Beauty Naturally
Beauty comes from the inside out. Anyone looking for bright, clear, smooth skin and strong, shiny hair and nails should first look for the answers in the nutrients that are going into their body – as well as the toxins.
Cosmetics is big business. The average woman uses 12 toiletries every day, equating to direct contact with approximately 175 chemical compounds per day, all applied to highly sensitive areas. Of course, many of the 175 compounds will be safe; but if even one or two are toxic, this kind of frequency of contact could lead to trouble. The UK organisation Chemical Safe Skincare has put two widely used cosmetic chemicals high on the “Must Avoid” list: parabens and phthalates. Parabens are antimicrobial preservatives used in deodorants, creams, body sprays, and many other cosmetics. Phthalates are found in deodorant, perfume, nail polish, and hair spray. Their use has also been linked to lung, liver, and kidney damage. Both chemicals have been linked to disruption of normal hormone function and increased cancer risk.
So the cost of beauty products may be even higher than their considerable price-tags. Wouldn’t it be much better to stay clear of these products, save money, and let the condition of our skin and hair be an expression of our good health?
The difficulty is that foods we ate as little as 100 years ago had 10 times the nutrients they do today. In order for farmers to survive financially, they’re driven to overuse the soil. This has depleted the minerals that once enriched the produce that we consume. Couple that with the fact that your blood ships most of the nutrients from food to the other major organs before the skin, and it’s easy to see why your diet – as part of a beauty regime – deserves special attention.
Here we discuss some of the natural means to youthful, radiant skin, hair and nails.
In addition to the holistic approach to beauty we recommend, we have also carefully picked a range of natural, 100% organic, non-GM skincare products to offer people who use these kinds of creams and tonics but would like to avoid the harmful chemicals and toxins. They compare favourably on price too. We do thoroughly recommend making this switch. You can view the range by clicking here.
Nutrition and Beauty
Nourishing your body from the inside out begins with eating healthy, exercising and making sure your body is receiving the correct amounts of nutrients, vitamins and minerals; as well as minimal toxins. This isn’t as hard as it sounds.
Our “blanket” tips for maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails are basically the same as we’d recommend for anyone looking to improve their health. These are as follows:
- Be aware of emotional factors that influence your health and your habits… and try to find a good way to deal with them. Meditation works for some, sports works for others, and counseling works for others still. Whatever works for you is right.
- Get regular sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is so important for your health and the best source of it is direct skin exposure to the sun. So long as you are sensible and living healthily otherwise, it will not damage your skin.
- Drink water. Plenty of water.
- Avoid toxins. Smoking, drinking, chemical exposure, pollution, processed foods – just be careful about what you put in your body.
- Eat the right fats. Generally, these are fats that you would have come across in pre-industrial times e.g. fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil, butter. In fact, apply that to all the foods you eat. If it wouldn’t have been recognised as food 100 years ago, do not put it in your mouth!
- Cut out sugar. It’s beyond the scope of this article to describe what happens in your body when you eat sugar. Trust us – it’s no good.
- Make sure your diet includes fresh foods and raw foods… with lots of colourful vegetables. Try to find fresh, local produce. You will feel the difference, save money, support local farmers, and save the environment.
- Exercise. Unfortunately, you can’t avoid this. It’s so good for you. Just 3 good sessions a week (... or more!).
- Get plenty of sleep. 5 hours a night is enough for some, 10 hours is what others need. Just make sure that you are getting what you need; and that the sleep you get is good quality, uninterrupted sleep.
Following these basic principles will help you look – and feel – your best. However, you may want to focus on some of the key nutrients that play a role in the health of your skin, hair and nails. More information on those nutrients and the foods from which you can obtain them follows.
After this list of nutrients is our guide to natural, organic skincare products.
Vitamin C
In addition to fighting colds and flu by supporting your immune system, vitamin C can help enhance the overall health of your skin. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a highly effective antioxidant, meaning that it neutralises and protects your body against free radicals – unstable molecules that age the skin.
Another big plus for vitamin C: it is a critical component for the production of collagen, an essential skin protein. If collagen is not produced, your skin will sag and appear dull. By increasing the production of collagen, vitamin C strengthens the structural support and resiliency of your skin. Collagen is equally critical for connective tissue in organs, bones, teeth – virtually everywhere in the body. Adding a healthy dose of vitamin C to your diet can help you feel better, reduce wrinkles, and improve your overall skin quality.
