Natural and organic skincare products offer people the chance to go beyond the skin-deep benefits offered by the celebrity-endorsed, chemical-infused, mass-marketed offerings found on the high-street, because natural and organic skincare products avoid the long list of dubious man made chemicals and parabens, meaning that when you use them on your skin you can be sure that you are pampering your whole body.
The organic, and slow, food movement has been born out of people’s concern and skepticism over food products that contain synthetic ingredients and chemical preservatives. Despite the fact that skincare products, which are, after all, just as intimate to the body as the food we eat (the skin absorbs the products we place on it), this desire to shun the synthetic in favour of the organic has taken longer to sink into the consciousness of skincare consumers.
Now sales of natural and organic skincare products are growing exponentially – and even the male demographic of the skincare industry, which accounts for $57 million of the overall cosmetic industry each year, is adapting to the shifting attitudes regarding what we rub into our skin and into our bodies.
For women skincare products are one aspect of our lifestyle that should be analysed and, if necessary, altered during the planning of a pregnancy.
A recent study by scientists at Edinburgh University has given women another reason to use organic and natural skin care products during their pregnancy. The researchers found that there might be a link between synthetic perfumes used in skin creams and the healthy development of the foetus.
The researchers found that the chemicals used to scent non organic and natural skincare products may have implications for healthy fertility levels of the foetus later on in life.
Talking to BBC Scotland (31st August 2008) one of the scientists responsible for the study, which was conducted on rats, said that, “There are lots of compounds in perfumes that we know in higher concentrations have the potential to have biological effects, so it is just being ultra safe to say that by avoiding using them your baby isn’t at risk.
”If you are planning to become pregnant you should change your lifestyle. Those lifestyle things don’t necessarily mean that you are going to cause terrible harm to your baby, but by avoiding them you are going to have a positive effect.
”We would recommend you avoid exposure to chemicals that are present in cosmetics, anything that you put on your body that might then get through your body into your developing baby.
”It is not because we have evidence that these chemicals categorically cause harm to babies, it is only based on experimental studies on animals that suggest it is a possibility.”
Despite this qualification mothers to be might still want to read the scientist’s findings in relation to the other information out there that suggests that the benefits of natural and organic skincare products are especially great during a pregnancy. Of course, natural and organic skincare products can smell nice without recourse to chemicals and synthetics – those that contain essential oils are especially good in this regard.
Want to read more about the numerous benefits of Natural and Organicskincare products? Visit the news section of www.scinboutique.com where all aspects of healthy skin routines are covered.
Skin care is not a new topic; it has been around since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, modern skin care has transformed in a big way. Traditional herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care regimens. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are in disuse today, and even unknown to the mainstream population.
The transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic can be attributed to three things – our laziness the fast pace of modern life, and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. Commercial herbal skin care products are mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than fresh mxtures made at home. However, things change fast and now more people are opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.
So what are the herbs of herbal skin care?
Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrating agent that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.
A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.
Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.
Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.
Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)
Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive.
So you can see why herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard synthetic products. The fact is that some skin orders call for the usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products and medications.
At some point in most people’s lives acne can become a nuisance. Acne prevention often becomes essential during our teenage years. It can cause great distress and embarrassment at an age when young people are very concerned about how they look. Almost no teenager – and many an adult on drugs like lithium – is spared a prolonged period of acne problems. Here are a few of the most important natural acne fighters, vitamins and foods to take advantage of:
1. Fibers are like sponges in the body that soak up toxins and other waste in your body and then ring them out of your body. Fiber comes in many forms, with the most popular sources being fruits and vegetables. You can also check your local drug store for fiber supplements that come in pill form.
2. Most affected teenagers address acne prevention with manic scrubbing and dieting. They do this because of a mistaken assumption that the problem is related to poor hygiene or improper nutrition. Avoiding fat-laden junk foods like cheeseburgers is definitely a step in the right direction for other health-related reasons.
3. People who are actually deficient in vitamin A have a higher rate of developing acne. This is because vitamin A is a strong antioxidant. It reduces sebum production and also encourages the production of the protective skin tissue.
4. Exercise to prevent acne. Did you know that most harmful acne-causing bacteria can NOT survive in an alkaline and oxygen rich environment? It’s poison for them. And you know what, exercise is an excellent way to alkalize and oxygenate the body.
