Skin Care and Exercise

Although you may feel great after going for a run or lifting weights, it can wreak havoc on your skin. Having a bad skincare routine when exercising can lead to clogged pores, unwanted spots, blackheads or even dry and itchy skin. Whether you are a regular to the gym or you're a fitness beginner.

Before the Workout
Before you hit the gym, it is important to clean your face so that you get rid of any unwanted oil and dirt. We suggest using warm, but not hot, water and finish with a splash of cold water to leave your face feeling fresh, clean and awake!

If you’re going to be exercising outside it’s really important to protect your skin with SPF to avoid sun damage which will lead to premature skin ageing. We recommend Centella's Classic Moisturiser which is a lightweight daily moisturiser with sunscreen protection properties. The moisturiser has a matte finish so you won’t be left looking shiny before you’ve even started working!

If you’re going to be working with weights or equipment, it is important to protect your hands. They’re fairly important. We suggest Centella's Hand Cream, which forms a protective barrier for your hands, but absorbs quickly so you can get straight into the gym and won’t lose any grip. 

During the Workout
If you have long hair you should tie it up away from your face. Not only so you can avoid the awful hair-stuck-to-face situation, but it will help protect your hair from absorbing frizz-inducing sweat.

Be sure to wipe down surfaces and any equipment before (and after) using it. No one wants to touch someone else's sweaty equipment, and it will help bacteria from spreading. Additionally, try not to wipe sweat from your face with dirty hands as it spreads spot-causing bacteria.

Most importantly, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the workout. When you sweat, your body loses water quickly. You need to constantly replenish water levels so you can stay on top of your game.

Post Workout
Once you’re done jump straight in the shower, but try not to have the shower too hot as this can strip the skin of its natural oils. Also consider not washing your hair every time, as this actually dries it out.

While you’re in the shower, lightly exfoliate your face using Centella Cleansing Face Polish. Rub gently using small circular motions. This will help remove excess oil, dead skin and sweat and leave you feeling squeaky clean and refreshed! Shower gels and body washes blended from botanical ingredients can provide freshness and boost the senses through floral fragrances and essential oils. See the Centella range here: body wash  and shower gel. 

Once you’re done, finish off your skincare routine by rehydrating your face. Depending on your skin type, moisturisers seal in the moisture and prevent any dryness afterwards. Centella provide a wide range of water-based moisturisers for the face as well as the body so they are ultralight and ultra-hydrating. Check out the complete product range here: http://www.centellaskincare.co.uk/

Spring Clean your Skincare

With the sun starting to break through those grey winter skies and signs of spring beginning to appear all around us, it's time to put a stop to dull, lifeless skin and embark on a new skincare regime using natural beauty products. It becomes vital to use an environmental shield as we move into the sunnier months, although of course we should be protecting our complexion against harmful UV rays all year round. Gentle wash-off cleansers become useful at this time of the year as we become more active in our lifestyles and the skin will perspire more. Choose one that is pH balanced and rich in vitamin C and E, which will support the skin while you cleanse. We should pay attention to the changes our skin goes through in different seasons because it will have new requirements depending on whether the climate is hot, dry, cold or wet. Your skin changes every minute of every day. The season, climate, hormones, stress levels and product use all have an impact.

It is highly recommended in the first instance that you consult a skin specialist if you've been using the same products all year, or have not really altered your routine since your teenage years. The skin's key defence against the environment is an antioxidant-rich moisturiser that will mop up all the youth-scavenging free radicals that we get from the daily assault of sun, pollution and climate change. If you prefer to use organic beauty products instead of those containing synthetic chemicals, try applying a combination of herbal oils and carrier oils to your skin to ward off strong ultraviolet rays.

Lavender, helichrysum, myrrh and Roman chamomile oils are all known for their sun-blocking properties, so mix five to ten drops per ounce of carrier oil for an all-natural sun screen. 3 of my other favourite herbs that I use in skincare are the following:

Rose Petals (Rosa damascena)

Most of us are probably familiar with how often roses are used in personal care products—as rose water, rose scented lotions and, of course, perfume. Indeed, rose petals are a wonderful tonic for the skin. A cooled infusion (tea) of rose petals can be used as an eye or mouthwash, due to the antiseptic characteristics of the rose. Add in the anti-inflammatory qualities and you’ve got a wonderful toner for skin troubled by rashes, irritation, or acne. Just spritz it on the skin after cleansing. For acne-prone skin, mix a toner of one part rose infusion and one part aloe juice. Use this after cleansing in the morning and evening. Keep it in the fridge for the longest shelf-life.

