Skin Disorders Archives -

Eczema – It’s Probably the Chemicals in Your Life!

Eczema is a catchall term for a lot of doctors. The cause is unknown, but some of us suspect chemicals in everyday products. Common culprits for chemically induced eczema are sulfates in laundry detergents, PEG (propylene glycol) in just about everything, and parabens (a biocide in most products). So, we have heard from our customers that finding the cause of skin irritation is much more important than giving it a name. Doc’s want to name it so they can prescribe steroids and topical antibiotics. This seems to make things worse, with usually a fast relief and then a return of the irritation with a vengeance. Our customers tell us that our MetaCare and RediCare do an excellent job of getting rid of the symptoms and keeping them away. The secret is the Neem and Karanja oil we use, along with high-quality ingredients. MetaCare is a nice soothing lotion, and RediCare is the same basic formula in a sprayable lotion that is good for larger areas. The trick seems to find out what is bothering the skin. Sleuthing the cause is the best solution. Look to those laundry detergents that mostly use sulfates and optical brighteners (phosphorus). Most imported clothing has […]

RediCare – A Featured Star of the Keys Line with Many Uses

RediCare began just after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, Louisianna. We had an excellent therapeutic lotion named MetaCare that contains Ayurvedic Neem and Karanja oil. What happened next was the creation of a new product called RediCare.

Avo Jel – A Vegan Alternative to Petroleum Jelly

Keys New Avo Jel is much more than just a replacement for petroleum jelly. It carries with it all the features, benefits and advantages of pure avocado oil. Read about what you can expect from this revolutionary new product from Keys.

RediCare – A Featured Star of the Keys Line with Many Uses

KODA Dog Products Explained

Bob Root, Keys Scientist explains uses and functions of Keys KODA products. KODA helps to extend your dogs life by providing supplements that are functional and topical therapies to protect them from the environment!

Psoriasis Decoded

Psoriasis Has A Community NIAMS is a research community of the US National Institutes of Health. The NIH is one of the most elite US government institutions dedicated to human health research. It honors both pharmaceutical and natural solutions to disease. The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. The KEYS® Part Your skin is your largest organ. 80% of people have skin problems. At KEYS®, we create clean, safe, natural products without chemicals that solve these problems. KEYS® supports and contributes to research into skin diseases using natural ingredients for natural solutions. KEYS® products make you feel and look better. Psoriasis Decoded by National Institutes of Health NIAMS If you have been diagnosed with a form of psoriasis or know someone who has, this is a very important article. NIAMS Overview of Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Patches […]

Shingles – On The Rise?

Problem: Stress Triggering Shingles Solution: Lessen the Effects with Natural & Ayurvedic Lotions Shingles are a very real side effect of the realities of Covid-19 relates to the stress we are all under. Lore has it that weak areas of our body have disorders triggered by stressful situations. So, it makes sense that we have seen a significant number of customer service requests about shingles rash and scabbing. First, here is an excellent simple overview article from Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-natural-treatment For solutions from Keys, we have had customers tell us over the years that both our Tortuga Lotion and MetaCare lotion help with both the rash and scabbing, which can lead to scars. Overly simplifying, MetaCare is our Tortuga Lotion base with the addition of Neem and Karanja oil. Neem and Karanja oil are thousand-year-old Ayurvedic remedies for various skin disorders. We select the purest form and source these oils for their quality. Adding them to Tortuga lotion gives you the option of a base lotion, or you can choose to maximize the efficacy with MetaCare. As a teammate to either Tortuga lotion or MetaCare lotion is our Island Rx Liquid Soap. This Castile soap has maximum Micelle properties with the addition […]

Keys Urban Shield – Wonder Ointment

Urban Shield Jel is one of our best selling products because universally, it does so many things for the skin. Urban Shield is based on our Avo Jel replacement for petroleum jelly. Rather than being made from petroleum, our base is an identical jelly made from avocado oil. We add strategic Ayurvedic and homeopathic ingredients to turn it into a universal ointment that achieves multiple results for skin problems.

