Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being, has been used for centuries to enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Each essential oil carries its own unique scent and therapeutic properties, making aromatherapy a powerful tool for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Love Absolute uses subtle amounts of aromatherapy, below the level that causes allergies, so you can safely explore the uplifting benefits of some well-known essential oils with careful facial skincare formulations that can positively impact your mood.
Products containing Blue Chamomile are:
Amoral Calm Blue Cleansing Balm
Known for its calming and soothing properties, blue chamomile essential oil is often used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Its sweet, fruity aroma can help to ease tension and promote a sense of peace and tranquility.
Geranium essential oil is prized for its balancing and uplifting effects on the mind and body. Its floral, rosy scent can help to alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being.
Products:
Tea tree essential oil is renowned for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Its fresh, medicinal aroma can help to purify the air, boost immunity, and promote a sense of cleanliness and freshness.
Jasmine essential oil is known for its exotic and sensual fragrance. Its rich, floral aroma can help to uplift the spirit, enhance creativity, and promote feelings of joy and optimism.
Sandalwood essential oil is prized for its grounding and meditative qualities. Its warm, woody scent can help to promote relaxation, enhance focus, and create a sense of inner peace and harmony.
Blue tansy essential oil is valued for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Its sweet, fruity aroma can help to reduce stress, soothe the mind, and promote emotional balance.
Litsea cubeba essential oil is known for its uplifting and refreshing effects. Its citrusy, lemony scent can help to invigorate the senses, boost energy, and promote mental clarity.
Frankincense essential oil is revered for its grounding and spiritual properties. Its warm, resinous aroma can help to deepen meditation, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of inner peace and connection.
Ylang ylang essential oil is prized for its exotic and floral fragrance. Its sweet, intoxicating aroma can help to reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote feelings of sensuality and relaxation.
Orange essential oil is known for its uplifting and energizing effects. Its bright, citrusy scent can help to boost mood, increase positivity, and create a sense of happiness and well-being.
Rose centifolia essential oil is prized for its romantic and luxurious fragrance. Its sweet, floral aroma can help to uplift the spirit, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of love and compassion.
Juniper essential oil is valued for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. Its fresh, woody aroma can help to purify the air, reduce negative energy, and promote mental clarity and focus.
May chang essential oil is known for its uplifting and rejuvenating effects. Its lemony, citrusy scent can help to boost mood, reduce fatigue, and promote mental alertness and positivity.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile oils in aromatherapy. Its floral, herbaceous scent is known for its calming and relaxing effects, making it ideal for reducing stress, promoting sleep, and soothing the mind and body.
Vanilla essential oil is prized for its warm and comforting aroma. Its sweet, rich scent can help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and create a sense of warmth and comfort.
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain, responsible for emotions, memories, and behavior. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, it can trigger a response in the brain that can impact your mood and emotions. Whether you're looking to relax, energize, focus, or uplift your spirits, there is an essential oil to suit your needs.
To incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine, you can diffuse essential oils in a diffuser, add a few drops to a bath, mix them with a carrier oil for massage, or create your own custom blends for personal use. Experiment with different essential oils and find the scents that resonate with you and help you achieve your desired mood and emotional state.
Remember to always use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources to ensure their effectiveness and safety. With the power of aromatherapy and the benefits of these well-known essential oils, you can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and create a sense of balance and harmony in your life.
In the realm of skincare, finding products that are not only effective but also ethically sourced can be a challenge. However, there is one ingredient that stands out for its exceptional properties and sustainable origins - Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil.
Derived from the seeds of the Lunaria Annua plant, commonly known as Honesty or Money Plant, this oil offers a myriad of benefits for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin. Let's explore the wonders of Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil and its contribution to ethical skincare.
A Sustainable Source:
Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil is derived from the seeds of the Lunaria Annua plant, which grows in abundance across various regions. What makes it truly remarkable is its sustainable sourcing. The plant's silver moon-shaped seeds are harvested ethically, ensuring the preservation of the plant and its natural habitat.
Nourishing Properties:
Packed with essential nutrients, Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil offers a plethora of benefits for the skin. Its high content of glycolipids and ceramides supports the integral structure of skin cells, promoting hydration and elasticity. This oil is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, and mature skin, providing deep nourishment and helping to restore a youthful glow. Its lightweight texture allows for quick absorption, leaving the skin feeling supple and rejuvenated.
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects:
Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil boasts powerful antioxidant properties, thanks to its rich content of vitamin E and other antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the skin against free radicals, which can lead to premature aging and damage. Regular use of products containing Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Soothing and Calming:
For those with sensitive or irritated skin, Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil is a true savior. It possesses soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities, helping to calm redness, irritation, and itchiness. This makes it an ideal ingredient for those dealing with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea. By incorporating products infused with Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil into your skincare routine, you can achieve a balanced and calm complexion.
Versatile Applications:
Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil can be found in a variety of skincare products, ranging from facial oils and serums to balms and moisturizers. Its versatility allows for multiple applications, catering to different skincare needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to hydrate, soothe, or nourish your skin, Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil can be a valuable addition to your beauty arsenal.
Choosing a facial oil blog
Conclusion:
Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil is not just an ingredient; it represents a commitment to ethical skincare and sustainable practices. With its nourishing properties, antioxidant effects, and soothing qualities, this oil offers a multitude of benefits for the skin. By choosing products enriched with Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil, you not only prioritize the health and well-being of your skin but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible beauty industry. Embrace the power of Lunaria Honesty Seed Oil and unlock the secrets to radiant and ethically sourced skincare.
Amoral Oil
Introduction:
In the world of natural skincare, there's one unsung hero that deserves some serious attention: linoleic acid. This essential fatty acid is like the Superman of the skincare world, flying in to save the day with its incredible benefits for our skin. From reducing inflammation to maintaining a healthy barrier function, linoleic acid is a game-changer. Let's dive into the world of linoleic acid and discover why it's an essential ingredient for your natural skincare routine.
Understanding Linoleic Acid:
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and integrity of our skin. While our bodies don't produce linoleic acid naturally, it can be obtained through a variety of plant-based sources such as safflower oil, sunflower oil, and evening primrose oil.
Fighting Inflammation:
One of the key benefits of linoleic acid is its ability to combat inflammation. Inflammation is a common culprit behind many skin issues, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. By incorporating linoleic acid into your skincare routine, you can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, giving you a clearer and more even complexion.
Balancing Sebum Production:
For those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, linoleic acid is a true savior. Studies have shown that individuals with acne-prone skin tend to have lower levels of linoleic acid in their sebum, leading to a higher concentration of oleic acid, which can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. By topically applying linoleic acid, you can help restore the balance of fatty acids in your skin, reducing the likelihood of acne flare-ups and promoting a healthier complexion.