Rose is also a wonderful tonic for mature and aging skin, due to its vitamin C content and ability to rehydrate and soothe the skin. You can add a few drops of rose essential oil to the moisturisers you already use, or blend an ounce of jojoba oil (which is readily absorbed by the skin, as it so closely mimics the skin’s own sebum, or natural oil; it does not need to be refrigerated and has a long shelf life) with 8 drops of rose essential oil. Smooth this on your face at night, or anytime the skin feels tight and dry.

To cleanse dry skin, try the following: find rosewater or brew some rose petal tea (1tsp of herb per 6oz of water). Combine two tablespoons of rosewater or rose tea with two tablespoons of raw honey and 1/2 cup of almond oil. Massage a small amount into skin. Rinse well and pat dry. This cleanser can be stored in your medicine cabinet, no need for refrigeration. If your skin still feels dry after cleansing, massage in a little more almond oil.

The antiseptic nature of rose also makes it a wonderful treatment for wounds, bruises, rashes, and incisions. To use, take a clean washcloth, dip into the warm or chilled tea (1tbs per cup of water, steeped 10 minutes), depending on the nature of the injury, and place on the wound. For sore muscles, try rubbing the area with a rose-infused oil. Try two parts oil to one part herb. Grind the dry petals and infuse them in the oil. Let this sit at least two weeks in a dark spot, strain, and use, warming the oil as you wish.

Chamomile (Chamomilla recititta or Chamomaelum nobile))

The health of our liver is reflected in the health of our skin. Chamomile is an herb you can use internally to help tone the digestive system, liver, and kidneys. When these organs are working and healthy, wastes will be processed the way they were meant to be—through elimination—and not through the skin.

Chamomile is also a wonderful external addition to your skincare regime, especially if your skin is sensitive, mature, or irritated and chapped by the elements. Apply cool chamomile tea as a toner to the skin. Search out a chamomile hydrosol and spritz this on the skin. For helping the skin heal from sun or windburn, try adding a few drops of chamomile essential oil to an ounce of jojoba oil. Apply sparingly as needed. This herb’s ability to ease inflammation as well as its ability to soothe the senses will calm the body and the mind.

To cleanse the skin (especially good for combination skin), try brewing a strong cup of chamomile tea (two tsp of loose herb or two teabags per 6oz of water, letting it steep 10 minutes). Blend this with one half cup of ground, whole grain oatmeal (rolled Scottish oats is what I use, then grind in a clean coffee grinder) and one tablespoon of raw (not pasteurized) honey (honey is a demulcent, which means it pulls moisture to the skin; it also fights acne and protects against damaging rays from the sun and regenerates skin, protecting against free radicals). Place a small amount of this in your palms and massage into skin. Rinse with warm water. Store the rest in the fridge–without preservatives, this cleanser won’t last long on the shelf. If parts of your skin feel tight after washing, try a little almond or jojoba oil massaged into dry areas.

Finally, you can also apply chamomile externally as a paste to help heal burns, skin ulcers, eczema. To use, grind dried flowers with a (clean!) coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle, add some water  and a bit of whole grain oatmeal (also soothing for the skin; you don’t need to grind it for this recipe) until you’ve reached a desirable consistency. Keep the paste moist by covering the area with a warm, damp towel. Allow the affected area to rest for fifteen minutes or so, then bathe in cool water until the paste is dissolved. Repeat as often as necessary—until comfort is achieved and the area has healed.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is kind of the go-to herb for skin care. It can help dry skin, acne-prone skin, aging skin, as well as help to heal wounds, bruising and other injuries. For an all-around skin care and healing product, soak one part dried blossoms to two parts olive or almond oil. Store in a warm, dark place for two weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. Strain and add a bit of vitamin E as a preservative (you can just puncture two vitamin E capsules and squeeze these into the oil; as an added bonus: for some reason, squeezing these little capsules is highly satisfying…).

