Chamomile hydrosols would be perfect options to calm your pup during a stressful time. Oils to Avoid Around Pets (Especially Cats): While the focus is on exposure and ventilation, there are certain oils that are consistently linked to adverse reactions in pets— primarily if used topically or in high concentrations . Best to avoid using around pets: Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Wintergreen Anise Juniper Pennyroyal Cinnamon Clove Oregano Thyme Pine & birch oils Peppermint (for cats) Eucalyptus (for cats) Citrus oils (lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit) (for cats) Keep in mind, some of these essential oils may be okay in a well-ventilated space with short diffusion times around dogs  (not cats), but they’re more prone to causing respiratory irritation or toxicity with repeated exposure. The instances where there have been health issues with animals have been documented to show that the essential oils were overused and not diluted (and even consumed internally! Yikes!) I don't even recommend humans taking essential oils internally. So it's truly more about using your essential oils safely - for your sake too! How to Know If Your Pet’s Had Too Much Aromatherapy Always watch for signs your pet might be overwhelmed or reacting poorly: Hiding, pacing, or restlessness Drooling, vomiting, or lethargy Labored breathing or coughing Tremors or unusual behavior If you see any of these symptoms after using oils, stop use immediately and get in touch with your vet. 💛 Final Thoughts You don’t have to choose between your love of essential oils and your love of animals. With a little knowledge and moderation, aromatherapy can support everyone  in your home—human, canine, and feline alike. You can absolutely enjoy the benefits of essential oils and support your pets through stressful moments like fireworks season—it just takes a bit of mindfulness and moderation. Always prioritize ventilation, low doses, and giving your pets the freedom to choose if they want to be in the space. ✨ At the end of the day, safety is all about being informed—not scared. ✨ Have questions about oils and pets? I'm always here to help! Send me a message using the contact box below! I love to hear from you. I hope this helps you feel confident about using essential oils around your fur friends and family. :) Until next time, your personal aromatherapist, Rachel 📚  References Tisserand Institute.  “Cats & Essential Oil Safety.” https://tisserandinstitute.org/cats-essential-oil-safety/ Tisserand, Robert & Young, Rodney.   Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals  (2nd Edition). Churchill Livingstone, 2014. Plant Therapy.  “Essential Oils and Pets: What You Need to Know.” Pet Poison Helpline.  “Essential Oils and Cats.” https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/essential-oils/ PetMD.  “Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?” https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/essential-oils-and-dogs-what-you-need-know National Animal Supplement Council (NASC).  “Essential Oil Safety for Pets.” https://nasc.cc/essential-oil-safety-for-pets/ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.  “People Foods and Products That Are Unsafe for Pets.” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

The Lymphatic System 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Support It When it comes to healthy, radiant skin, we usually think about hydration, sun protection, and maybe a good exfoliator. But there’s one crucial system in your body that often gets overlooked, even though it plays a huge role in skin health and  overall wellness: the lymphatic system . In this post, we’ll break down why your lymphatic system is such a big deal for your skin and your health, how to keep it flowing to help you feel better and look better , and how to use The Great Omni Oil  to fuel your natural glow—inside and out. What Is the Lymphatic System? Your lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that moves a fluid called lymph  through your body. Lymph carries away waste, toxins, and unwanted materials while delivering immune cells and nutrients where they are needed most. It’s kind of like your body's inner cleansing crew and immune defense team —quietly working in the background, keeping things balanced and flowing smoothly. Unlike your circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart. It depends on your movement—walking, breathing, stretching, and massage—to circulate lymph. Why Lymph Matters (hint: it's way beyond beautiful skin) A healthy lymphatic system helps with: Detoxification  – removing waste, toxins, and cellular debris