5. Water is the most essential molecule required to sustain life, and its functions for the skin are phenomenal. Water hydrates your skin, leading to less scaling and over-drying. Water also helps saturate and flush away toxins and waste that would normally block your pores, essentially helping prevent acne. This is one of the best natural acne treatment.
6. Oily hair causes facial oiliness. This is especially true for those who sport chin/shoulder-length hair. Most importantly, picking at or rubbing of acne blemishes is strictly contraindicated.
7. Taking a Vitamin B complex is also a good idea when trying to rid your face of acne. All the B vitamins have so many benefits. Each B vitamin plays a different role but when used in combination the results are often best. B1 or thiamin and vitamin B3 are known for improving circulation within the body.
8. Herbs are much like vitamins and have been used for their healing properties for thousands of years. Most acne medications contain some kind of herbal recipe. Sarsaparilla, Yellow Dock, burdock and cleavers are effective acne fighting herbs that help distribute nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
We would all like to put off signs of aging as long as possible. And there are actions we can take toward looking and feeling our best as we age.
Recent studies show that even though our bodies decline in certain ways as we get older, disease and deterioration can be minimized. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on our aging processes and over-all well being.
A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet of fresh, organic foods with plenty of filtered water. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, and avoiding smoking will also keep the body healthy and skin looking younger. Of course, adequate exercise, sleep and stress management are all key to a healthy mind and body.
Sun exposure is another component in aging skin. While we know that some sun exposure each day is healthy, it is important to protect yourself from over-exposure which can lead to premature aging of the skin and certain diseases.
Toxins are the biggest contributors in the aging of our bodies. The liver works to filter out toxins from foods, skincare, pollution, sun and stress. But when the toxic load becomes too much for the liver to keep up with, free radicals are produced. These rogue molecules then attack healthy cells, causing loss of collagen, premature aging and disease.
Antioxidants are super-heroes when it comes to fighting free radicals, preventing and reversing damage, and can be found in certain natural ingredients. Essential fatty acid (EFAs) also help to keep skin healthy and looking its best. Found in many plant and seed oils, EFAs reduce inflammation, improve cell function, and protect DNA from damage. EFAs help restore the barrier function of the epidermis, and preserve collagen and elastin. Skin tends to become drier as we age, so moisturization is also important in keeping skin plumped and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The following are some of the top natural anti-aging ingredients to look for in skincare:
Rose hip oil contains retinol (Vitamin A) and is high in Vitamin C and Omega-3, making it highly effective in diminishing signs of aging, reducing sun damage and softening the skin.
Sea buckthorn oil is very high in vitamin C and also contains vitamins A and E, as well as amino acids and antioxidants.
Green tea, Carrot seed oil and Evening Primrose oil are all rich in antioxidants.
Avocado, Flax, Pumpkin, Cranberry and Grape seed oils are rich in essential fatty acids.
Shea butter is a very emollient moisturizer with natural anti-inflammatory and sun-protective properties. Almond and Jojoba oils are also very hydrating and mimic the skin’s natural oils.
There are many organic skin care products that are made with pure, natural ingredients and are toxin-free.
Skin care containing ingredients with antioxidant benefits and essential fatty acids will supply a fresh, youthful complexion. But rather than thinking of anti-aging skin care as a youth serum that will eradicate any trace of aging, strive for healthy skin and body, no matter what your age. A healthy lifestyle, organic skincare products, and doing your best to minimize toxins entering your body are your best defense against premature aging.
Liz Thompson is founder and editor of Organic Beauty Source, a blog where she shares information on safe, natural beauty and personal care products, such as natural cosmetics and organic skin care.
Acne is a troublesome condition that can affect anyone at any age. But it doesn’t have to be the nightmare that many perceive it to be. One main reason that acne is hard to treat is that it tends to be recurring and becomes something you manage rather than cure. But there are many things you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Here are 8 things you can start doing right now to prevent your acne from becoming worse:
We know that some medicines will simply work on a specific skin type, whereas natural products have an greater success no matter what skin type you are. Simple ways are at times the most effective when treating acne and shouldn’t be overlooked because of their simplicity.