This oil can be used on anyone for anything; use it on a baby’s skin to heal diaper rash and dry skin (test a small patch first for sensitivity, of course), use on yourself to heal acne, scars, wounds, rashes, eczema, and dry skin. Have sensitive skin? Calendula is soothing and cooling for any skin type.

For oily, acne-prone skin, try this cleanser: combine 3/4 cup strong calendula tea (follow guidelines for chamomile tea, above), 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh, if possible), 2tbs baking soda, 1tbs aloe vera gel (check the ingredients–NO alcohol). Blend ingredients together and apply with a clean, wet washcloth, gently massaging into face and neck. Leftover cleanser should be refrigerated. Aloe vera gel can be massaged into the skin if it feels tight or can be placed directly on breakouts to treat them. If you are very acne prone, try drinking a cup or two of calendula and chamomile tea daily to help rid the body of toxins and aid elimination (this will be a slightly bitter tea, though not unpleasant).

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A change in season, particularly moving from winter into spring/summer, always gets me thinking about skin care and the small tweaks that can make a big impact on your skin. Diet is the best place to start and a great way to improve your skin from the inside out. By diet I don’t mean cutting out every treat but simply cutting out some of the sugar, drinking plenty hot water with lemon and using seasonal fruit and veg can make a real difference. With skincare, it is essential to cleanse your face properly with a natural cleanser and hot flannel or sponge but not too often as this can disrupt the ph level and give your skin that tight, dry feeling. Good ingredients and natural tools will clean your skin first time. 

Tackling Winter Skin

Many people experience dry skin in the winter. What exactly is dry skin? Dry skin is caused from harsh winter weather and using strong products that deplete moisture out of the skin. For some people, the problem is worse that just a general tight, dry feeling. Their skin can get so dry that it results in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed). Read my earlier post on natural remedies  and 20 top oils suited for eczematous skin: http://centella-skincare.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/20-of-best-of-oils-to-treat-eczema.html 

These create tiny, superficial cracks in the skin that break down the skins protective moisture barrier to let moisture further escape out of the skin, adding to the cycle of dryness. For those with sensitive skin, these little cracks in the skin allow irritants to enter into the skin more easily, causing redness and skin sensations from products and environment you might not have any other time of year. Even if you haven’t changed your skin care products, you may find that now that winter is here, your regular products seem to not work the way they did before and they may even be causing a stinging sensation and irritation. It’s all because of the winter dryness.

What is the cure for dry skin? Aside from being sure to not use any harsh products on the skin, the solution is to use a moisturiser high in lipid-rich oil that can repair the skin’s protective barrier (those little cracks) so that moisture stays in so less dryness occurs and irritants stay out.

To repair dry, flaky skin, look for the following emollient barrier-repair ingredients when choosing a moisturiser:

• Borage Seed Oil
• Rose Oil
• Carrot Oil
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Cranberry Oil
• Ceramides
• Linoleic/Linolenic Acids
• Squalane
• Linoleic Acid
• Tocopheryl Linoleate
• Phytosterols
• Shea Butter
• Sunflower Oil
• Soybean Oil
• Safflower Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Canola Oil
• Sesame Seed Oil

These ingredients will correct both the lack of oil and lack of hydration deep within your skin and actually repair the skin’s lipid moisture barrier to make your skin moist, supple, and smooth—and more importantly, less sensitive during the winter. It's also important to pay attention to the ingredients in your skin care products so you're not using anything harsh or drying.

In order to win the battle winter weather can wage against your skin, you have to put back into skin what it is missing: antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, and cell-communicating ingredients. That requires brilliantly formulated products we will recommend in the steps below.