The history of Urban Shield and its name was based on a request from friends that lived in New York City and Los Angeles that complained that their skin was being bombarded with chemicals in the cities that included hydrocarbon pollution and a just plain dirty environment. Our solution was a barrier (shield) that they could apply that would capture these pollutants on the surface of their skin. Initial tests proved that it was successful, but like most customers, they wanted more. As we added ingredients based on their observations, the Urban Shield of today was born.

It is all in the ingredients that tell the story about Urban Shield Jel.

Skin Disorders – A Simple Skin Test

Have you ever had a rash on a part of your skin? Maybe it is all over. Have you wondered what the cause is for the outbreak? Did you try to fix it by smearing on lotion, or did you look for the cause? The tendency is for us to call the Doc or visit the dermatologist looking for a fix or a prescription, rather than trying to think about that the symptoms are from a reaction to something new in your environment. If you have searched for the cause, you might have wondered if my rash is something I was exposed to or is it something internal. The Bandaid Skin Disorder Test There is a simple trick that might help you that our customer service team uses with customers. They suggest to customers that they can use a Hydro-Seal large area bandage to cover a part of the rash. These are those waterproof sealing bandages often used for areas like elbows. Meaning they are pretty big. They suggest leaving it on for a week and then removing it. It is not 100%, but if the rash has reduced or gone away, it is a pretty good bet that the […]

Keys® Story – About You and Us

I have never told my story. Most of everything we have written is about Wendy’s fight with Cancer and stupidity in the skincare market intermixed with how I created our products. So, since it is 15 years in business this year, I just felt like writing down my perspective of who we are.

In 1994, I met the woman of my dreams. In 1997, I nearly lost her to Melanoma cancer. Dr. Hugh Greenway at Scripps in LaJolla, CA saved her life. The prescriptions so severely hurt her that the experience became the basis for the invention of our products. The experience changed my life and my purpose. Read our book, “Defining Moments” and will get a tiny glimpse….tiny… of our lives together.

Keys was born was out of strife and conflict. It was a confusing time where any action was better than no action. Everything on the market was full of junk and even the “natural” brands had parabens and sulfates. It was 2004 when the first four products debuted at the Natural Products Expo and the years since have been full of change, innovation, and staying true to our purpose. It shocked the industry when our newly minted sunscreen, Solar Rx, was featured as the most effective by Consumer Reports Magazine, and the EWG ranked it the safest out there.

Keys Overview – 15 Years

Business people have a thing they call an elevator speech. It is a short description of a business delivered on a short elevator ride that tells someone what your company does and its purpose.

Recently I was, you guessed it, on an elevator and someone asked me what Keys does. Here is what I said:

“Keys 15 Years of natural product development are easy to understand. They are whole natural ingredient products designed to perform by using a deep understanding of the skin. Products use the highest quality ingredients from around the world in therapeutic proportions. They do what they say they do without chemicals. Products include Anti-Aging Skincare, Naturopathic Skin Therapies, Haircare, Alternative Naturals, Personal Lubricants, Dog Topicals & Functional Supplements.”

Micellar Water – FAD or Innovation

Keys Island Rx Foaming wash is a patriarch of our line. With the popularity of micellar water cleansers, we thought it would be essential to point out that Island Rx has always been micelle-based. It has been that way since its introduction in 2004.

Our society, especially beauty, is fad and fan based. Keys has always been a “Fan” based product line, but we have started a few “Fads” in our 15 years. More often than not, we have not been credited with some interesting trends.

There is a difference between fads and fan-based products. Word of mouth advertising is generally associated with fan-based products and Fads with fake news.

Glacier Water Micelles and Other Natural Mysteries

Island Rx Foaming “Glacier Water” Cleanser – All Natural, Chemical-Free Healing Foaming Wash for Skin Disorders, Itching, Allergies & Irritations. Our micellar abundant cleaning soap was developed for sensitive skin like the face and neck. The micellar technology foaming applicator automatically dilutes the Island Rx formulation so that it can be used directly on wet skin. It is also great for bathing small children and babies. Island Rx was the first product we developed. With over 100 initial version, the product was developed for Wendy Steele after her bout with Melanoma. The basis for Island Rx is a 300-year-old Castile soap recipe with holistic and naturopathic influences in the form of healing essential oils, a Micelle that resembles the antioxidant properties of natural glacier water and the addition of softening oils like avocado and jojoba. Keys customers have reported the reversal of common skin disorders like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin allergies after just a few uses. From 2004 Article: Micelles by Bob Root There are two distinct places that you find Micelles. One is in Glacier Water and the other is Castile Soaps. They fundamentally trap and hold dirt from the skin and wash off with water. Simple, but a very complex […]