Fruits and berries are excellent natural sources, as well as squash, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli.
Please click here for more on vitamin C or to place an order
Vitamin A
Vitamin A assists the immune system, helps protect against pollution and a range of diseases. It also assists your sense of taste, eyesight, as well as helping the digestive and urinary tract. It is also a powerful antioxidant and helps slow aging.
As with vitamin C, the antioxidant properties of vitamin A help neutralise the free radicals that cause aging. Vitamin A is also required for development and maintenance of the epithelial cells in the skin and mucus cells, and is important in the formation of bone and teeth, storage of fat and the synthesis of protein and glycogen.
A 2007 study by the University of Michigan Medical School found that skin biopsies from people using vitamin A revealed an increased the production of glycosaminoglycan and procollagen, structural components of the skin which reduce fine wrinkles and improve appearance. With greater production of compounds that form new skin, vitamin A is also likely to help skin withstand injury and ulcer formation.
It is important not to take too much vitamin A, as it may lead to toxicity in high doses, and hinder the absorption of the all-important vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs, oily fish (such as mackerel), milk, fortified margarine and yogurt. Liver is also a rich source of vitamin A. But, because it’s such a rich source, if you already eat it every week, you might want to choose not to have it more often. If you’re pregnant, you should avoid eating liver because of the amount of vitamin A it contains.
Vitamin E
This potent antioxidant offers so many benefits. As well as promoting the regulation of vitamin A – another essential nutrient for your skin cells – it supports the regeneration of skin. It is used to avoid stretch marks, reducing age spots, improve skin moisturisation, and to prevent and treat burns. It also helps protect against damage from UV rays and pollution; and may help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Vitamin E is fat soluble, meaning you need some fat in your diet to absorb it. This is one reason why the skin of people on low fat diets may suffer.
Good sources of vitamin E include milk, eggs, spinach, avocado, asparagus, whole-grains, nuts and seeds.
Please click here for more on vitamin E or to place an order
Zinc
Zinc is a very valuable mineral. There is a range of ways in which it could help skin. Zinc is required for the synthesis of collagen, which in turn is a requirement for the healing of skin wounds, so can be used to help heal bed sores, skin ulcers, cold sores, canker sores, surgical incisions, burns, and a variety of other skin irritations. It is often used to help heal acne blemishes, reduce inflammation caused by acne, and reduce androgenic hormonal effects on skin that contribute to acne breakouts (or in other words help regulate the skin’s oil gland activity).
Zinc also helps sooth the skin from itching, rashes, and moist skin conditions such as diaper rash. As a mild astringent, zinc helps shrink, constrict, or tighten body tissues – including the skin.
Good sources of Zinc include Shellfish, liver, beef, lamb, oxtail, nuts, whole-grains, seeds and hard cheese.
Please click here for more on Zinc or to place an order
Selenium
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. It helps to protect skin from sun damage, and has been shown to be effective against some cancers, including that of the skin.
Raw Brazil nuts are an outstanding source of Selenium.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fats
Omega-3 fats are essential fatty acids, vital for the proper functioning of every cell in your body – including the skin. They play a significant role in reducing inflammation in our bodies, and also ensuring the good health of our skin, hair and nails.
Studies have shown a lessening of wrinkles after three months of Omega-3 fish oil supplementation, and an improvement in skin firmness. Flax Seed Oil is high in Omega-3 fats but is slightly lower in DHA, which is highly beneficial. One of the main fats in Omega 3 fish oil supplements in DHA, or Docosahexaenoic Acid. This is the primary polyunsatured fat in Omega-3s that is of benefit to our bodies and our skin.
Omega-3 fats also help replenish fats lost in the skin causing skin dryness or excessive flaking, helping keep skin moist and supple. This is useful for everyone, particularly those experiencing skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. All these also benefit from the anti inflammatory qualities of fish oil. Omega-3 fats are also effective for those suffering from dry or brittle hair and nails.
Most people already consume too high a proportion of Omega-6 fats against Omega-3 – instead of the recommended 1:1 ratio, 25:1 is common, and it’s not unusual to find as much as 50 Omega-6 to 1 Omega-3. So we don’t advise supplementation of Omega-6.
Fish are an excellent source of Omega-3 fats.
Please click here for more on Flax Seed Oil or to place an order
B vitamins
Biotin is a B vitamin that’s needed for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are essential for the production of energy and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It forms the basis of skin, nail and hair cells. Without biotin, certain enzymes do not work properly and various complications can occur involving the skin, intestinal tract, and nervous system. Skin conditions can be a symptom of a deficiency; and it has been indicated to be relevant for hair loss.
