Health Blog
Health Blog
Lycopene for the skin – why you turn red before you tan
Do you turn red before you tan, no matter how careful you are in the sun? Then it’s not just about sun protection or skin type, but about how the skin reacts to UV radiation. In this article, we explain how lycopene, an antioxidant naturally found in tomatoes among other things, can affect the skin’s response to the sun, why some people turn redder than others, and what you can do to give your skin better conditions for the summer.
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Do you feel swollen in your body? It could be related to the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is an important part of the body's circulation, immune defense, and fluid balance. Learn more about how lymph flow works, why the body can feel swollen, and what you can do to support circulation.
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Thinner hair or increased hair loss? What it could indicate about your health
Thinning hair is often due to a combination of hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Learn more about what can affect hair growth and how nutrients like protein, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins can support hair from within.
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Physical or chemical sun protection - what is the difference?
I continue in the spirit of the sun about sun protection. Clothing and hats/caps are undoubtedly the best sun protection. Babies and small children should be kept away from direct strong sun. But if you want to protect yourself with sun products, how do you choose? Chemical or physical protection? Of course, I think you should choose physical protection. Examples of this can be clothing or sun products that contain particles (titanium dioxide) that reflect the sun’s rays. Chemical sun protection contains chemicals that convert the wavelength (energy) of the sun’s rays. These chemicals often contain amines that can form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Moreover, studies show that about 9% of the amount of chemical sun protection you apply to your body ends up in your urine. This means the chemicals are absorbed by the skin and enter the body. What they do inside the body on the way out is unknown. I wonder where the remaining 91% goes. So the big difference is that chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the body, while physical ones remain on the skin. However, you should be cautious of finely milled physical particles in nano size. Read more about that here. Sun cream for babies and children Again, clothing is the best option, but if you want to complement with sun cream, only physical sun protection applies here. Adults’ livers are fully developed and can break down chemicals much better than children’s. Therefore, for several years there has been a recommendation to only apply physical sun protection to babies and children. At the risk of sounding repetitive, I must emphasize the importance of avoiding nanoparticles for the little ones. Eco Cosmetics has a children’s sun cream that is also suitable for children under 1 year. Physical protection with titanium dioxide (without nanoparticles). Different UV rays There are 3 groups of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC radiation is absorbed and filtered by the ozone layer, so it is UVA and UVB we need to protect ourselves against. UVA UVA penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, affects the skin’s melanin, and makes us tan. UVA does not burn the skin but causes premature aging and can damage the underlying tissue. Many studies show that UVA radiation can also promote the development of skin cancer. UVA is not filtered at all by clouds. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it may be wise to protect your face year-round. UVB UVB radiation affects the outer tissue of the skin and causes pigment cells to produce more pigment and the epidermis to thicken. This is an important protective mechanism for our skin. UVB is also the radiation that burns the skin. Intense or prolonged exposure to UVB rays makes the skin red and burned. Unlike UVA, UVB rays are reduced and filtered by clouds in the sky. UVC Very dangerous (lethal) radiation filtered by the ozone layer. However, there are still tanning lamps that emit small amounts of UVC. UVC rays are used, among other things, in healthcare to remove dead tissue. There is no sun protection standard for UVC. Claiming that a sun cream protects against UVC is a false sales argument. SPF (sun protection factor) and labels A rather confusing label, in my opinion. This UVA label shows that a sun protection product protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. The EU’s recommendations are that protection against UVA should be 1/3 of that against UVB. The EU recommends that a UVA symbol should be printed on the packaging to show that this protection is achieved. This UVA label is usually found on sun protection products made in an EU country. Titanium dioxide protects against both UVA and UVB. Example SPF 2: Means it lets through 50% (100/2) of UVB light. You can therefore stay in the sun twice as long compared to time without sun protection. Example SPF 10: Lets through 10% (100/10) of UVB light. And so on. SPF for a sun protection product must be at least 6. The highest protection is 50+. Claiming that a product provides 100% sun protection is incorrect (and illegal). Remember to use sun protection with a high SPF when you are at your palest. Switch to one with a lower SPF when you have a tan or dilute your existing sun protection product with cream/lotion/oil. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, e.g., cycling year-round, a face cream with SPF can be a good idea since clouds do not filter out UVA rays.