1. When you do take a shower, it is important to make sure that you rinse your hair before you wash your face. This is due to the fact that the conditioner or shampoo which you use may end up getting on your face and causing breakouts. By washing your face after you rinse your hair, you will be able to easily prevent this problem.
2. Exercising daily (even if it’s just a walk and you break a sweat) will help to prevent acne because when you sweat it is releasing bad and unwanted toxins from your body which causes acne.
3. Papaya is a fruit that not only helps to cleanse your body toxin from inside but it also doubles up as skin moisturizer and remover of dead skin. Apply papaya flesh on the affected area and leave it for 10 – 12 minutes and then rinse off, you will surely feel the difference in your skin after few washes.
4. Watch your sugar intake. Not only is excessive sugar consumption generally bad for you and the gateway to diseases such as diabetes, but also it is high in carbohydrates, which may cause a greater number of breakouts.
5. Do not pick; might seem simple but how many of us do this, it will merely make it worse. This might result in acne scarring, which is harder to address than the actual acne.
6. About two litres a day is the proper amount of water to be drinking per day. Hydration is so key for a good body, which in turn results in healthy skin. These ideas will better your skin and help you get rid of acne. This is one of the best natural acne treatment.
7. Choosing the right make-up can help you from preventing you from getting acne or worsening it. If you purchase the wrong make-up, this may cause your acne to worsen.
8. Eliminate as much stress from your life as possible. This sounds impossible, but it’s not. Stress also has links to the suppression of your immune system and can even cause damage to your nerve cells. And when the inside of your body is damaged, the outside can begin to reflect it in the form of acne.
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We all like to believe that if something says ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ that it must be better for you than the alternatives, but is this just another set of cleverly thought out marketing drives and gimmicks? It is after all a sad fact of life that where there is money to be made there will be rats who try and take advantage of this. I am not an expert on the effects of chemicals in skincare but wanted to present my views as from my experience there are genuine skincare companies out there that are trying to make a difference and do really care about the products they sell:
Do I really need to buy organic and natural products as the just seem to be more expensive and it is drying up my already barely flowing, credit crunch munched finance river?
I am not going to advocate buying natural and organic products for the sake of the alternatives as ultimately we all need to consider the benefits and risks and make our own choices. At the same time though do I believe in natural and organic skincare products as a better choice? The answer for me is most definitely yes. They have made a massive difference to the way my skin looks and feels and the knowledge I have that I am not putting potentially harmful chemicals onto my skin is greatly reassuring. It is great to know that I am using product made by people who put what is best for me as a consumer ahead of share price value. Not to mention the natural and organic products themselves are really improving in terms of packaging and general presentation which makes them a very fun and edgy alternative.
Is it really worth the money?
Again it comes down to economic principles. As there are a few huge skincare companies driving the market they are best placed to take advantage of marketing drives, influencing consumer preference and just generally being out there (when last have you gone an entire day without seeing an advert by one of the big boys?). Because of this they are able to mass produce products cheaper than other smaller organic and natural skincare companies. The other fact is that massive companies are going to try and maximize profits for shareholders and will as such use the most economically viable products not necessarily what might be best for you the consumer for example organic alternatives.
So the answer is if you want to follow a natural and organic lifestyle you are going to have to pay a premium for the privilege. So the brutally honest answer to whether they are money spinners or Genuinely good for you is that it is a little bit of both. There are people out there piggy backing the rising desire to follow a healthy lifestyle and cloaking old products as ‘new natural ingredients’ and others who are not trying to make a quick buck and do things for more altruistic personal reasons.
It all comes back to you as the consumer, do not be afraid to challenge companies and do your own research. After all an informed decision is better than a decision on its own.
Panda Face is an online specialist out of London providing only the best in organic and natural skincare and cosmetics. All our products are natural and or organic and are free from harmful nasties like parabens, SLS and phthalates.
For many people, acne can be a grave problem. Today, there are many kind of acne cures, however the success rate is extremely low. In your battle against acne, preventing acne and stopping acne from spreading is the best thing to do. Many things that you should do to prevent acne are common sense of daily routines of facial care and hygiene. However, there are a number of things which can be done that you may not know.