FDA Set to Ban Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients

FDA Study Reports Chemical Sunscreens Enter Bloodstream in One-Day In a recent report and study by the FDA, it appears they are on a path to ban all chemical sunscreen ingredients used in most sunscreens on the market. Keys Solar Rx is a clear physical sunscreen using zinc oxide. The four chemicals studied — avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene — are part of a dozen that the FDA recently said needed to be researched by manufacturers before they could be considered “generally regarded as safe and effective.” Excerpt: Wired Magazine Today, researchers at the FDA revealed the results of a small clinical trial designed to test how four of the most common sun-filtering molecules on the market behave after they’ve been sprayed on and rubbed in. The results, published in the journal JAMA, show that contrary to what sunscreen manufacturers have been saying, UV-blocking chemicals do seep into circulation. Now, don’t panic and toss your tubes. There’s no evidence yet that they’re doing anything harmful inside the body. But the revelation will have serious impacts on sunscreen manufacturers going forward, and may change what options you’ll find on drugstore shelves before the year is out. “Everyone had always thought […]

Parabens – They Are Everywhere & A Concern

When I started writing my book, Chemical-Free Skin Health, I thought I would mention Parabens as a side comment in the chapter on the Dirty Dozen Chemicals in most skincare products. Yes, about 95% of every skincare product produced has a bacteriacide that goes by many names. Most are listed on product labels as Methyl-Paraben or something with paraben in the name.

I was speaking at a conference and was attacked by a person in the audience because they claimed that parabens were not harmful in the small amount used in a product. True that most applications of this bacteriacide are in the 0.5% range and are useful in keeping mold and bacteria growth in check. Back to the incident, I responded that “the average woman uses between 20 to 40 products a day on her skin. Because paraben use is cumulative, that means that the average woman is exposing herself to 10%-20% parabens levels every day. They sat down, and the moderator of the discussion took a quick turn away.

InfoGram™ – New Keys ‘Quick-Reads’ Mini-Blog

In keeping with the times, we created a new area of Clean Green Cafe blog for quick informational bites. Infograms™ are focused on helping you understand our product applications. Infograms will offer tips and tricks as well as educational information. We will bring you industry news and our perspective on various important subjects. Clean Green Cafe will continue to have in-depth content while Infograms will be quick short bits of information. Often there will be crossover content where Infogram’s will link to larger more profound article on the Clean Green Cafe Side. Click Here to go straight to Keys InfoGram’s

Calluses a Gluten Connection?

I was attending a panel discussion at an industry event. A researcher from Finland showed a study connection calluses on feet, knees, hands, and elbows to people having gluten intolerance. The speaker did not offer any solutions other than avoiding gluten.

What was particularly interesting is that she did point out that it was a manifestation that covered those people with mild gluten intolerances as well as those with full-blown celiac disease. I asked her if there was a Psoriasis connection and she said there was, but not enough detail was available.

We have noted that both our Tortuga lotion and MetaCare have a semi-fast-acting effect on calluses and Psoriasis. We have seen and heard from our customers that eliminating gluten has reversed calluses. Initially, we thought that it was just the Tortuga or MetaCare. Now, we are wondering.

Island Rx for Acne

Fifteen years ago, one of the first things we discovered about our Island Rx pure castile soap was its fantastic success with acne and backne. What we found was that the combination of slightly high alkalinity and the Clary Sage had a tremendous effect on controlling and reversing acne. Today it is available in two bottle types — the original liquid soap and a facial cleansing foamer version. The liquid version is a strong fighter for more acne and backne. The foamer is one of the most popular products we make for how good it cleans and moisturizes. The bonus is that, because it is Island Rx, you get daily maintenance of the bacteria that causes acne.

Eczema – It’s Probably the Chemicals in Your Life!

Eczema seems to be a catchall term for a lot of doctors. The cause is unknown, but some of us suspect chemicals in everyday products.