Preserving Skin Barrier Function:
Our skin's barrier function is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. Linoleic acid plays a vital role in preserving this barrier function by strengthening the skin's natural lipid barrier. This helps to lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and shield the skin from external aggressors, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions.
Choosing the Right Products:
When incorporating linoleic acid into your skincare routine, it's important to choose high-quality, natural products. Look for serums, oils, or moisturizers that list linoleic acid as a prominent ingredient. Additionally, consider combining linoleic acid with other skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and hydrating agents for maximum benefits.
Conclusion:
Linoleic acid may not wear a cape, but it certainly deserves recognition as a superhero in the world of natural skincare. Its anti-inflammatory properties, sebum-balancing abilities, and skin barrier preservation make it an essential ingredient for those seeking healthier, more radiant skin. So, embrace the power of linoleic acid and let it work its magic in your daily skincare routine. Your skin will thank you!
Skin Types
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult a dermatologist or skincare expert before making any significant changes to your skincare routine.
Rose Hip has Vitamin A, which can benefit skin by reducing and reversing sun damage, reducing wrinkles, reducing hyperpigmentation as well as treating mild to moderate acne.
Wild rose oils will absorb without clogging pores, and are non-comedogenic, so feel light and healing but with no lipid elements that feed or encourage over growth of the skin fauna and flora]]>The Rose flower is thirty five million years old and has always been associated with love. Renowned for representing romance and beauty across time in nearly all cultures.
Rose oil is highly prized, and it can take about up to 242,000 rose petals to distill approximately 5 ml of pure essential rose oil.
Rose Otto is the most well known Rose scent and otto is pale yellow in colour and has a sweet, rich, deep floral-spicy aroma; in its absolute form it has a dark amber colour with a sweet, tenacious floral scent that is unmistakable.
The complexity of the scent is like no other which is why it’s so highly valued, but the degree to which the absolute is concentrated means it is ideal for use in perfume but it’s use in skincare is severely restricted to very low concentrations.
Rose Otto has many constituents that are prized, and mysterious, but also elements that people are allergic to, and sensitive skin can be easily triggered by Rose Otto because of its high levels of its natural allergen constituents
Gentler alternatives exist for more sensitive skin types;
Rose centrifolia is an absolute from the cabbage Rose or ‘Rose De Mai’ developed in the 17th century or earlier, it’s a a Dutch hybrid.
Thought to have a younger lighter scent than regular Rose and considered to be a skin conditioning agent.
Rosa centifolia contains a few vitamins and antioxidants that help moisturise dry skin. Its also astringent, with natural properties that help to tighten skin pores and to reducing the appearance of redness and existing inflammation, especially inflammation from swollen capillaries.
Rose Centrifolia’s scent is also a gentle but powerful anti-depressant, thought to balances the psyche and is used to ease the effects of stress-related conditions in aromatherapy.
Rose Centrifolia isfar less likely to trigger allergies than the more powerful Rose Otto, and can be used in formulas for the more sensitive skin types.
Coloured from Organic Rose Petals;
Rose Geranium or Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium graveolens) used to be planted in gardens to keep evil spirits at bay, it has many similar constituents to Rose, without the natural indole which can smell slightly rotten.
It is used often to improve the scent of Rose, and Rose Geranium is also used as a flavouring in the food industry. It’s thought to be a feminine balancing oil in aromatherapy, helping to ease menstrual discomfort and bring irregular periods into harmony.
Mentally it’s a very soothing and calming oil, that also calms elements in fragrance blends, used for evening out the jarring effects of other scents.
Rose geranium essential oil calms the brain region, known as the limbic system, and has a positive influence on the nervous system which can reduce stress levels along with heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and it can even improve immune function.
Rose Hip is a dry oil, from the Dog Rose (Rosa canina) often seen growing wild, and it’s oil is high in linoleic acid, which is one of the acids that acne skin is often depleted in.
This lack of linoleic acids can lead to poor skin health. Rose hip seed oil is also thought to be good for dry and mature skin, as high linoleic oils are the best for improving the skin barrier which can become depleted over time, as collagen decreases.
Dry oils will absorb without clogging pores, and are non-comedogenic, so this feels light and healing but has no heavy lipid elements that feed or encourage over growth of the delicately balanced skin fauna and flora.
It won’t feel as if there is a thick lipid layer left on top of the skin, which can confuse some users who think dry oil means drying on the skin. Rose hip simply soaks in, does it’s work, and repairs invisibly.
Rose Hip is a very constituent rich and features plenty of provitamin A from beta-Carotene and it’s a a perfect source of natural botanical vitamin A, with high levels (357 mg/L) of tretinoin or what is called all-trans retinoic acid, the super useful vitamin A acid that retinol converts too.
This form of Vitamin A can benefit skin by reducing and reversing sun damage, reducing wrinkles, reducing hyperpigmentation as well as treating mild to moderate acne.
There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence that rose-hip oil reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks though this is not proven in clinical research as yet.
These effects are thought to be because of the increased levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fatty acid content of the oil.
As we said Rose-hip seed oil is especially rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids like: linoleic acid (54.05%), linolenic acid (19.37%), and phytosterols, mainly β-sitosterol (82.1%) so you can see why using rosehip seed, and it’s seed oil can be an amazing source of phytonutrients.
Phytosterols are chosen for anti-aging creams and sun-care lotions as oils and creams containing phytosterols can offer strong UV-protection. Sun screen is still advised! They also have anti-inflammatory effects, so this an ideal ingredient for the treatment of atopic eczema as well as for the protection and improvement of the more delicate skin barrier in those with mature skin.
]]>We are also natural and plant based eg: fully vegan and cruelty free. We even look out for insects and pollinators and the environment.
We ensure our ingredients are Cosmos approved, and certified organic as well as using many bee insect and pollinator friendly oils grown in the U.K.
We do not test on animals here or in any other country, and develop using research from existing databases of natural ingredients. We only source from certified organic and leaping bunny certified essential oils and absolutes. Lastly we use cosmos certified actives developed in vitro.
Be kind is our motto, aim and goal. Find out more About us.
Vote with your money when choosing ethical brands, as well as choosing brands you can choose to buy from the countries whose products are all legally cruelty free!
The testing of cosmetics and toiletry products on animals has long been banned in the Eu and in the UK, and as of March 2013, the sale of cosmetics whose ingredients have been tested on animals has also been banned across the European Union – a huge step forward. But unfortunately, that’s not the whole picture.
'I am in favour of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.'- Abraham Lincoln
In some countries – China, for example – it’s compulsory for any company that sells cosmetics to pay for the products to be tested on animals. This means that some companies that have been cruelty-free for years have turned their backs on their ethical policies and have started testing on animals in order to reach these lucrative developing markets.