As acne is stimulated in the event your face contain too much dead skin and oil, which subsequently clogs up your pores, you should cleanse your face two times daily with soap, and many people advise to use sulfur-based soap. You should not scour your face because it will only irritate your skin. You should at all times cleanse your face softly and do not wash your face excessively.
If moisturizer is used on your face, make sure it is not oil base. For women who applying war paint on their face, this should be looked by them. No matter what, a woman’s face should not have oil base stuff. Women should use a make-up which is water base. Try your best to avoid applying war paint. However, if you really must wear it, make sure that you remove it before going to bed. Never go to sleep with your war paint on.
If you have long hair, it might also form problem during an acne outbreak. A person’s hair contains plenty of oils. Hair also collects plenty of filth and debris. Later the hair will rub against your face leaving oil and grime on your skin. So, it is advisable to maintain the shortness of your hair so that this trouble is prevented. If you do not wish to have short hair, tie your hair back as often as you can.
You may not prevent you acne outbreak totally, however if you put up with these preventing acne tips, you shall have greater possibility of containing your acne as well as maintaining it under control.
If you find this article useful and to learn much more about preventing acne, visit Acne Cure Options where you’ll find more about acne and the method to cure your acne in 3 days
Stuck for what to get you loved ones for Christmas, or stumped by the friend who has everything? Give your special ones exactly what they need or let them choose for themselves with gift vouchers from Scinboutique and Scin Spa. With a voucher they can choose from all the gorgeous natural and organic Skincare goodies at http://scinboutique.com, spend their gift voucher on pampering themselves with a fantastic treatment at Scin Spa in Notting Hill, or combine the two! We offer some great treatment packages which could be purchased with vouchers at our beautiful and relaxing Notting hill Spa…
The Scin Indulgence for One or Two; this amazing pampering package is now half price. It includes a Hydrotherapy session, a full body massage and a quick fix manicure or pedicure, you can go along with a friend or just relax on your own. The complete package for one person is £60 or £120 for two people.
The Scin Pregnancy Pampering Package is the ideal present for any mum to be. The treatment includes a face, scalp and full body pregnancy massage and a quick fix manicure or pedicure. All Scin pregnancy massages are performed on a specially designed pregnancy treatment couch so the mum to be can enjoy maximum comfort and relaxation. The couch has a hole with elasticated mesh which supports and molds to the bump – whatever size it is! This treatment lasts for two hours and is suitable for anyone over thirteen weeks pregnant.
We feel that men don’t get enough pampering and can often be tricky to buy presents for, so why not spoil your man with a totally relaxing and refreshing Scin treatment especially designed for ‘him’. The pampering package is £75 and combines the ‘back treatment’ – the most popular treatment among our male customers – with a quick fix pedicure or manicure to ensure he is groomed to the max. The Mens Pampering Package lasts 90 minutes.
The Scin Ultimate Pamper Package includes hydrotherapy, fast fix organic facial, back and scalp massage, full manicure or pedicure £125 for 150 mins. Scin Buttock and Thigh Detox includes hydrotherapy, buttock and thigh treatment and a pedicure, £110 for 135 mins. With the Scin Massage Heaven you will be treated to utter relaxation with hydrotherapy, face, scalp and body massage, £95 for 120 mins.
At the Scin spa in London we provide a variety of Dermalogica Facials and Organic Aromatherapy Facials. Scin Dermalogica Facials are deep cleansing and generally include steam and extraction. All Scin beauty therapists are fully qualified and undergo intensive Dermalogica training to ensure that all Dermalogica Facials at Scin are customised to your specific needs and desire for glowing youthful skin. The most popular facial at Scin is the Customised Standard Facial. To bring a little cheer to these credit crunch times we are now offering 15% off all Dermalogica products with every Dermalogica Facial. The offer expires at the end of November 2008, not available on the Fast Fix Facials.
In Scin’s Organic Aromatherapy Facial we use a range of skincare products called Circaroma. Circaroma is a handmade certified organic skincare range and the products contain an array of beautiful organic aromatherapy oils and other natural and organic ingredients. We tailor the Organic Facial for your skins needs from the Circaroma products designed for either dry, combination, oily or sensitive skin. Scins Organic Aromatherapy Facial is wonderfully relaxing and we aim for you to leave with your skin feeling clean and refreshed and feeling personally rejuvenated.