Bob Root – Keys Founder

Common culprits for chemically induced eczema are sulfates in laundry detergents, PEG (propylene glycol) in just about everything and parabens (a biocide in most products). So, what we have heard from our customers is that finding the cause of the skin irritation is much more important than giving it a name. Doc’s seem to want to name it so they can prescribe steroids and topical antibiotics. We find this seems to make thing worse with usually a fast relief and then a return of the irritation with a vengeance.

Our customers tell us that our MetaCare and RediCare do an excellent job of getting rid of the symptoms and keeping them away. The secret seems to be the Neem and Karanja oil we use along with high-quality ingredients. MetaCare is a nice soothing lotion, and RediCare is the same basic formula in a sprayable lotion that is good for larger areas.

Dear Dr. Google – Everyone’s Resource

96% of educated internet users consult Google first when they have a health concern. It is easy to understand why. It takes a matter of seconds to access an answer to your symptom. You instantly get opinions from people and reputable sources like WebMD, Mayo, et al. ..and it does not cost anything. More often than not, Google offers many solutions that you can decide to try or not.

Keys business is skin health. Our customers’ issues can range from an itch or rash to Melanoma. Our products are designed to solve skin problems, so understanding quickly what might be bothering you helps you to make quick decisions and try things that might or should help. The reality is that Google offers many options versus waiting months for a dermatologist appointment. Your health is your responsibility and understanding what might cause your symptoms is something you want to know fast.

Bandage Test for Skin Disorder Causes

I am constantly asked how can you tell if a skin disorder is caused internally or from exterior attacks. Here is how I do it and why my trick works.

Bob Root – Keys Technologist & Founder

The bandage test really works to help find the cause of skin disorders quickly. In our 15 years of research and development, we always keep focused on our mission to solve skin problems using natural remedies. Over the same period, we have seen time and again that most skin disorders are from exposure to chemicals in the environment or chemicals in conventional products.

Sulfate, parabens, PEG’s and the balance of the Dirty Thirty Chemicals are at the top of the list of skin disorder causes we have seen. The bandage test may not be 100% exact, but it is something I invented to help decide whether a skin disorder is internal or externally caused.

Asymmetrical Dermatitis – Fact or Fiction

Asymmetrical Dermatitis is a common diagnosis for a skin disorder that appears on one side of a person or animal. Fact, Fiction or catchall diagnosis?

A couple of years back I was attending an event at Capitol Drug Store in West Hollywood (WeHo) California. A mom stopped by because she heard I was going to be there as a part of my book tour. She showed me her little boy’s face. His left cheek was inflamed. She said she had waited weeks to see the dermatologist and he said it was asymmetrical dermatitis. He was given a bunch of creams and ointments to take that included steroids and antibiotics. One was Prednisone. She Googled the prescriptions and was horrified by the side-effects. She asked me my thoughts.

Why Daily SPF and Moisturizing?

One of the markets top moisturizers is Solar RX Moisturizer SPF due to its UVA-UVB protection minimizing the chemical burden on the skin. This article was written by Ashley Parker about Keys Solar Rx

Keys, Thievery Corporation and CafeCody.com – An Unlikely Group.

Some Keys History

Keys, Thievery Corporation and Cafe Cody – The Beginning

Every company has many stories of how it started and defining moments that changed the course of its history. For us, Thievery Corporation and Cafe Cody were defining moments.

Every entrepreneur has good days, average days and some really bad experiences that teach, scar and modify you. Creating defining moments mark course changes for everyone. It is how we respond that separates us all.

Keys is no different, but with the caveat that we chase defining moments rather than avoiding them. Change is good, so constant change must be better. Innovation follows function, but form follows emotion. Recognizing our core need to innovate and change, there are so many defining moments and we embrace all of them.

SmallFlower Interviews Bob Root, Keys Scientist & Founder About Probiome

SmallFlower Interviews Bob Root About Probiome. Keys Natural Skincare & Beauty was born after co-founder Wendy Steele was diagnosed with and beat melanoma. The cancer was gone, but she was still dealing with some nasty side effects on her skin – itchy, irritated patches that were just made worse by sticky sunscreens. Read this interview here.