However on the 8 th of March 2021 China has announced that it will be ending the requirement that all imported general cosmetics* undergo animal testing from May 1, 2021.
'Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.'- Anatole France
There will still be many things companies need to do and steps to take if companies wish to register and sell in China, but this is major progress.
Hong Kong also has its own rules and allows import of foreign cosmetics and beauty products that are exempt from testing rules.
Countries inspired by the EU leadership regarding becoming cruelty free, and have themselves became cruelty-free in the field of cosmetics are Israel, Turkey, India, Taiwan, South Korea, New Zealand and Guatemala. Countries in the process of phasing out animal testing of cosmetics are Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Canada, Brazil, Japan, the US and Australia
As of July 2021, seven states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia) have also passed laws banning cosmetic animal testing.
The U.K. has also said it will stay cruelty free as it parted with EU regulation, but we do conduct animal testing for medicines and chemicals here. In 2015 a ban came into effect for household products. Thank goodness animals do not still have to suffer for the sake of our beauty cleaning products.
However there has been some backtracking recently with the U.K. government saying some ingredients might need to be tested, take action here to prevent this along with ‘cruelty free international’ to stop the U.K. considering outdated testing methods for chemicals to be used for beauty.
Sign cruelty free international petition
Info about animal testing between countries
Join and support organisations that advocate for animal rights.
The humane society
Buy products that are cruelty free.
Your money is your power.
According to the organisation PETA the following companies still pay for animal testing.
Sometimes withholding your money is the best way to prevent cruelty.
Support innovators of kind and cruelty free product development and brands.
Animal testing is ineffective and no longer needed.
Modern science proved that animal testing is ineffective and cruel. It is not an accurate way of testing to see if products are safe for human use.
The problem is that new ingredients need to be tested, and companies are always looking for a competitive advantage. This is why they push for animal testing.
We need to create and insist on better options to ensure product safety.
Products can already be formulated from a long list of ingredients that have been established as safe, using research and directories and existing knowledge.
Technology has created more humane options for testing, and as the buyers of these products, we need to insist these methods become the norm and the gold standard.
Remember, we will say it again, ‘sometimes withholding your money is the best way to prevent cruelty.’
Insect and pollinator friendly oils
The most prevalent animal testing alternatives are;
Education institutions can use human-patient simulators when possible.
There are also some instances where alternative organisms like fungi and protists can be used.
'One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable. We shall then have discovered our souls and become worthy of sharing this planet with them.' -Martin Luther King, Jr.
In vitro directly translates to "in glass". Basically, it means that biological matter, such as cells and tissue, are used for experimentation outside of a living organism. In most cases, these experiments are conducted in a glass instrument, like a petri dish.
In vitro testing on lab grown cells does not pose any threat to living organisms.
To find out your skin type, wash your skin with a cleansing bar, soap or cleanser and dry with a towel, and immediately inspect the forehead area with the naked eye under good light. It might help to work with a friend to look at each other’s skin type.
A good skin barrier is important as it serves to protect us from infections, parasites and pathogens, as well as storing water and fats.
All skin experiences water loss
Water is lost from deeper layers of the skin naturally as we sweat, this happens all the time as we move around with normal activities, as well as when we are under stress.
Moisturisers
Normal skin has small fine pores and a velvety texture with good blood flow throughout, and is soft and smooth.
The balance of natural oils is good and protects skin from weather and pollution with a good barrier function making this skin type resilient.
This skin does not have many reactions or blemishes. A wide range of products can be used without reactions.
Dry skin is also sensitive, and mature skin tends to be dry. Dry skin is not as efficient at producing sebum which is the natural oil that strengthens the skin barrier, and this leads to sensitivity, as skin becomes more permeable.
Dry skin may lack elasticity, and very dry skin is more likely to become lined, and can look scaly and feel itchy. A shortage of lipids means skin can not shield itself from what’s in the air and within households, like pollution particles from cars and household chemicals.
The skin barrier is supported with amino and lactic acids as part of the chemical make of the skin’s natural moisture production. Skin lacking moisture also lacks ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, so adding the right fatty acids and ceramides, humectants and nutrition helps support healthy skin barrier function, as well as protecting health.
This skin type over produces sebum, and the condition is known as seborrhea.
Oily skin can be lacking in some essential fatty acids, like linoleic acid and needs more gentle treatment, as it’s also permeable and prone to inflammation and irritation. Factors that influence these skin types are inherited genetics, hormonal changes and imbalances. Skin can also be affected by medication, diet and pore clogging skincare or make up.
A combination of two types; oily and normal or oily and dry patches. Usually it is the T panel that is oily and other parts can be normal or even dry.
This skin type is Influenced by the same factors as oily skin and combination skin needs an adaptive approach using slightly different products, checking where the skin needs moisture or gentle cleansing or simply rest.
The condition of our skin can vary greatly according to the various internal and external factors it is subjected to. Weather, Heat, Activity, Time, Stress, Genetics, and external factors like particles and pollution all affect the skins health and ability to produce a balanced amount of lipids.
Our sense of touch is realised through the skin, and skin also has the vital function of helping to regulate our temperature. This happens as blood vessels dilate and skin also raises and lowers hairs to help to control body temperature.
Every day we lose up to 500 million skin cells from the outermost layer,and our skin had 25-30 layers of dead cells with new cells making their way through over a period of a few weeks. Products that help are glycolic acids and Ahas.
Women are more likely to experience skin dryness than men, which is why they may need to invest more money in skin care to protect the skin barrier. So it’s not just important for the sake of appearance, but also for the sake of skin health.
]]>Minimise your beauty routine with concentrated natural skincare.
Vegetable and plant oils and balms have exploded in popularity in recent years and there are even new terms to describe formulas that are entirely oil based, like ‘waterless’ skincare.
For normal skin, adding a few drops or a tiny scoop of almost any pure organic oil or balm straight onto damp skin, after a shower may well be the only thing needed to make skin feel fresh and hydrated.
Entirely normal skin with a strong skin barrier, is rare but you can choose from a full range of oils from Sea Buckthorn Rose Hip, Olive Oil and Shea Butter, as well as blends with everything from simple Coconut Oil to Concentrated premium oils rich in EFAS, like White Poppy Rose Hip and Thistle Oil.. All will feel very hydrating, and higher Oleic oils can be great for wound and scar healing and hydration. Higher Linoleic Oils provide the fatty acids skin needs to flourish.
Try Tahitian Monoi Flower Balm or Wild Berry Balm with Frankincense, Amoral Vital Daily Facial Oil and Radiance Facial Oil.