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Lymphatic Drainage for the Face - Step-by-Step Guide
It is very popular to do lymphatic massage by dry brushing the body. But now it has also become popular to do lymphatic massage/drainage on the face, which is what we will look at more closely now. The lymphatic system The main tasks of the lymph are to fight infections and to transport away waste products. Therefore, it is important that the lymph does not stagnate. Common symptoms of stagnation or problems with the lymphatic system include: fluid swelling impure and swollen skin cellulite headaches sleep problems tension in the neck Causes of lymphatic system problems can be many, but usually include too little physical activity, poor diet, poor gut health, stress, smoking, drinking too little water, etc. The best way to tackle the problem is to start exercising (gentle movement exercises), drink more water, etc., but you can also help the lymph along with lymphatic drainage. If you want to read more about the lymphatic system, you can do so here. Why do lymphatic drainage? What is it good for? For (skin) cells to get nutrients and tissues to remain healthy, smooth, and firm, the exchange of nutrients and waste must be unhindered. The lymph is the body's cleaning system. It fights infections, removes old damaged or foreign cells, and toxins/waste products. From a skincare perspective, the lymph has another important function: it transports fat to our cells from the small intestine. When lymph flow is slowed, excess fluid accumulates in the tissue. You become swollen and cell cleansing does not work. Over time, you can also develop cellulite and the internal cleansing of, for example, acne works less effectively because the lymph has a harder time fighting the bacteria. How does it work? (What is it about) Since the lymphatic system lacks a pump like the heart is for the blood system, we must keep moving for the lymph to do its job. All lymph vessels have valves that make the lymph flow in one direction, so it is important to always work with the lymph, not against it. You open all lymphatic gates with circular motions and then guide the lymph through light strokes with the brush from the center of the face outward. How to do lymphatic drainage on the face Lymphatic drainage on the face can be done in different ways. We will go through how you can do it with a soft brush or a gua sha stone. Lymphatic drainage with a brush c/o mineral makeup's kabuki brush is truly perfect for dry brushing the face. It is soft and gentle on the skin while having a suitably dense "body" that ensures the pressure is well balanced and not too hard. Shorter and denser kabuki brushes can become too stiff, while sparser brushes apply too little pressure. Instructional image for lymph drainage on the face with a soft brush. Remember to work with small, gentle movements. The skin and brush should be dry and free from makeup and dirt. Repeat each movement six times (or as many times as feels good). Lymphatic drainage with a brush is suitable for sensitive and delicate skin and is a good way to counteract blockages and stimulate lymph circulation in the face. The easiest way to do lymphatic drainage is during your mineral makeup routine. A few minutes with these extra movements helps prevent stagnation and swelling. Always start just above the collarbone. Work from the center outward. Then brush the neck from top to bottom. Brush the chin, from the center outward and slightly upward. Continue upward on the face by brushing from the center outward, then with micro-stimulation on the edges of the face by rotating the brush upward and outward. This helps stimulate the lymphatic gate to open. When you have brushed the forehead, you have released any blockages. Brush downward in the same way and finish where you started, just above the collarbone. This stimulates and guides the lymph flow in the right direction and helps drain lymph from the face’s various lymph nodes. Lymphatic drainage with a gua sha stone Facial massage with a gua sha stone is mainly done to stimulate blood circulation, reduce tension, and help drain lymph into the lymph nodes. Here we focus on stimulating the lymph flow. Gua sha stones are recommended for those who want quick results and to lift the face. Instructional image for lymphatic drainage on the face with a gua sha stone. The very best gua sha stone for the face is Lahja from Yin Your Skin. It has shapes that suit different faces equally well. Try the stone’s different sides and shapes to find the perfect pressure and contact with your face’s surface. Work with gentle, slow stroking motions. The skin and gua sha stone should be clean of makeup and dirt. Gua sha massage should always be done on skin moisturized with facial oil. Repeat each movement at least six times (preferably more). Always start with the neck. Since we have lymph nodes both under the jawline and above the collarbones, you can stroke the gua sha stone either upward or downward. Just choose one direction. It’s fine to start with upward strokes and finish with downward strokes. The advantage of upward