Immunity  – transporting infection-fighting white blood cells and managing inflammation Fluid Balance  – preventing swelling and puffiness by managing excess fluid in tissues Nutrient Delivery  – absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from your digestive system Stress Recovery  – helping regulate inflammation and calm the nervous system When your lymphatic system is sluggish or stagnant, it can lead to: Swelling or bloating Brain fog Fatigue Poor skin tone or breakouts Frequent colds or infections Yuck! We don't want any of that. This is why we want to give our lymph nodes the love and attention they deserve. The Skin Connection Your skin is one of your body’s largest detox pathways. When your lymphatic system isn’t flowing well, your skin often picks up the slack. That’s when you might notice: Puffy, congested skin Dull or uneven tone Sensitivity or redness More frequent breakouts When your lymph is flowing freely, waste and inflammation are cleared more efficiently, allowing your skin to glow naturally from within . How The Great Omni Oil Supports Lymphatic Health Here’s where The Great Omni Oil (G.O.O.)  comes in! It was formulated not just for glowing skin, but for deep support of your body’s natural detox and healing processes. Brimming with: Red raspberry seed oil  – packed with antioxidants and gentle sun protection Jojoba oil & apricot kernel oil  – lightweight, nourishing, and easily absorbed Vitamin E  – supports skin regeneration and barrier function Essential oils  – carefully selected to promote circulation, calm inflammation, and support lymphatic flow G.O.O. makes the perfect partner for daily self-massage and lymphatic stimulation. How to Do It: Lymphatic Self-Massage 101 You don’t need fancy tools or complicated techniques. Just a few minutes, your hands, and some of The Great Omni Oil (which technically is optional, but the added benefits of using The G.O.O. will not go unnoticed)! Here are two variations of Lymph Massage depending on how much time you have and how in-depth you want to take it. 1. The "Light" Lymph Massage 1. Warm a few drops of G.O.O. between your palms. 2. Use light, sweeping strokes to apply. Lymph sits just below the surface. Use feather-light pressure to gently guide fluid over clean skin—face, neck, armpits, chest, torso, groin, and behind the knees. Focus on areas with lymph nodes (see image below). NOTE: Always move toward the heart. Face: strokes move outward and down toward the neck. Top of Body: start from the armpits, moving downward towards the heart. From the feet, move upwards towards the torso. 4. Take a few deep breaths. Breathing deeply helps stimulate lymph flow from within. 2. Full 4 minute Lymphatic Massage: The Daily Glow Step-by-Step Daily Glow Lymph Massage: Warm a few drops of G.O.O. between your palms. (Notice a pattern?) Use light, sweeping strokes. Neck:  • Starting at the neck, Place your fingers just above your collarbone. Stroke Downward: Gently stretch the skin downward, moving towards the collarbone. Repeat this motion about 10 times on each side. Neck and Shoulder:  • Behind the Ears: Place your fingers behind your ears. Stroke Down: Gently stretch the skin downward towards your collarbone. Repeat this motion about 10 times on each side. Armpits:  • Lift Your Arm: Raise one arm to expose your armpit. Circular Motion: Use the opposite hand to gently massage the armpit in a circular motion for about 10 rotations on each side. Arms:  • Start at the Wrist: With your arm relaxed at your side, use your opposite hand to gently massage from the wrist moving upwards towards the elbow.  Repeat this motion from elbow to shoulder. Do about 5-10 strokes per section. Abdomen:  • Clockwise Motion: Use both hands to gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise circular motion. Start from the right lower side, move up towards the ribcage, across to the left, and then down. Legs:   • Start at the Ankles: Sitting or standing, and use both hands to gently massage upwards from the ankles towards the knee. Repeat this motion moving upwards from the knee to the upper thigh. Do about 5-10 strokes per section. Do this at least a few times a week (or daily if you love it), and you’ll not only feel the difference—you’ll see it in your skin. Flow = Glow Your lymphatic system is one of the most powerful (and under-appreciated) ways to support whole-body wellness. From immunity and digestion to puffiness and skin clarity, it’s doing the most behind the scenes. Supporting it can be simple and beautiful—just like The Great Omni Oil. Ready to glow from the inside out? Shop The Great Omni Oil and make it a part of your daily flow ritual!