May well be better suited to high Linoleic Oils that have been formulated into natural creams or balms with lower comedogenic ratings. A cream is easy for skin to absorpt, which is something that oily skin struggles with, and this skin type really needs the extra vitamins and fatty acids that are found in high linoleic plant oils.
Love Absolute Immortal Flower Cream is an example of a natural cream made from high Linoleic oils.
Moisturisers collection
If you want to use pure oils, you can look for blends with Argon, Safflower, HL Sunflower, or some of the English Oils like Camelina and Corn Cromwell, which can also be found in Love Absolute’s Radiance Oil serum (replaces EFAS) and Amoral Vital Daily Facial Oil (Daily Nourishment) which are both high in EFA’S and very low in Oleic Acid.
You only need to use a very tiny amount of the oil or cream after cleansing. Just add a few drops where skin is dry, and see how well your skin absorbs this. Blot away any remaining oil or cream with a clean dry flannel or tissue. Acne skin especially needs nourishment with fatty acids as oily skin is usually low in EFAS as well.
For dry skin that can experience break-outs and irritation, an oil like Olive is not recommended to be used on its own, as high levels of Oleic Acid can also cause disruption to the skin barrier in those with permeable skin.
Oleic lipids feed Malassezia, which are some seventeen different species of fungi that live on the face as part of the skin microbiome. Proliferation of these species can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, and these are involved with subsequent bacterial proliferation and breakouts. This may be where the term fungal acne arises.
Eg: Dry, sensitive, acne, combination, redness, psoriasis, those with HIV, acne, rosacea, those with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, alcoholism, depression, eating disorders as well as those recovering from a stroke or heart attack. Lastly anyone with hormonal imbalances or simply experiencing stress, and food allergies.
All of these groups will benefit from oil blends high in Linoleic Oils, which also include Gamma Linoleic Acid and Stearidonic Acid (EFA’s)
When stressed the skin seems to be low in linoleic acids, and replacing these topically helps improve the microbiome, and does not have any negative impact or cause any issues.
In a way this is similar to eating the right fatty acids omegas 3:6:9 to improve health. The right blends of fatty acids topically will help heal and repair the skin barrier, reducing redness whilst calming outbreaks ensuring the acid mantle is functioning properly.
Some of the simplest and best high Linoleic Oils are Safflower, Argon, White Poppy Seed, Sacha Inche and High Linoleic Sunflower.
Constituents in oils are also very important. Going back to Olive Oil or Shea Butter, both are incredibly constituent rich with numerous amazing phenols and antioxidants.,
Choosing antioxidant rich blends offers greater improvement to skin over time than single oils. So it’s possible that a little Shea Butter blended with High Linoleic Safflower would offer greater benefits than taking a black & white approach and excluding a whole host of ingredients, using only Safflower.
Raspberry Elderberry Black Black Currant Sea Buck-Thorn Rose-Hip Olive Shea Coconut Almond Jojoba Macadamia.
So it’s all in the blend, you can use an oil high in Oleic if it’s well blended with a greater amount of a high Linoleic Oil. Bear in mind nearly all plant oils contain some small amounts of Oleic Acid. A blend should include amazingly plant properties from at least ten percent of a high value constituent rich oil, with its base as a more easily tolerated oil. It is possible to find all of these qualities in one oil such as Elderberry Blackcurrant Raspberry Seed Oil and Argon.
These do still apply. The oils higher in comedogenic ratings may not really block pores, but they do cause irritation and outbreaks when used singularly. Some of these oils can be used if they have other valuable attributes, and when blended with less pore congesting oils, reducing the overall rating. This works at increasing the variety of healing elements and decreasing your chance of reactions.
Plants are fascinating and it’s curious to start to break down into smaller parts, the things that plants can do for us. Plants contain biologically active chemicals that exist to enhance their own survival, yet these chemicals can also interact with other organisms like us and our skin. We believe you can use these to heal and restore skin to a more healthy radiant condition, with less irritation than using medical extracts or concentrated chemicals.
Plants are already used extensively in medicine, and their properties are well studied.
The answer is to do with the amazing tiny constituents that exist in plants.
Anthocyanins are generally what gives colour, especially blues and purples, yet these antioxidants also have lots of benefits and are useful to naturally increase the vibrancy and potency of cosmetic formulas. For example, Black Blackcurrant Seed Oil contains more anthocyanin than blueberries and cranberries, and Elderberry Seed Oil has a real wealth of desirable antioxidants.
Anthocyanins are known to help most cells neutralise naturally occurring toxic free radicals. The effects of anthocyanins have been shown in research to be obtainable after topical application. Good news for skin! Anthocyanins are also thought to protect against cell damage (oxidation) and cancer (mutagenesis) induced by ultraviolet light (UV light). Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can help in wound healing, with adding gains from a role in enhancing other rejuvenating therapies such as pulsed light therapy. Not all sources of anthocyanins are created equal though, and different plant species exhibit different effects.
One particular source of antioxidants rich herbs is used in our product ‘Amoral Calm Blue Cleansing Balm’ with Butterfly Pea, whose colour is entirely from anthocyanins.
You may all know of vitamin E, but there are many other naturally occurring tocopherols e.g up to eight (separate tocopherols) that can be present in plant oils. For optimal antioxidant activity, naturally sourced tocopherols have greater free radical scavenging activity, than synthetic vitamin E.
Tocopherols are a class of naturally occurring chemical compounds that exhibit vitamin E activity and are used in skincare products due to their ability to protect the skin from free radical damage and strengthen the skin barrier. However isolated, and synthetically sourced vitamin E can also be unhelpful or even irritating.
Using whole oils that contain all the useful and related compounds, known as tocotrienols, means you get all the benefits of the vitamin E activity that they exhibit, but less likelihood of irritation. Their free radicals activity literally contribute to reducing signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
We choose Fruit and Flower Oils including Raspberry Seed Oil for their extra high levels of naturally occurring tocopherols, other than vitamin E, as well as ones containing vitamin E, and we only use naturally sourced vitamin E, and this may explain some of the positive effects of the oils seen on skin. Raspberry Seed Oil also helps carry other actives into the epidermis.
These are molecules that are present in human skin, and also found in plants. When used on the skin they are capable of neutralising several different kinds of attacks from free radicals, so their job is super special free radical scavenging activity, (These are attacks from the sun or environment pollutants) and can support the vital living functioning of the skins antioxidant activity.
Little studied in isolation, but are thought to modulate the production of radical oxygen scavenging in the wound microenvironment, as well as being active in accelerating the process of tissue repair. Triterpenes could also be involved in the process of cell migration, cell proliferation and collagen deposition, as well as inducing cell migration. It is not known exactly how they function in healing the skins keratinocytes and fibroblasts, but it is thought that they are a class of molecules worth studying for their role in skin repair.