strokes is that the skin gets a lift. The advantage of downward strokes on the neck is that the lymph still flows downward through the body. Then stroke the chin, from the center outward and slightly upward to lift the skin. Continue upward on the face by brushing from the center outward toward the ear or past the hairline. Remember to stroke the forehead from the middle, outward, and downward toward the temple. That’s where the larger lymph nodes are located. Stroke downward on the face in the same way and finish with the neck where you started. Microstimulation with the fingers Perfect for you who experience severe lymph stagnation (a lot of swelling) for example during: cold period of poor sleep period of a lot of sitting still period of poor diet Microstimulation with the fingers opens the lymphatic gates so the lymph can flow onward. This can also be done before lymphatic drainage with a brush or gua sha stone. See the video below on how to do it. Here is a video showing how to give the lymph nodes micro-massage so the lymph can flow and drain more easily. What is important to keep in mind? Regardless of the method, it’s important not to press hard as this is not a muscular massage. Remember that lymph is under the skin. Brush, stroke, or press gently on the skin with slow movements. There are many videos on YouTube; search for "lymphatic drainage massage" if you want to see more. However, some apply way too much pressure… so whatever you do, be gentle. Take time to do lymphatic drainage. If you are short on time and feel stressed, it’s easy to go faster and harder. Besides moving around, you can help the lymph by dry brushing the body with a brush. Do not use dry brushes meant for the body on the face. A body brush is far too harsh for the thin skin of the face. On the face, you should be very gentle and use a much softer brush or gua sha stone. The face needs microstimulation and daily lymph drainage to avoid stagnation, swelling, and to achieve the fresh, clear skin we want. The lymph can do its job – and your skin feels so much better. What can happen if you "do it wrong"? The challenge is to perform the stimulation with sufficiently light touch. If we press too hard, lymph accumulates to counteract the external threat the body perceives the pressure to be, resulting in increased fluid buildup/swelling. Is it safe to do this at home by yourself? How often can you do it? Lymph stimulation in the form of light massage followed by these simple lymph drainage movements should be done often and fits well into your daily skincare routine. Is it safe to do lymphatic drainage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Yes, lymphatic massage with a brush and gua sha stone is completely safe. It provides gentle stimulation that helps the body/lymph perform its tasks – protecting us and cleansing. Other Within 24 hours, 2–4 liters of lymph are produced, and it's good to replenish with fresh fluids by sipping about 100 ml of water per hour throughout the day.
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5 Tips for Thicker and Longer Eyelashes
Using hair conditioner, hair oil, hair masks, and scalp treatments is nothing unusual. But when it comes to eyelashes, unfortunately, they rarely receive the same care as our hair. This despite the fact that we dry out our lashes every time we wash our face or shower. Many people damage their lashes daily by curling them and drying out/irritating the hair follicles with various chemical-based makeup products. All of this dries out and damages the lashes, inhibits growth so they become sparse. They become brittle and you lose them easily. 5 tips for thicker and longer eyelashes 1. Switch to organic makeup. That way you avoid chemicals that clog the skin, irritate the hair follicles, and damage the lashes. 2. Stop washing your eyes with 2. Stop washing your eyes with drying products Remove makeup with oils, cream, or milk cleansers. Avoid foaming products as they dry out. 3. Moisturize and care for your lashes Gently apply an organic and plant-based oil in the evening. A small drop of oil is enough. Don’t overdo it. My favorite oil for this purpose is Camellia Kissi Oil from Anita Grant. Take the opportunity to make light strokes (from the inside out) along the lash line and under the eyes. Examples of other oils that work well for lashes are argan oil and jojoba oil. These oils are also good for removing eye makeup. 4. Nourish your lashes Hypnotic Lashes is excellent and can be used morning and evening (before applying makeup). Over time (I saw results after just 2 weeks) it gives visibly longer lashes. You just have to remember to use it. For best results, apply at least twice a day on the lash line. Santé’s Hypnotic Lashes nourishes and visibly lengthens lashes. It neither stings nor blurs vision. 5. Skip eyeliner/kohl Another trick is to skip eyeliner/kohl or make it very thin. This makes the eyelashes look longer. This way you can achieve thicker and longer eyelashes. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Just start taking care of your eyelashes as much as you care for your hair, skin, and face.