You also must stop doing things that abuse your skin and further destroy its ability to be vital and radiant. Those bad habits will only make seasonal dryness worse, resulting in dry, flaky, downright uncomfortable skin.Every day and night, season to season, your skin requires certain basics to defend against any environmental conditions.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Wear sunscreen 365 days a year no matter how warm or cold, or whether the sun is shining or not: Sun-damaged skin has minimal ability to function normally so it can look luminous and silken. The damage leads to a host of problems that keep your skin from looking its best.
2. Apply a well-formulated moisturiser: If you're struggling with dryness, use a moisturizer that is filled to the brim with antioxidants to fight environmental damage. It should also contain ingredients that help keep water in skin, anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce irritation, and cell-communicating ingredients to help skin produce normal skin cells (which it can't do on its own because of the factors mentioned above).
3. You must use a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type: A lotion or cream is best for dry skin, a serum or gel for combination skin, and a liquid (think toner) for oily skin. If you have oily skin that gets drier during winter months, definitely consider a lotion or lightweight cream for the dry areas.
4. Avoid soap, use only gentle cleansers: This habit cannot be stressed enough. Never use a cleanser that is harsher on your skin than the weather outside, and that includes from the neck down. Do not scrub skin; you can't scour away dryness. Scrubbing creates tiny tears on the surface of skin impairing its ability to keep water where it needs to be. 
5. Avoid soaking in the bathtub, Jacuzzi, or taking long showers: As wonderful as a leisurely bath or shower feels, too much water is bad for skin. Inundating skin with water breaks down the substances that keep skin cells intact. Keep showers or baths short, especially during the winter.
6. After bathing or showering, apply a body moisturiser as soon as you can: Skin is more vulnerable after it is clean (water and even gentle cleansers can remove some amount of the essential substances that keep your skin soft and smooth). The sooner you get a moisturiser on, the better. It will help keep any moisture on the surface of skin from escaping into the environment.
7. Get a humidifier: Low humidity is the cause of most weather-related dry skin, whether it is winter or a desert environment. Humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, last a long time, and work for the whole family. If you have a large home, you may need two or three humidifiers to gain benefit. Be sure to follow usage and cleaning instructions.
8. Exfoliate: A well-formulated AHA or BHA exfoliant can help facilitate normal skin cell turnover and that makes the surface of skin and the lower layers behave beautifully as they should. Helping skin do what it should do year-round (turn over the top layer and replace it with newer, smoother cells that can better protect skin) is a great way to prevent dryness and dull skin.
9. Use non-fragranced plant oil: At night, after you've applied your moisturiser, massage a few drops of plant oil such as extra virgin olive oil or flax seed oil over stubborn dry areas. These types of oils are not only incredibly emollient, they are also rich in antioxidants and that is great for skin. Other oils to consider include evening primrose, jojoba, safflower, or wheat germ. Try: http://www.centellaskincare.co.uk/facial-oil.html 
10. Don't forget your lips: Lips are the least capable of staying smooth and soft when the air becomes dry. They lack the oils and skin structure the rest of the face has and, as a result, are far more vulnerable to the effects of dry air. During the day and night be sure to put an emollient lip gloss or lip balm on your lips. It absolutely should not contain any irritating ingredients such as peppermint or menthol which makes dry lips worse. And by the way, your lips don't adapt or become addicted to lip balms. The need to keep reapplying is because the ones you chose didn't work all that well in the first place (and of course lip balms do wear away, necessitating occasional reapplication).

For dry skin on your hands, apply and reapply moisturiser: The thicker the better! Because hands are subject to intense cleansing agents all day long they struggle the most with dry skin. You must be diligent about applying and reapplying moisturiser every time you wash your hands. Don't forget to keep a moisturiser in your purse, at your desk, and in every bathroom in your home. For hands thicker, extremely emollient moisturisers work best; during the day it needs to also include sunscreen.

New Year, New Skin

All botanical products have main and active ingredients that are derived from natural or plant sources formulated without the use of harsher synthetic (and in my view, unnecessary) chemicals as found in most of the high street brands. All fragrances are essential oil blends; all from plants and even the cleansing agents/detergents in body washes are plant-derived. The only synthetic ingredient in some of these products is the preservative which is not used in all products (eg. those that contain vitamin E because it is an antioxidant and therefore a natural preservative), only in some. Preservatives are a vital ingredient in skincare products as otherwise, the product will quickly become rancid causing it to degrade; this can produce toxic compounds which can prove harmful to the skin – NOT GOOD!

Whilst I am not a fan of synthetic chemicals, the safety of any product is paramount and should not be compromised in the interests of being 100% ‘natural’, 100% ‘organic’ and 100% free of ‘chemicals’. The human body is full of organic chemicals and many brands play into our need for all things natural and combined with an unhealthy obsession with youth, the prices of some of these products can makes one’s eyes water!