There are metabolites, and a special class of second metabolites, that help to protect plants from environmental stress. These can occur naturally in abundance in micronutrient rich plant oils, and also contribute the same benefits to protecting skin from environmental stress.
Well proven for use in topical formulations, oils rich in these compounds are useful cosmetically, even when extracted, equipping the skin with these unique skin protecting properties.
These are micro constituents within the natural oils, with some oils such as Olive and Elderberry and Black Blackcurrant Seed Oil being particularly rich in this.
Phenolic acids are a group of phytonutrients which have considerable benefits to the skin and body with the presence of ‘Gallic acid’ is thought to play a role in reducing DNA damage with potent anti-aging actives. This is also known to promote ‘even’ skin tone by reducing the visibility of sunspots.
These exist in all plants and are made from sugar molecules that can soak up water and soothe dry tissue that is experiencing inflammation. Therefore soothing to the mucus membranes of the skin.
Most plants have high levels of vitamins, like beta carotene and vitamin C as well as vitamins B and E . Even lesser known plants will have useful vitamins, that can be utilised by the skin.
Plants can pull minerals from the soil and make them more absorbable by converting them into forms that the skin can utilise. Minerals are one of the main benefits plants offer toward medicine as they can help facilitate our ability to utilise things like silica which is anti-inflammatory.
These are actives like soap that actually can produce a lather when in water. They also mimic the structure of the body’s hormones such as eostrogen and cortisol. They are thought to help with lots of skin conditions by stimulating the immune system and moderating inflammatory response with some anti fungal activity useful for redness and rosacea.
]]>The way food is being grown to cope with the need for a large, constant and fast supply, has affected the practises of agriculture.
New methods of farming like flattening wildflower meadows, and blanket spraying insecticide, are being used instead of finding natural solutions to pests. To keep people fed we plant vast fields of monocultural single crops, and this has been very disturbing for the bee and insect populations.
Pollinators are already dealing with issues caused by climate change and building and development, forcing them out of their natural habitats. This means the loss of Insects that are absolutely crucial for crop pollination.
The end result could be scarcity of certain flowing fruits, and the total disappearance of some food species, that rely on pollination from wild bees, wasps, beetles, butterfly’s and bats. Choosing oils from more diverse flowing crops allows pollinators a chance to flourish.
It is absolutely crucial to be vocal about preventing the use of pesticides, with their blanket affect on all of nature, as we are killing things without even knowing their role in the eco system.
We have some amazing botanicals grown in the U.K. with incredibly skin nutritious qualities.
Looking at the fatty acid content of oils rather than the hype, means you can find amazing oils that work really well with similar benefits as the oils sourced from warmer climates.
For example Argan Oil is similar in fatty acid profile to Camelina Seed Oil which grows in the U.K. Camelina is hardy and naturally weed resistant, yet it still provides exactly the right nutrients to nourish your skin. its diversity and local sourcing can be hugely beneficial for the environment.
This Means choosing diverse ingredients that are grown sustainably and ethically, that also support your skin.
Purple fruits oils like Blackcurrant and Elderberry seed oils are by products of the fruit industry and offer twice the antioxidant capacity of many oils as they are packed with lipid soluble anthocyanins (antioxidants). These scavenge and mop up free radicals, helping to counteract the effects of weather and pollution induced damage to skin naturally.
Flower powered formulas like White Poppy Seed and Starflower Oil, combined can naturally contain the following constituents: Vitamin E, polyphenol's and Vitamin C, B and folic acid, to keep the skin hydrated, firmer, and healthy looking.
Certified Organic Thistle Seed Oil is sustainable and feature tocopherols other than vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and plenty of linoleic acid which helps regulate the skin and reduce acne problems, a much needed fatty acid that cannot be synthesised by the human body.
Corn Crowell Seed Oil had skin conditioning elements, from high levels of Linoleic and Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, (vitamin F), also known as an essential fatty acid (EFA), along with Stearadonic Acid (SDA’s) that makes the other fatty acids more active and easily absorbed.
The reason why these fatty acids are amazing is they contain natural skin identical ceramides and are thought to convert to prostaglandins when absorbed through the skin (PGE), which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.
]]>Bakuchiol is derived from seeds and leaves of the na chi plant or ‘Psoralea Corylifolia’, sometimes called “babchi” plant.
It’s a natural alternative to retinol that’s has been show to be a great line of skin defence against oxidative stress and inflammatory stress, it can stimulate collagen synthesis as well as activating anti-aging genes.
Traditionally Bakuchiol has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat skin diseases.
In a study, those that used bakuchiol twice a day for 12 weeks saw a significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, skin elasticity, and firmness. It also stimulated collagen production. This occurred without the problems typically associated with retinols which can include dryness and flakiness.
The sustainability of this plant is very much in question according to many internet sources. It seems it grows wild, and is as yet uncultivated. It’s been said that the clean beauty industry is sweeping up supply and competing with local use as a medicine for skin disorders.
We have also found reports that Psoralea Corylifolia is not an endangered species, According to the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), Bukichiol or Psoralea Corylifolia does not appear on the list of endangered species.
At this stage it seems to be hard to tell if this is an ethical and sustainable ingredient you should be using or not.
]]>Made with 70 % naturally derived certified organic ethanol alcohol (made from beets) with aromatherapy oils Tea Tree, Blue Tansy and Lemongrass. It features witch hazel and is a very effective fast drying hand cleanser with a fresh herbal scent - that can be kept handy for travelling and when you are unable to wash hands. Tea tree is amazing for everyday purposes, as an antiseptic and antiviral with well known and proven properties. It's often used topically to treat skin abrasions, acne, bug bites, and fungal problems.
Lemongrass is another essential oil with well known antibacterial properties, plus it combines well with tea tree to calm and support skin and has actives nerol and geraniol that help support tea tree as an antiseptic.
Blue Tansy is soothing and calming with chamazulene, which is a soothing antioxidant active that provides a beautiful herbal scent, and colour.
Love Absolute uses Ethanol Alcohol distilled in the U.K. and certified organic by the soil association. This is a cosmetic grade tdsa, and is one of the more popular sanitisers, because it is effective, and food grade.
Since it’s so effective at killing bacteria and microbes, many people are curious why 190 proof (or 95%) ethanol shouldn’t be used over 70% ethanol.
Ethanol is diluted to a 70% solution, to be more effective at killing microbes, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Ethanol has a quick drying time and does not leave a residual solvent. It is the safest method of sanitizing in any food or pharma setting as well as for hands.
Use with children should be supervised and like all of the above, it is flammable and should not be sprayed on or near heat or naked flames.