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Milia, dark circles & bags under the eyes - Causes & tips
The skin around the eyes is extra thin and sensitive. This delicate skin easily becomes unbalanced and develops problems. Here are tips on preventive measures and what you can do about milia, dark circles, and bags under the eyes. Milia What are milia and why do you get them? Milia are small encapsulated white bumps (keratin cysts) that usually appear near the eyes or on the cheeks. They sit under the skin, consist of dead skin cells and encapsulated sebum, and have no outlet. So, they cannot be "squeezed out." It is not entirely clear why milia occur, but they are usually due to unbalanced skin, either too dry or too oily. They can also develop if you use creams or oils that are too heavy, for example, a face cream that is too rich around the eye area. What can you do about milia? Use eye creams made specifically for that area, or light oils such as argan oil or camellia oil. Do not apply oils like coconut oil, face creams, or ointments around the eyes that are too heavy for the thin skin. Trying to squeeze them out is pointless; instead, visit a skin therapist who can remove them without damaging the skin. Dark circles under the eyes Why do you get dark circles? Dark circles under the eyes can have several causes. The most common is that the skin under the eyes, which is thin, becomes thinner with age or has become dehydrated, losing moisture and volume, making the underlying blood vessels more visible. It can also be due to poor sleep, dehydration, iron deficiency, impaired liver function, or smoking, as smokers often have reduced blood circulation. When stressed, the face becomes paler, making the dark areas even more noticeable. Stress increases blood flow to the body's internal organs, causing the facial skin to appear paler. Conceal dark circles with makeup With the right method, it is perfectly possible to hide dark circles with makeup. Use orange under your concealer. It may sound strange, but orange cancels out black/dark tones, which are actually blue. Apply a thin layer of orange concealer followed by your regular concealer, and the circles will disappear! Color correcting with orange is great if you have trouble with gray showing through your concealer. How to prevent dark circles under the eyes Long-term, the best approach is to review your diet and lifestyle and ensure you use the right products around the eye area. Eye oil: Japanese Camellia Kissi Oil is a multifunctional facial oil that can also be used as an eye oil. It is dry and absorbs well into the skin. Eye cream for sensitive skin: i+m Naturkosmetik is a fragrance-free eye cream that provides moisture and nourishment for sensitive skin around the eyes. Eye cream for all skin types: 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream contains, among other things, green coffee extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and herbs, increasing circulation, reducing puffiness and dark circles. Eye cream with hyaluronic acid: Evolve 360 Eye and Lip Contour is a nourishing eye and lip cream that helps reduce wrinkles and dark circles. Luxury eye cream: a concentrated eye balm targeting the delicate area under the eyes to minimize puffiness and brighten dark circles. Bags under the eyes Why do you get bags under the eyes? Bags under the eyes are often hereditary but can also be caused by poor sleep, allergies, or an improper diet. Age also plays a role as the skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we get older. A sugar-rich diet is also harmful because sugar makes our skin sag and age faster. The thinness of the skin around the eyes makes it very elastic, so fluid easily accumulates and appears as swelling, i.e., bags. With dehydration, you can get not only dark circles but also bags. For example, drinking a lot of coffee, energy drinks, black tea, alcohol, or eating a salty diet is diuretic. The body then retains fluid as a counterbalance, which can cause edema under the eyes. Therefore, it is very important to drink enough water every day to prevent bags. Make bags under the eyes less visible with makeup Makeup tip! Applying concealer evenly under the eyes brightens the area but makes the puffiness just as noticeable. To make bags look less prominent, apply a light concealer (one shade lighter than your foundation) only on the darkest areas, e.g., on the "shadow" under the bag. By brightening the darkest areas, the skin tone under the eyes becomes more even, making the bags less visible. Reduce bags and swelling around the eyes Just like with dark circles, the best long-term solution is to review your diet and lifestyle and use the right products. Use 100% Pure hydrogel eye masks with active ingredients that brighten, reduce swelling, and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes. Regularly perform a simple facial massage to reduce swelling. Facial massage resembles lymphatic drainage, which should be done with feather-light movements. Feel free to read the post with illustrations and videos: Lymphatic drainage on the face (also good for acne, rosacea). Summary In summary, to prevent and treat milia, dark circles, and bags under the eyes: Use products adapted to the eye area. Regular face creams are usually too heavy and have molecules too large to be absorbed by the thin skin around the eyes. Equally important is lifestyle. Eat a varied diet and drink enough water. Take care of any stress and sleep issues. Feel free to read this article on how to optimize your sleep.