It is safe to say that no product can be truly 100% natural given our lifestyles. Most skincare products will last between 6-12 months with preservatives (otherwise it will last between 2-3 weeks at best and only in a fridge!). Equally important is that no botanical skincare products should have been tested on animals. I have compiled the following in case you are interested in knowing more about skin health and good skincare regimes.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and requires nourishment from the inside as well as from the outside. The state of our skin can say a lot about the state of our health and make-up can fix immediate problems but only up to a point! The rest has to come from our own efforts sadly, and largely dictated by our individual constitutions determined by our physiology and genetics.

Feeding the skin (internal nourishment)
• Diet & nutritional status
• Lifestyle practices
• Skin products (dispelling common myths)
• Skin hygiene & skincare regimes

Good skincare practices (external nourishment)

Lifestyle practices

• Exercise – necessary to improve blood flow to the skin surface. This will ensure that the nutrients for the skin reach the cells and encourage good repair and growth of new cells.
• Smoking – this promotes premature ageing of the skin as the chemicals in cigarettes destroy the connective tissue components in the skin. Loss of elasticity, resilience and premature wrinkle formation are all classic hallmarks of cigarette smoking.
• Alcohol – has a dehydrating effect on all the cells in the body, including the skin. Excessive alcohol makes the skill look dry and lacklustre.
• Diet (see my previous post on how diet is crucial to skin health: 

Skin products

• Cleansers – can range from lotions, gels and wipes to simply using soap. Absolutely vital in skin regimes as the dirt and grime need to be removed at the end of the day. This is more important in a climate of increased pollution and if living in busy cities. It is best to stick to a cleansing routine or product that is compatible with skin type and texture rather than trying out new products for the sake of fashion or marketing claims of a ‘new and improved’ product.
• Moisturisers – absolute must, particularly for older skins. This replenishes the skin of moisture that is slowly depleted from the skin throughout the day. Important to invest in good products that have a sunscreen factor. Lotion is better for the day and a night cream is essential for night time moisturising. Older skins require more care than younger skins although with levels of pollution and environmental toxins aplenty, one is never too young to start a rigorous skin care regime. Again, it is best to stick to something that is tried and tested and is compatible with your skin. By far the best moisturiser is a combination of good diet, lifestyle and an effective skincare regime.
• Exfoliating rubs & treatments – these are designed to remove dead skin cells from the uppermost layer of skin. Normally they slough off at a steady rate but sometimes, they can slow down (many factors affect this) and build up on the skin surface. This gives the skin a dull and lacklustre appearance so exfoliating with a product or simply massaging it with a flannel (face) or a loofah mitt (body) will assist the process. Good moisturising afterwards is essential to prevent the skin from drying out
• Anti-winkle creams – there are many claims made by manufacturers of creams, lotions and gels all of which promote the notion of being able to defy the ageing process. Many of these products are ridiculously expensive and very often unnecessary as no amount of anti-wrinkle remedy will counteract the long-term effects of poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and sun damage. More fundamental factors beyond the environment such as genetic inheritance have an overriding influence in some people. Time and money is better invested in a more natural approach to healthy skin which incorporates some lifestyle changes and good nutrition as a foundation for limiting the worst effects of ageing. 
• Cellulite-busting creams – again, more commercial and marketing hype than actual effectiveness. A more radical examination of society’s view on body image and what is considered beautiful and healthy is required. Healthy skin and a healthy body requires discipline, hard work and a dedicated approach to proper nutrition and exercise. No amount of marketing gimmick is going to alter that.

Skin hygiene & skincare regimes 

• Cleansing – removes dirt and grime that has built up during the day and must be removed before bedtime 
• Moisturising – replenishes important moisture that has been lost throughout the day. Some products also encourage repair and growth of new skin cells
• Exfoliating – removes old skin cells from the surface of the skin which can sometimes remain in the uppermost layer and give the complexion and dull and lacklustre appearance
• Massaging – encourages blood flow to the skin surface so that important nutrients can reach the skin surface. Also encourages repair of damaged skin cells and some massages (eg. lymphatic drainage) actively encourage the removal of toxins and lactic acid build up with has other health benefits in addition to improving the health of the skin
• Cellulite – the term given to the manner in which fat is deposited under the surface of the skin. Characteristic dimpled and ‘orange peel’ effect is more common in women and in those who have a poor diet, poor skin circulation and those who do not take enough exercise, although this is not always the case. Cellulite is age-related being more common in the older woman. Worst excesses can be offset through regular exercise, limiting caffeine and fast foods and regular massage and skin brushing to promote circulation to the skin
• Nourishing (food) – eating the right foods is vital to healthy skin. See above for recommendations
• Sun exposure – excessive exposure to strong sunlight, particularly without adequate sun protection is disastrous for the skin especially fair skins which are prone to sunburn. The risks for cancer increase in previously sunburnt skins so avoiding this is a sensible precautionary measure.
• Cold weather, wind and rain can also wreak havoc on the skin. Adequate protection with good moisturising properties as well as sun protection (even on grey, dull days, UV damage is still possible)

