The world is waking up to natural skin care. In recent years there's been resurgence in less-invasive treatments that revive skin, hair, and nails and make humans look human again. This new era of beauty focuses on the nude, the natural, and a high-tech, low-risk beauty, where organic products, science and technology intersect to deliver minimal-downtime results that are seemingly produced by nature.
Natural Balance
The skin produces its own natural moisturiser, called sebum, a mixture of fatty acids, alcohols and esters which keeps the skin from drying out. Sebum production is maximum around puberty, and decreases with age. It is important that the correct amount of sebum is produced: over-production creates what we call ‘oily skin’, while under-production creates ‘dry skin’. If the skin is -constantly dried out with overuse of soaps, it simply ¬stimulates the production of sebum, resulting in oily skin. Balance in all things please!
Hydrolats (Floral Waters) for Natural Toning
Hydrolats are the waters produced when you distil plant material. They contain many important and nourishing water-soluble plant compounds, and are safe, gentle and nourishing. Hydrolats have a pH value which is perfect for skin care, most being in the range 4-6. The combination of the nourishing plant compounds combined with a perfect pH value makes them a perfect natural skin toner.
Oils for Natural Moisturising
It is an unfortunate fact that if you put the two words ‘skin’ and ‘oil’ together, the reaction is not good. We think of oily, unsightly skin, pimples, acne, scars... Yet it is the oil in skin which keeps it soft, youthful, supple, moist, and healthy! Many vegetable oils contain a range of wonderful ¬nutritious compounds that help keep the skin healthy, vital and soft. They are an important source of vitamins, minerals, and the essential fatty acids which are so vital for general health and well-being, especially in skincare.
Vegetable Oils in Ancient Cultures
The value of vegetable oils has been recognised over centuries by traditional cultures. They have been used for skin hygiene, protection, and beautification in conditions and climates far harsher than our own, because of their superb regenerating qualities.
What are Essential Fatty Acids?
Despite a slightly unpromising name, essential fatty acids (EFAs) are wonderfully healthy compounds required by the body for a range of vital functions. Furthermore, they cannot be synthesised by the body, and therefore must be obtained externally. Examples of EFAs are linoleic and linolenic acid, and their metabolites such as GLA, and DGLA. The compounds known as omega-3, -6, -9 etc are all EFAs. Deficiency in these EFAs can lead to problems such as heart disease, stress, poor skin tone, liver ¬problems, susceptibility to infections, etc. Many of these vegetable oils are perfect natural sources of EFAs.
pH perfect
Did you know that your skin is naturally slightly acidic? Healthy skin has a pH value of between 4.5 and 6.8 (pH is a measure of acidity with 1 being very acid, 7 is neutral, and 14 highly alkaline). Any product which is ¬alkaline (and there are many on the market) will strip the skin of its acid mantle, leading to the possibility of -infection and over-production of sebum.
Your Skin is Incredible
Your skin is simply incredible! It is the largest organ in the body, performing a multitude of functions: it protects the body from dirt, minor injuries, bacteria, and chemicals; it absorbs helpful compounds and eliminates unhelpful ones; it regulates temperature, and provides sensation, responding to both pain and pleasure. Your skin continuously renews itself as well. New skin cells are constantly being created at the deepest level, and they gradually work their way out to the surface, changing their structure and function as they do so, before being shed. This whole cycle takes about a month — so each month you have a completely new skin!
There are many benefits associated with using all natural skincare products on your skin, from improving the health of your skin to contributing to a safer environment. By avoiding harmful ingredients found in regular skincare products you will help decrease your chances of redness, irritation and breakouts, along with severe allergic reactions. In addition, you are putting fewer toxic chemicals into the environment and water, contributing to a safer and cleaner environment.
Bergamot has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and relieve the effects of chronic stress. It is useful for mood swings and irritability or just to give you a boost if you are feeling low. A cheerful oil for year-round happiness and health. This oil can be irritating to the skin and is also phototoxic, so it is best inhaled from a tissue or used in a diffuser.
Roman Camomile is the most gentle of oils, with a mild sedative effect that calms anxious feelings and relieves tension-related aches and pains. Try in a blend for monthly cramps or add a few drops to the bath for tension, stress and sleeplessness. Also safe to use with children if their irritability is having a knock-on effect on you.
Clary Sage is an ancient medicinal herb which has been used for thousands of years for digestive pains and abdominal muscle cramps. This oil is also used frequently in aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms relating to the menopause. Add to a blend for massage or inhale to balance constantly shfting emotions.
Sweet Marjoram has a warming effect on tight muscles so it is ideal in a massage blend for tension-related muscle pain. It has also been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, making it especially suitable for emotional support during difficult times.