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Organic vs conventional skincare: The key differences
Organic skincare, what is it and why is it a better choice? What do we get for our money and what happens when it ends up in our environment? First and foremost: what is organic skincare? What can be called organic is something that can be cultivated and is grown without artificial fertilizers and pesticides. In organic skincare, this refers to plants. A skincare product is rarely 100% organic because ingredients such as water, clays, and minerals are natural but cannot be cultivated and therefore cannot be called organic even if they are pure without contaminants or additives. The big difference between organic and conventional skincare Organic skincare products work with your body and provide the skin with what it needs, without unnatural substances that it has to deal with and then get rid of. Organic skincare: is plant-based and naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids, enzymes, fruit acids, and essential oils that have a positive effect on our skin and mind. resembles the skin’s own components and is easily absorbed by the skin. builds up and strengthens our acid mantle (read more about the acid mantle here). can be broken down by nature. Conventional skincare: contains, among other things, oils and chemicals from the petroleum industry, chemical preservatives, and synthetic fragrances. is perceived as foreign substances by the body and adds nothing to the skin. can weaken and damage the skin’s important protective barrier. much from the petroleum industry is environmentally harmful and cannot be fully broken down. | Ingredient | Organic skincare | Conventional skincare | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Oils | Uses vegetable oils from the plant kingdom that consist of the same fats and waxes as the skin’s own sebum. Sebum is part of the skin’s important protective barrier (acid mantle). Vegetable oils are therefore recognized by the body and can cooperate with the skin. The oils bind moisture, protect, and strengthen the acid mantle for healthier skin. They also provide the skin with important fatty acids and vitamins. Read more about vegetable oils here. | Uses petroleum oils that form a film over the skin. They clog pores and prevent the skin from absorbing moisture naturally, drying it out from underneath. Silicone oils and mineral oils also prevent the skin from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. | | | | | | Vitamins | Oils and other plant extracts are naturally rich in vitamins. They occur in their natural form, i.e., at the right pH together with other vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, etc. Together they are more stable, bioactive, and have a better effect on the overall health of the skin. Together they have a more complex effect and provide a broader result compared to an isolated vitamin. Extra vitamins can be added to boost specific effects. | Added in their isolated form (chemical or natural) for a specific purpose. Vitamins are usually indicated as a percentage. A higher concentration does not necessarily mean better effect. Too high concentrations can instead irritate and in the worst case damage the skin. | | | | | | Soap agents | Most soap agents used are plant-based. In organic skincare, mild variants are used that are also pure, without harmful contaminants during production. These break down in nature and are less environmentally harmful. | Strong foaming agents are used because they are cheaper and give the impression of being more economical and better. These agents disrupt the skin barrier and can cause problems for skin, scalp, and hair. They are environmentally harmful, toxic to aquatic organisms, and difficult for nature to break down. | | | | | | Fragrance substances | Use plant-based essential oils (such as lavender oil) that also have a positive therapeutic effect. They do not burden health or the environment. | Use synthetically produced fragrance substances that accumulate in the body. They often occur together with reproductive-disrupting phthalates and toxic heavy metals for a strong and long-lasting scent experience. | | | | | | Color pigments | Makeup: Natural minerals found in the earth are used. The red pigment carmine (from insects) may also be present. These rarely cause allergic reactions and are free from toxic additives. Skincare and others: Here, naturally active ingredients in a product provide color. For example, blue tansy or Moroccan chamomile oil (blue), sea buckthorn oil (orange-red), spirulina (green or blue), hibiscus (pink), etc. Makeup: Synthetic color pigments often occur together with toxic heavy metals for a more durable result on the skin (especially red pigments). Skincare and others: Mostly synthetic color pigments (see above) that have no positive effect on either the skin or the mind. Used to give products a cosmetic nice color. Preservatives Natural or mild chemically produced preservatives that do not burden health or the environment. Organic beauty products have a potent and bioactive content and should therefore be used as fresh products. They are usually produced in smaller batches for maximum freshness. | Strong preservatives that give a product a very long shelf life. This allows products to be produced on a large scale at lower costs and can sit on store shelves for several years without going