The water that has been mixed into the ethanol slows the drying time, creating a longer contact time. Ethanol needs to have a contact time of at least 10 seconds to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
After a 10 second drying time, ethanol kills:
Perfect for flu season and for protecting hands from viruses while travelling when you are out and about and unable to wash them. However, washing hands with soap and water and sneezing into a tissue and disposing into a bin is still the best way to protect yourself.
]]>With all the health advice headlines awash on the front pages of the press concerning viruses- you could easily be excused for panic buying masks and hand sanitiser products.
Many antibacterial hand sanitising products, can actually more harmful to you and the environment, than the germs you are hoping to control.
Products that contain triclosan or triclocarban, which is an ingredient that can also be found in soaps and even toothpaste, e.g. products labelled antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiseptic soaps were deemed to pose ‘unnecessary risks to health ‘ by the American FDA. These and 27 other chemicals were banned for use in these products, though some could be used in products licensed by drug companies as medication.
Using the wrong chemicals can actually cause the hands to quickly re-populate with bacteria after use, causing greater amounts of bacteria than before use, and have been shown to be ineffective in many cases.
The FDA has barred 28 ingredients from use on over-the-counter antiseptic rubs.
Tea tree oil is probably here because it’s so effective it’s been re classed as a medicine, and also because essential oi
With all the health advice headlines awash on the front pages of the press concerning viruses- you could easily be excused for panic buying masks and hand sanitiser products.
Many antibacterial hand sanitising products, can actually more harmful to you and the environment, than the germs you are hoping to control.
Products that contain triclosan or triclocarban, which is an ingredient that can also be found in soaps and even toothpaste, e.g. products labelled antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiseptic soaps were deemed to pose ‘unnecessary risks to health ‘ by the American FDA. These and 27 other chemicals were banned for use in these products, though some could be used in products licensed by drug companies as medication.
Using the wrong chemicals can actually cause the hands to quickly re-populate with bacteria after use, causing greater amounts of bacteria than before use, and have been shown to be ineffective in many cases.
The FDA has barred 28 ingredients from use on over-the-counter antiseptic rubs.
Tea tree oil is probably here because it’s so effective it’s been re classed as a medicine, and also because essential oils need to be used with care and properly diluted before use on skin.
Workers exposed to sanitisers containing ‘biocides’ have been found to be more at risk of thyroid cancer in addition. (Reuters)
Sanitisers may also contain ingredients such as : methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (synthetic sensitising chemicals etc) diazolidinyl urea or other chemical anti-microbe agents. None of which would be considered natural, and are things you should avoid exposure too, unless absolutely needed eg In a strict work hygiene protocol.
Simply replacing all the above with simple hand washing- soap and water is better for you, and is less likely to damage the skins own protective layer of sebum.
Rub hands together, under clean running water with soap, and continue to wash whilst counting to twenty, washing all the way up to your wrists and lower forearm.
According to research, washing hands for longer periods is not more effective and can start to dry out skin.
‘For those times in-between’ the only safe and effective sanitisers are made with food grade and cosmetic grade ethanol or tdsa.
Alcohol Hand Sanitisers are the most effective containing at least 60% -89% denatured alcohol
Properly formulated, these should work against most bacteria, some virus (including flu) however, not always effective against fungi or Nora virus or E. coli. (Soap and water is better!)
Alcohol is drying to skin, but a good formula will contain a small amount of glycerine and in medical settings, the type of mixture used in commercially produced sanitisers, is thought to be slightly less drying to skin, than the equivalent amount of hand washes needed!
Denatured alcohol usually needs a license for purchase in the Uk.
It evaporates too quickly, and does not allow the alcohol to penetrate the protein wall of bacteria, so may not work as well.
Safety-wise; bear in mind an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be kept away from all children in case they drink it, plus it could also be flammable (As is perfume) so be mindful where you spray it.
This kind of mixture can also be used to wipe down door handles, chair arms, nail files, and limited small work surface areas.
Essential oils like Lavender Tea Tree Peppermint Geranium Neroli Etc may be used in a commercial formulation at around 1% depending on the oil.
The advice for those making homemade sanitiser recipes is that these are best left out, due to the varying qualities of essential oils, and the need for extensive filtering to reduce aromatic carbons that might render the mix ineffective.
ls need to be used with care and properly diluted before use on skin.Workers exposed to sanitisers containing ‘biocides’ have been found to be more at risk of thyroid cancer in addition. (Reuters)
Sanitisers may also contain ingredients such as : methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (synthetic sensitising chemicals etc) diazolidinyl urea or other chemical anti-microbe agents. None of which would be considered natural, and are things you should avoid exposure too, unless absolutely needed eg In a strict work hygiene protocol.
Simply replacing all the above with simple hand washing- soap and water is better for you, and is less likely to damage the skins own protective layer of sebum.
Rub hands together, under clean running water with soap, and continue to wash whilst counting to twenty, washing all the way up to your wrists and lower forearm.
According to research, washing hands for longer periods is not more effective and can start to dry out skin.
‘For those times in-between’ the only safe and effective sanitisers are made with food grade and cosmetic grade ethanol or tdsa.
Alcohol Hand Sanitisers are the most effective containing at least 60% -89% denatured alcohol
Properly formulated, these should work against most bacteria, some virus (including flu) however, not always effective against fungi or Nora virus or E. coli. (Soap and water is better!)
Alcohol is drying to skin, but a good formula will contain a small amount of glycerine and in medical settings, the type of mixture used in commercially produced sanitisers, is thought to be slightly less drying to skin, than the equivalent amount of hand washes needed!
Denatured alcohol usually needs a license for purchase in the Uk.
It evaporates too quickly, and does not allow the alcohol to penetrate the protein wall of bacteria, so may not work as well.
Safety-wise; bear in mind an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be kept away from all children in case they drink it, plus it could also be flammable (As is perfume) so be mindful where you spray it.
This kind of mixture can also be used to wipe down door handles, chair arms, nail files, and limited small work surface areas.
Essential oils like Lavender Tea Tree Peppermint Geranium Neroli Etc may be used in a commercial formulation at around 1% depending on the oil.
The advice for those making homemade sanitiser recipes is that these are best left out, due to the varying qualities of essential oils, and the need for extensive filtering to reduce aromatic carbons that might render the mix ineffective.
]]>Acne skin conditions are often treated incorrectly by damaging skin more, rather than looking to balance and calm the skin, whilst providing the nourishment and vitamins skin may be lacking.
We take the holistic view that creating a gentle and healing skin regime, combined with healthier eating and drinking more water, alongside proper medical advice, will reduce symptoms, stage by stage.
Although acne may well be triggered by hormonal changes occurring naturally within an individual as their hormones develop, or during monthly menses, good care and nourishment of the skin can reduce some of the symptoms.