Good sources of B vitamins include meat, poultry, tuna, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, beans, nutritional yeast, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, brown rice, wheat germ, and whole-grains.
Please click here for more on B vitamins or to place an order
Ubiquinol CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell’s major energy source and drives a number of biological processes. It is also a powerful antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that cause damage within the body, alter cell membranes, and tamper with DNA. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
CoQ10 in its Ubiquinol form is well suited for anyone over the age of 25, as increasingly they will have difficulty making use of regular CoQ10.
Good sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats and whole-grains.
Please click here for more on Ubiquinol CoQ10 or to place an order
MSM
MSM enhances the effectiveness of antioxidants and other bioflavenoids, which supports your skin, hair and nails. Together with Vitamin C (a free radical scavenger), MSM helps the body build healthy new cells; it keeps skin more elastic and reduces scar tissue and wrinkles; and helps the hair and nails grow stronger and faster. It also combats the cross-linkage of collagen, which is associated with aging.
Good sources include meat, milk, fish, eggs, cheese and yogurt.
Please click here for more on MSM or to place an order
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a very helpful herb. It helps promote milk secretion and is safe to use by breastfeeding mothers. Apart from promoting lactation, it can also be used to increase the secretion of flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder and can be used in all problems associated with the gall bladder as it contains the chemical substance silymarin, which has a regenerative effect. By stimulating the growth of new liver cells, silymarin promotes self-repair in a damaged liver.
Since the skin is a major organ of elimination, reducing the amount of toxins expelled through the skin by supporting the liver is highly recommended for chronic skin problems. Milk thistle’s liver-supporting properties make it an excellent choice for skin health.
Please click here for more on Milk Thistle or to place an order
Acidophilus probiotics
Lackluster skin may be a reflection of a compromised intestinal tract. Probiotics can keep skin radiant by fortifying the digestive system and minimising yeast overgrowth.
Natural live yogurt is a good source of healthy bacteria.
Please click here for more on our probiotics or to place an order
Natural, Organic Skincare
The skincare range we stock is better for your skin and your body – and compare favourably in price with other high-end cosmetic products.
Face Balm for Nighttime Use
This highly moisturising balm has been especially formulated for mature or dry skin. For best results apply before going to sleep.
With the goodness of…
Macadamia, Carrot & Evening Primrose Oils – antioxidant and regenerating
Lavender – soothing, calming, restorative and cytophylactic (promotes cell regeneration)
Sesame, Sunflower & Evening Erimrose oils – containing Vitamins E, A, D and F, all antioxidants
Please click here for more on this nighttime face balm or to place an order
Floral Water Facial Toner
Excellent skin toner. Also good for removing Inlight Organic Face Cleanser or as an instant freshener or cleanser during the day, for both face and body.
With the goodness of…
Rose & cornflower floral waters – toning and astringent
Lavender floral water – cytophylactic (promotes cell regeneration)
Grapefruit seed extract – antiseptic
Please click here for more on this floral facial toner or to place an order
Face Oil for Daytime Use
WINNER – ‘Best Facial Oil’ in the Natural Health Beauty Awards 2009
Suitable for all skin types including the most sensitive or delicate. Easily absorbed, an excellent daytime moisturiser and protector during the winter. Ideal as a base for make-up. An excellent aftershave for men as well.
With the goodness of…
Jojoba & Evening Primrose Oils – nourishing, rich in Vitamin E, antioxidant
Rose Hip Oil – rich in essential fatty acids and transretinoic acid to regenerate
skin and promote healing
Blue Mallow & Lavender – soothing and anti-inflammatory
Please click here for more on this daytime face oil or to place an order
Cleansing Make-up Removing Balm
A deep skin cleanser with a mild exfoliant action which removes the outer layer of dirt and dead cells.
Suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive, or with acne, rosacea etc.
With the goodness of…
Coconut Oil – moisturises and nourishes
Shea Butter – promotes elasticity
Green Tea – astringent, antioxidant
Clove Bud & Rosemary Essential Oils – antibacterial and purifying
Ginger – stimulates and tones
Please click here for more on this cleansing make-up removing balm or to place an order
Further Information
If you would like any further information on any of these issues or products or if you would like to discuss your individual needs, then please telephone 01730 233 414.