bad. Allergenic and hormone-disrupting parabens are used less often now but are often replaced with other health-harming alternatives. | | Stabilizers, thickeners | Natural raw materials are used such as waxes or guar gum for a thicker consistency. Many manufacturers in organic skincare do not use thickeners but maximize the content with skin-nourishing ingredients. Raw materials are treated at as low temperatures as possible to preserve all fatty acids and vitamins intact. Cold-pressed oils are usually used, which can vary in consistency depending on temperature. Therefore, for example, shampoos may feel more runny and balms grainy or harder in winter. | Chemically produced thickeners are usually used because they are cheapest. Products often contain large amounts of substances that do nothing for the skin or hair but are added only for consistency. To maintain a consistent texture regardless of season/temperature, cheap oils from the petroleum industry or chemically refined vegetable oils and fats are used. Heat treatment destroys vitamins, antioxidants, and oxidizes fatty acids. | | “Slow Living” Nowadays, most things have to be done quickly, and for wrinkles, acne, and various skin problems, people want to see quick results. Just as we generally benefit from slowing down a bit, the skin needs time to adapt to new routines and products. Give your skin organic products that support its natural functions and give it some time. You will notice a difference and see a sustainable, long-term result that is good for both you and our environment. | | | | | | |
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Dry skin in autumn? Tips for better skincare
With autumn comes dry skin. Temperatures get cooler and we spend more time indoors. Humidity drops, and combined with temperature changes, the skin can react by becoming dry, flaky, and a bit dull. It’s time to review your skincare routine for the fall. Take the time to pamper your skin a little extra. Light some candles and put on some calm music. It’s easy to skip this due to lack of time. But relaxing your body and mind is also an important part of the process for better health and more beautiful skin. Remove dead skin cells Start by scrubbing your skin with a facial scrub or peeling. Dead skin cells, flakes, and other dirt disappear. We recommend Evolve’s Miracle Mask, which breathes new life into the skin. Suki’s effective Resurfacing Enzyme Peel is better suited for those with acne-prone skin. When nothing blocks the skin, other skincare products can have better effect and absorption. This is especially good to do if you have dry skin or if your skin feels congested. Cleaning When we wash our face, we also wash away part of the skin’s protective film. We need this extra much now that it’s getting colder, as protection to prevent the skin from drying out. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should use a cleansing oil or cleansing milk to preserve the skin’s protective film. Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion is a mild, fragrance-free cleansing milk that suits these skin types and stressed skin well. If your skin is oily or has impurities, you can use a mildly foaming cleanser. Odylique Lemon Tea Tree Facial Wash is antibacterial and soothing. It cleans deeply and balances. Finish the cleansing with a facial toner that suits your skin type. It tightens pores, balances pH, and keeps the skin hydrated for the following products. Facial care The skin always needs moisture. It’s good to use a serum, which is thinner than a cream and penetrates deeper into the skin. It gives the skin moisture, nourishment, and care deep down. We recommend a multi-vitamin serum for anyone looking for an anti-aging serum. A vitamin bomb containing a multi-vitamin complex that effectively boosts the skin. It makes the skin firmer, smoother, and evens out skin tone. When it gets colder, the skin also needs fat that protects and helps the skin retain its moisture balance. Finish with a richer cream that softens and provides surface protection. The skin then receives moisture and care from the inside out. Odylique by Essential Care Avocado 24H Replenishing Cream is a facial cream that nourishes, hydrates, and protects without feeling greasy. For those who want SPF year-round, Hynt Sun Prep SPF 25 is recommended. Lips and hands Lips and hands are exposed areas that need extra care. By regularly using a lip scrub, you easily massage away dry skin and keep flaky lips soft and smooth. Then apply a nourishing lip balm. The biggest culprit for dry hands is often the soap we wash them with. Use soap with mild cleansing agents that are not drying. Vermont Soap offers mild, multifunctional soaps in several different scents. Then moisturize your hands with a nourishing hand cream. We like Dr Sannas Hand Cream with probiotics as it absorbs well and provides good care. Give them an extra treatment now and then by applying a really rich hand cream that you keep on overnight, with your hands in a pair of cotton gloves. A wonderfully sticky cream is Weleda’s Skin Food, which is also good if you have skin cracks that won’t heal. Add color to autumn Lip balm is a must for many. But a smart tip is to use lipstick or a tinted lip balm. These are designed to stay on the lips for a long time and therefore keep them soft and protected throughout the day. Plus, you brighten up both your face and mood with a little color.