For botanical skincare products, please visit www.centellaskincare.co.uk 

Non-Toxic Solutions for Healthy Nails

Toxic chemicals can proliferate in nail care. There are plenty of gentle, non toxic alternatives you can try to ensure that your next pedicure is both safe and attractive.

Massage, file, moisturise, paint. Who doesn't love a good pedicure? But today, even mainstream media is calling attention to the potential dangers of conventional nail products and treatments; In May 2015 the New York Times article entitled "Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers" reported on the health issues manicurists and other salon workers had experienced, including everything from allergies to miscarriages to cancer. As a result, more people are waking up to the risks of caustic treatments and conventional products. While the chemical-based nail salon biz is still big (and many of these treatments and products that line the shelves of conventional retailers are made with caustic chemicals), the good news—and yes, there is good news—is that we need not forgo our nail treatments entirely. In fact, innovative natural brands are giving us even more reasons to enjoy a mani or pedi by using ingredients that are actually healthy for you and your nails.

Healthy Nails Tips
Thanks to products like these, we can more easily dodge harmful ingredients. But even before a product touches your nails, it’s important to incorporate natural ingredients into your nail regimen. By focusing on nurturing the skin and nails with natural products, the nails grow faster and stronger. Before trying your new non-toxic paint, give your nails a detox; let them go polish free and regularly apply a simple, natural at-home treatment to restore their strength.

Massage oils are high recommended these would include neem, coconut, jojoba or even olive oil - incorporate into the nail and cuticle regularly. Additionally, if you’re eating a  well balanced diet and taking care of your nails, you can avoid nail strengtheners entirely.

A nail-boosting diet
Taking a look at your nails (literally) can help you pinpoint more nail-healthy practices you should try, starting with what you put in your body. An iron deficiency, for example, can cause dry skin and brittle nails, indicating you may need to increase your dietary protein or consider taking a protein supplement.

Other signs of deficiencies: Lines or white spots on nails may be a sign you need to up your zinc intake; increase zinc to at least 8 mg daily from foods such as oysters, crab, beef, beans, nuts, chickpeas and dark-meat poultry, or take a zinc supplement. Also, splitting or peeling nails are simply crying out, for hydration a sure sign of lack of water. Therefore drink plenty of water and supplement with healthy fats (omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids - read my blog post on advice about fats here: http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-fats-of-life.html), such as gamma-linolenic acid. The body is smart—it will heal itself if given the chance to be chemical free.

Seven Great Essential Oils for Women

Essential oils have an holistic effect on the body which makes them a perfect choice for multi-faceted problems. For many women the ups and downs of life can cause a range of niggling symptoms and although there are many oils that can help, some in particular stand out for their multi-purpose action. Here is a selection of some favourites for you to try, either on their own or blended to suit your particular needs.

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.

Highland Lavender has so many uses it is difficult to know where to start, but definitely use a high altitude Lavender for the best therapeutic effect. It is great to improve sleep and daytime alertness, and also helpful if you suffer from skin breakouts: just dab a little on blemishes to reduce redness and inflammation.

Mandarin has a relaxing effect that is calming rather than sedating, helping to relieve over-tiredness and associated hyperactivity. Its gentle effects work well for body as well as mind, making Mandarin a useful addition to a blend for cramps.

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.

Peppermint is well known for its cooling effects. Great for abdominal massage, or try a couple of drops in a cooling body mist during the menopause. Peppermint also stimulates the body, helping to boost energy levels and sharpen concentration. Put a drop on each temple for headaches or use in a foot bath to banish mental fatigue.

Making the most of natural skincare products

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.