Lifestyle Choices

Many companies use the word ‘natural‘ very broadly, often inaccurately. Often a product is marketed as natural, even though there are only one or two natural ingredients in it. Words like ‘pure plant extracts’ can also be misleading.

Lip tip: Ingredients in cosmetics are listed according to the concentration in the product. So if you are unsure what is in a skincare product, check out the label on the back, or on the box it came in. This will list the main ingredient first and follow in order of most to least. If the product claims to have ‘natural ingredients‘ in it, check out where they come on the list. (more…)

In researching ingredients used in skin and beauty products, we were confronted with many questions. Why are so many ingredients that are questioned for their safety used in the cosmetic industry? What are the ingredients that are questionable and are there good alternatives? (more…)

We know today that skin absorbs a lot more than was once thought. In orthodox medicine some drugs are even delivered through the skin in patches and creams. Studies are finding the skin a highly effective way of delivering these substances directly into your bloodstream. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it is not a uniform barrier. There are lots of holes in your skin like hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands that absorb and excrete. If a clove of garlic is rubbed on the sole of your foot, the odour can be detected on your breath within 10-20 minutes.

Many things can affect the absorption of an ingredient: your skin’s condition, your health and the molecular structure of the ingredient itself. Some substances and chemicals with large molecules were always thought to be unable to penetrate the skin; however, studies are showing now that it may be the base these substances are mixed in that causes a change in their structure, allowing them to be more easily absorbed. (more…)

Aloe vera

Taken from the leaves of this succulent, aloe vera gel provides your skin with amazing healing and moisturising qualities. Loaded with vitamins, essential amino acids and minerals, it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helpful for many skin conditions. (more…)

Some people like to change their skincare products every six months or so, thinking that new ingredients will re-energise and stimulate the skin. So this brings us to the question, does your skin tire of ingredients and do we have to keep the skin guessing? (more…)