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Protect the skin from blue light from screens
Protection against blue light is the new trend in organic skincare. To understand the effect blue light has on the skin and how we best protect ourselves, let's first clarify what it is. Sunlight consists of a spectrum of rays measured in different wavelengths, nanometers (nm). They are divided into UV rays, visible light, and infrared light. Everyone knows we need to protect our skin from UV rays, but few realize that research shows we also need to protect our skin from visible blue light. On a cloudless day, we gladly enjoy the blue light in the sky. The blue light rays are at the lower end of the visible light spectrum and are also called HEV light (High Energy Visible light). Natural blue light affects us positively by influencing our hormone balance, which regulates our mood and sleep cycle. The blue light rays are also artificially present around us in the screen light from mobile phones, TVs, computers, and tablets. We are simply exposed to blue light rays both day and night, and overexposure to HEV light can affect us negatively. HEV light penetrates deeper into the skin than UV rays. It reaches down to the subcutaneous layer and stimulates the production of free radicals, which among other things break down the skin’s collagen and elastin. The body’s defense against free radicals is antioxidants. When there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s capacity to neutralize them with antioxidants, the skin is affected. It ages prematurely, loses its elasticity, and can develop uneven skin tone or pigmentation spots. Sunscreens only protect in the spectrum between 280 – 400 nm, while blue light ranges from 380 – 500 nm. Therefore, it is wise to use blue light protection, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens. To protect the skin from blue light, you can use products rich in deep-acting antioxidants. i+m Naturkosmetik now offers blue light protection by adding extract of butterfly bush (Buddleja officinalis) to their skincare products. The extract acts as a broad-spectrum shield against UV light, HEV light, and infrared light (does not have SPF factor). It provides active cell protection and promotes skin elasticity. The extract, which has a scientifically proven effect, is now included in some of i+m Naturkosmetik’s products. You can also help from within by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and berries, full of antioxidants. Alternatively, you can always reduce exposure to artificial HEV light simply by logging off. As we all know, however, that is often easier said than done :).
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12 simple tips for healthy hair and healthy skin
Customers often ask us about hair, scalp, and skin problems. Unfortunately, there are no miracle products for this, despite how it is often portrayed in advertising. To achieve more vibrant hair and skin, you need to improve your well-being on several levels, both from the inside and the outside. In this article, we offer tips on what you can do if you want to strengthen the quality of your hair and skin. Nutrition for Hair and Skin 1. Water is important Keep your fluid balance at its best. Drink clean water every day, preferably with a little lemon/lime and sometimes ginger. Enjoy beneficial herbal teas and choose organic coffee. For every cup of coffee, you need a glass of water to avoid dehydration. 2. Good fats Eat good fats like avocado, seeds, and organic oils; e.g., olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil, black cumin oil, etc. 3. The stomach Take care of your stomach; according to many naturopaths, the skin and hair reflect the health of the intestines and liver. It starts from within. 4. Diet Eat a diet rich in nutritious foods that give your body natural strength. Vegetables, fruits, berries, and sprouts in their natural form contain the highest amounts of enzymes, fibers, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eat plenty of vegetables in all forms! 5. Supplements Take supplements such as Omega-3, Probiotics, Multivitamins, or other vitamins/minerals. For example, B vitamins are very good for hair, vitamin C and zinc for the skin, and also MSM. *MSM: Many people have a sulfur deficiency – especially with increasing age. Therefore, it is important to eat foods rich in sulfur such as broccoli, kale, spirulina, Brussels sprouts, watercress, pumpkin seeds, and arugula. It can also be wise to supplement with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which contains sulfur and can increase flexibility, tone, and strength in muscles, bones, joints, internal membranes, and especially skin, hair, and nails. Studies have shown that MSM can help with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, flaky skin, and dandruff. 