Acne can be linked with stress, as stress can affect digestion, which affects gut health, and subsequent absorption from foods.
Going to a GP and getting a dermatologist to identify the causes and type of acne, plus talking through treatment options, is the wisest first step. Being well informed about your choice of treatment plan, is essential. Then you can choose how to trial and combine prescriptions, holistic skincare options, and healthier life style choices.
Increasing your daily fruit and vegetables intake and eating more whole grained foods like brown rice and own bread, whilst decreasing fast carbs and sugars from cakes, sweets or fried foods will help improve your overall health. Drinking more water around the week before or at the onset of periods, can help dilute the hormones causing skin issues, if skin breakouts tend to time with your periods. For boys a similar rush of hormones may occur at times, so drinking more water may help flush through the system.
Drinking enough water overall is a cure all for many health conditions, e.g. 15 cups for a Male 11 Cups for a female spread out over your day. You only need a cup and 1/2 to re hydrate yourself fully when you remember!
Acne skin is often low in much needed linoleic acids. So replacing these acids, and creating a healthy skin environment is also important.
Cleansing should be gentle, with a PH balanced approach, absolutely no scrubbing, or excessive exfoliation, as this will only prompt skin to react by producing more oil to protect itself. Some skin will react even to fingers touching it by producing oil, so it’s best to avoid touching skin a lot.
A gentle wash in the morning will suffice with a product like Deep Ocean Facial Mud Bar, which you lather between the hands and use a little of the lather to wash skin, and then rinse. This would be fine to use at night also, to remove pollution and daily grime before sleep.
This cleansing bar has healing ‘Ocean Clay Maris Limus’ which has been shown to reduce sebum production by 95 % in clinical studies - and more importantly is otherwise gentle enough to do no harm.
Our product Salvation Angel Clay, has a blend of clays (Green Blue and Healing Sea Clay Maris Limus) which over time we have found through our own research, to be the best at healing up skin problems.
Our clays are gentle and do not make skin red or irritate it.
Mix with a little water and spread with a mask brush into the areas that need a deep cleanse, e.g. the T panel, around the nose and chin etc. Use the mask brush to work into the pores gently. Only a thin layer is needed, and remember clays are activated with water but do not need to be very thick. You can leave the clay for 10 minutes to dry on the skin or rinse it off before it is completely dry. Rinse away with a warm clean flannel, and lukewarm water. You can rinse clay off with your hands but this takes a little longer.
It is possible to use the clay in your hand, and just use a little to clean your skin everyday, and rinse immediately e.g. using the clay as a powder wash.
After cleansing, always use a clean dry towel to pat dry, and then moisturise with a non-comedogenic product like ‘Immortal Flower Cream’ which has a balanced blend of essential fatty acids and is a ‘High Linoleic Oil’ product with no pore congesting ingredients. It’s rich in micronutrients that will support the health of the skin flora, and help restore the acid mantle.
This cream also has a little salicylic acid as part of its preservation system and has 7 fruit and flower seed oils which have a balanced blend of micronutrients but are exclusively high in polyunsaturated fatty acids that do not trigger permeable skin conditions.
As skin starts to improve with a basic cleansing routine and twice a week masking, plus nutritious hydration, you could add a High Linoleic Vitamin C Oil like Radiance Oil to improve the levels of fatty acids in the skin. This oil has very active fatty acids that the skin can absorb. When using a facial oil on oily skin, cleanse and then apply a few drops of the oil, and allow several minutes to let it soak in, massaging lightly. if your skin does not absorb all of the oil, blot lightly with a clean tissue, and apply moisturiser over this to aid the absorption.
In many cases acne skin is also dry in patches, which shows its need for love and care rather than a stripping or harsh approach. You can tell if your skin is ready for an oil serum like radiance oil, simply by the way your skin absorbs the oil.
Offering skin a chance to replenish itself can help the overall health, improving skin naturally as it takes the vitamins it needs from the products you use, rather than trying to fix conditions symptom by symptom. Our products are handmade and natural and have not been clinically tested, though many of our ingredients have, so we really welcome any feedback and thoughts from you as to how things have worked.
]]>
English grown wild fruit and flower oils are very sustainable, with good soil and crop diversity means a healthier countryside, and a verifiable supply chain, short travel time and greener product overall.
This results in more premium oils with an especially high inclusion of fatty acids from UK innovation.
Soulful Spice Cleansing Balm with English Wild Flower Oils.
Blackcurrant (Rubus Nigrum) has shown an improvement to skin barrier functioning through reduction TEWL by around 20%.
It also helps reduce skin redness, improve smoothness, firmness and elasticity.
Good for sensitive, mature and all dry skin types that need prolonged effective moisturising treatments.
English elderberries have five times as many anthocyanins then blueberries and twice the antioxidant capacity of cranberries and has been used to treat burns.
Boasts a rich silky feel whilst being readily absorbed, non-greasy.
Studies demonstrate it increases skin smoothness and elasticity, provides natural emollience, reduces TEWL and is superior to other oil seeds because of its rich fatty acid content in an ideal ratio for skin care in conjunction with micronutrients.
Photo by VICUSCHKA@photocase.com
Very effective in reducing Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) making the skin feel smoother, softer and more supple it’s a versatile and effective natural emollient rich in Essential Fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Cold pressed and optimized for cosmetic applications. ECOCERT Natural certified, proven non-irritating.
English Poppy Seed oil significantly improves skin hydration, firmness and elasticity.
Camelina has a much lighter odour and taste compared to flax oil, making it an ideal alternative source of plant derived Omega 3’s .
Independent skin studies show Camelina Oil will reduce skin redness through topical application, and this makes it an ideal natural ingredient to reduce skin irritation.
The beautiful star-shaped purple flower of this Oil Seed crop earns Borage it’s other name ‘Starflower oil’.
Rich in Essential Fatty Acids and in particular it is the richest commercial plant source of GLA, an Omega 6 Fatty Acid which is a key ‘building brick’ in production of the body’s regulatory hormones; it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dry/damaged skin tissue and particularly good at reducing wrinkles around the eye.
English Borage is a Bee Friendly crop as it helps support a healthy bee population with a higher yield produced following pollination.
In a moisturising study, Borage oil significantly improved hydration over a 12-hour period study compared to an untested area.
Hydration was immediate, yet long lasting, meaning there is a longer term benefit after use.
English Starflower oil has enhanced skin moisturising properties compared to other natural oils.
Comes from the seeds of Bugloss ides Arvensis, a plant grown exclusively in the UK.
This is an oil with a totally unique lipid profile.
It has the most potent natural combined source of two ‘skin active’ Fatty Acids gamma linoleic acid and stearodonic acid of any plant oil, which provide amazing skin nutrition and protection in a more active and absorbable way.