Congrats America! You Did It. You Voted With Your Wallets

In an unprecedented trend shift over the last three years, grocery store shelves have displaced conventional products for natural alternatives. People voted with their wallets. The message is simple, don’t donate to lost causes, vote with your wallets. Money talks!

A 20 Year Anniversary – Bob and Wendy Back In Santa Fe

What happens when a brainiac boyfriend discovers his smokin hot girlfriend has Melanoma. He fixes the problems! This is the story of how Keys started and about Bob and Wendy’s 20th anniversary trip back to Santa Fe New Mexico where they met.

The Triathlete & Keys New Jel Products

We developed Keys Alternative Naturals for people who need vegan and chemical-free products that perform and replace drug store brand products like Vaseline®, Bengay® and others. Among the markets for these new products are for people who compete in strenuous events that need protection for rashes, chafing and other skin disorders. This is one such story about a triathlete and how he used Keys products before, during and after his race.

Dynamic Duo – Keys RediCare and Urban Shield

Keys New Urban Shield is like RediCare in a gel. With Neem and Karanja Oil, Keys Urban Shield is like RediCare in a vegan jelly. Better than Petroleum Jelly and On Purpose.

Alternative Naturals™ New Functional Line From Keys – REVOLUTIONARY

Keys has introduced a line of new products based on a vegan replacement for petroleum jelly. The line is called Alternative Naturals™. Take a look at this new revolution built on a challenge to help the astronauts on the International Space Station.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month at Keys

It is 20 years since I was diagnosed and cured of Melanoma. May is melanoma awareness month and It is time to get wise and become in charge of your own skin health. Melanoma prevention saves lives. Please take some time to read my 2015 Melanoma Awareness Month message. Wendy Steele

A Brief Synopsis of KODA Products

What KODA products will do for you dog!

KODA Dog Products – A Brief Synopsis

A brief synopsis of what KODA products will do for your dog

KODA Overview and Products – YouTube

We just published this short YouTube video gives you perspective of the background of KODA. It shows the features, benefits and advantages of each product.

Vegan Dog Food and Pet Nutrition: J-Wro Lo-Lo Vegan Vlog

KODA is definetly gaining steam with a few big announcements coming soon! We thought you would like to see the video Jason Wrobel created featuring KODA products. Jason is a well known vegan and actor in the LA area and his pup, Gordon Pete is a KODA Dog! Enjoy Jason humor and talent.

KODA SpotClean – Paw & Face Quick Cleanser

SpotClean Paw & Face Foaming Cleanser is a brewed wash with botanicals and herbs for quick cleaning of the paws and face or any spot area as an interim cleanser between baths. Removes road dirt and allergens as well many chemicals used on public parks and lawns.

KODA OmniClean – Therapeutic Shampoo & Soap

OmniClean is a natural Castile like therapeutic foaming shampoo and soap used for dogs with skin irritations, insect problems and to heal disorders. We add Neem and Karanja oil to the soap for their ayurvedic medicine healing and insect repellant properties.

KODA OmniShield – Natural Insect Repellent Spray

OmniShield is an intense therapeutic naturopathic insect repellent spray that uses OmniCare as its base adding high levels of Neem and Karanja oil, peppermint, red thyme and lemongrass to repel over 200 flying and crawling insects including fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and lice.

Itchy Dog? Ditch the Perfume

As for that nagging feeling about the itching and scratching after your dog’s bath or after a grooming session? The most likely reason your dog is scratching and itching is directly related to the perfumes, artificial fragrance and harsh ingredients in dog shampoos!

Public Enemy #1 – Sodium Laureth Sulfate, It’s in everything!

Dirty Dozen Chemicals: SLS Many people that I meet ask me to describe why I do not use certain chemicals. I tell them that my reasons are practical not political. I generally explain in three to five stepped reason why I do not use certain ingredients. Most encourage me to offer my simplified reason, so I am beginning to undertake why we do not use certain ingredients. In this series of article, I will start with the Dirty Dozen. For pets, we have to realize that perhaps the worst chemical that they come in contact with every day is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Why, because it is in virtually every home in many many forms. When I am asked to list the top five products that come in contact with pets that contain SLS in large amounts, you would be surprised to learn what they are. Laundry Detergent Dish Washing Liquid Carpet Cleaner Outdoor Cleaners like Simple Green Pet Shampoo