6. Pure body care Completely natural and pure body products are essential. Natural body care contains nourishing ingredients that moisturize, such as organic oils and butters as well as herbs. Avoid synthetic additives that clog the skin and dry out the hair. 7. Eco-friendly cleaning Buy natural cleaning products and detergents. This is just as important as body care for your health, since everything we bring into our home is absorbed through the skin and breathing. Improve Hair and Skin with a Healthy Lifestyle 8. Movement and Sweating Exercise and sweating are essential for circulation and detoxification through the skin. Move daily and, if possible, use a sauna a couple of times a week. 9. Dry brushing Dry brush your skin as often as you can; it stimulates circulation and helps the skin cleanse itself. The skin also becomes smoother and more beautiful. 10. Manage stress Use a method to manage and reduce stress, such as meditation and relaxation through music, yoga, and stillness. Stress affects our well-being on all levels, including skin and hair. 11. Sleep Sleep 7-8 hours; if you have trouble sleeping, make sure to get help. It is important to sleep deeply in a dark room for maximum recovery. 12. Fresh air Make sure to get out into fresh air; if you live in the countryside, no problem. If you live in the city, go to a park or a forest as often as you can for a walk. Do you have more tips or questions? Write a comment and we will respond!
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Baobab, Moringa & Marula: Natural oils for skin and hair
These 3 African "miracle" oils from baobab, moringa, and marula have been widely used by the people of Africa for hundreds of years for their beneficial qualities. 6 benefits of Baobab oil The baobab tree's fruit is naturally rich in vitamins A and E and is a popular superfood increasingly used in cooking for its high vitamin C content. The golden oil is extracted from the fruit's seeds. It is a fine, pale yellow oil suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The rich vitamin E content is said to reduce scarring, speed up healing, and soothe irritated skin. The oil is therefore often used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea issues. Baobab oil absorbs quickly and improves skin elasticity, making it excellent as a massage oil. It is also known to prevent stretch marks and improve firmness, making it a popular pregnancy oil. Because it contains so many antioxidants that protect against external damage and care for wrinkled skin while counteracting aging, it is also popular for mature skin. Baobab oil is also a popular hair oil suitable for normal, dry, damaged, and brittle hair, and it also works for dandruff. It is a true "all-around" oil. 4 benefits of Moringa oil Moringa is a tree, also called the "Miracle tree." The moringa tree's leaves have become increasingly common as a superfood and are used as a nutritious supplement in smoothies, etc. Moringa oil comes from the tree's seeds. It is a mild oil containing essential amino acids, chlorophyll, omega-3 fatty acids, making it a popular health oil and luxurious skin oil. It is a semi-fatty oil that can be used on the face, body, and hair. It makes hair shiny and soft and helps prevent dandruff and itchy scalp. Moringa contains many antioxidants that protect against external damage and care for wrinkled skin while counteracting aging, making it popular for mature skin. Although the oil soothes dry skin and moisturizes well, it also works for oilier skin with acne problems. Moringa purifies the skin; its cleansing effect leaves the skin with a more even tone and can be used to combat blemishes. It can be applied as a spot treatment directly on blemishes. 5 benefits of Marula oil Marula oil is a true luxury oil extracted from the fruit kernels of the Marula tree. The oil is very rich in fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin E. It suits most skin types, including sensitive, mature, dry, and combination skin. Traditionally, marula oil is used to reduce skin redness. Marula oil contains many antioxidants that protect and care for mature skin and help reduce fine wrinkles. Just a few drops over the face restore the skin's natural glow. The oil deeply moisturizes and makes the skin more elastic. It is effective against stretch marks and improves skin firmness and smoothness. It preserves the skin's moisture while providing a pleasant feel. Marula is also an excellent hair oil; it nourishes and adds shine without weighing the hair down. You can scrunch oil into the hair ends or use it as a hair mask. As a nail oil, it supports fragile nails.
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