Research show’s that Arvensis oil, improves skin hydration, increases and sustains firmness and elasticity, helps reduce skin inflammation and reduces wrinkles.
A novel crop that is grown in areas of Essex and Yorkshire. It is unique because of its high levels of SDA, an immediate Omega 3 precursor to EPA, the fatty acid more commonly found in fish oils and which regulates the body’s inflammatory response.
Echium oil has been shown to reduce skin redness and to have a positive effect on wrinkle reduction, it is especially suited for use after-sun and for dry skin as well as for replenishing older and drier skin types.
A relatively new cosmetic ingredient that has a unique skin-feel, combining a light texture with enhanced slip properties, without feeling too greasy; this is attributed to its special lipid profile. Crambe oil has superior stability compared to other oils and this combined with its enhanced slip properties make it an ideal natural alternative to mineral oils and silicones.
Trials carried out by UK formulation experts have identified that English Crambe oil helps protect the skin surface from drying whilst improving barrier function. Application of the oil directly to the skin leaves it feeling softer and smoother whilst not drying out as quickly as some other oils.
All sourced from a Bee Friendly supplier which means the bees live in the fields with the crops, and promote a longer season for bees and other pollinators as late summer crops.
Sustainable soil diversity and crop diversity means a healthier countryside, and verifiable supply chain.
]]>You are a literal mini galaxy of muscle, organs, glands, cells, atoms and space. In a symphony and constellation unique to you.
Laid out end to end and unravelled, your blood vessels alone would span 100,000 miles further than the North Pole.
Your breath is automatic and many body systems function, without any thoughts or direction from you.
Most of us are unaware of the miracle and cooperative nature of our body systems, operating beneath the consciousness.
It’s possible to stay up top in the ivory tower, completely cut off from the body, cut off from it’s sensations and the body’s intelligence. It’s possible to stay up top, shouting out telling your self off and setting off signals... in the endocrine system like mini alarms... fire, something bad will happen, I hate you, there’s no time, work harder, no!
The body then reacts with tension, adrenaline and a constantly activated sympathetic nervous system, and gets ready to run, fight or flight.
Stand back a little bit from panicky thoughts and consider becoming a kinder more positive coach to yourself.
In order to try to remember to speak to your body like a positive coach, think how you would support and talk to your friends.
Be encouraging and helpful eg: you can do this... I believe in you... not long now... what a great body... I trust you... let’s work together... I’ll always take care of you... thanks for running me around all day.
The body uses hormones to prepare for action; and more hormones to deescalates and calm down.
Reassuring yourself more, can help the body systems switch hormones on and off more smoothly, as your body starts trusting the situation is safe.
Sensations in the body and the energy centres over the glands (chakras) are often far better indicators and decision makers, in judging the wisdom of any action.
Sensations in the body are the psychic antennas of what you are comfortable or uncomfortable with. Check in with them... Get out of your head and into your body... Quick Body Scan...
Start by taking a deep breath all the way into your feet. Feel your feet supporting you, the ground holding you up. Continue to breathe and focus on each area starting at the feet working from the ground up.
Squeeze relax and breathe into your feet and bring attention to them. Squeeze and relax the calves... the thighs... the tummy...
Work your way up through every part of the body, paying attention to the sensations in this part once you relax. If you struggle to relax, clench muscles, release, then breathe in again checking in with every part of yourself.
If you reach any part that is uncomfortable, breathe into this part, and ask what your body wants and what your body needs. The answer may pop into your head then or later.
Continue to scan each part of the body right up to the head all the time focusing on the body and how it is feeling.
Remember to squeeze and relax the muscles of the face, nose and forehead. Then breathe into these areas and check how you are feeling. By doing a body scan, every time you need to calm or relax yourself you can ensure you are not holding tension and feelings inside.
]]>Insects are a massive and vital aspect of our eco system.
A recent assessment in the Journal of Biological Conservation analyses the reduction in insects and argues that within the century we could lose all insects. Like a mass extinction event.
Specifically in Germany and Brazil it seems 40% of insect species are declining, though there are some species gaining ground. However, 33% of insect species are now endangered.
What is worrying is there is a very fast rate of extinction occurring, it’s thought to be faster than the extinction occurring in other species such as mammals, birds and reptiles. The total mass of insects is falling by 2.5% a year, according to the best data available, suggesting they could easily be gone within a century.
We are happy to have chosen English biodiverse novel oilseed crops for our formulations and products, from a supplier that is a member of the Bee Friendly Trust.
Their objective is to increase habitats for all pollinators and to promote biodiverse crops that allow late seasons for bees and other pollinators. These include flies, moths, bats wasps and some flower beetles.
Many of these novel crops rely on insect pollination, and play a key role in sustaining a healthy bee colony during the late summer months, a time other commercial crops have already been harvested.
There is a strong mutual interdependence between the bee and the plant, with a trade-off of nectar for pollination. Our suppliers also get honey from the borage (Starflower).
Flies are the second most frequent visits to many crops after bees. They have a vital roll in pollination, and many farmers are now trying to attract flies by hanging up fly attracting blends of pungent and decaying matter to draw in the flies like the blow fly, that is normally attracted by the smell of rotting fruit.
Oil seeds such as English starflower, English grown Camelina and English Avensis oil rely on insect pollination and help local ecosystems by supporting a healthy Bee population.
The bees live in the fields with the crops and are mutually dependant. RBIs is healthier than trucking bees around. Ensuring the fields are healthy enough to support the bees helps to support other insects.
Single crops have taken over the landscape and they create a lack of diversity, it’s has recently been found that this lack of diversity attracts insects, leading to more pesticide use.
The mechanisms are little understood but a recent study alludes to a concept that a farm field growing a variety of plants, tends to attract fewer insect pests than a field growing just one type of crop.
This is thought to be to do with what the insects need to eat eg their nutritional needs. The insects need a variety of different things to eat too! More plant diversity can actually lead to better pest control throughout farmland.
This monoculture and lack of diverse flower crops from the countryside has played its part in insect decline and the loss of U.K. bees and pollinators.
]]>We use biodiverse and sustainable, speciality novel oilseed crops grown in the UK, and organic ingredients.
Sustainability and environmental considerations are built into what we do.
These crops are good for soil diversity.
Our Essential Oils and Flower Absolutes are Organic or from a leaping bunny cert supplier.
Organic essential oils are restricted in the methods that can be used to extract them, to gentler and better extraction methods.
Most of our emulsifiers (Creams) are coconut-derived and in emulsifiers where palm oil is used in small quantities, or might be present, the suppliers are signed up to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
You will notice with our essential oils, we opt for organic and sustainably grown options, especially in cases where a tree is under threat.
Any questions please message us.
]]>