Health Blog
Health Blog
Coconut party hair mask for dry hair
Coconut Party – a moisturizing and delightful recipe from Tia Jumbe. This is a real moisture bomb for dry and brittle hair, with both coconut relatives milk and oil. Spray and leave it in.Suitable for all hair types. About 3 dl:1 can coconut milk0.5 dl coconut oil1 tbsp jojoba oil1 tbsp argan oil10 drops essential lemongrass oil10 drops essential ylang-ylang oil Instructions:• Melt the coconut oil in a water bath, stir in the argan and jojoba oils, mix well.• Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Pour in the coconut milk.• Pour into a glass spray bottle and shake to mix.• Shake the bottle a little before using the spray. Spray on dry hair sections. Tia Jumbe is an author, yoga teacher, and journalist. She has written several books on yoga and health, including Detox Lifestyle – get more energy with yoga, food, and new habits. She works part-time at Coop’s food magazine Mer Smak and is in the middle of her training as an Ayurvedic health advisor. Photography: Camilla Lindqvist. The book Boost Skin & Hair:
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Organic Shea Butter for Dry Skin & Eczema
Shea butter is a wonderful body product that is many people's favorite! The butter is appreciated for its moisturizing effect and its "healing" effect on, for example, eczema and other skin problems. It is used extensively on adults, children, and babies alike. It can be used as is or mixed with other butters or oils. Additionally, it works on most parts of the body and does not clog pores. But where does shea butter actually come from? Shea butter is the fat from the nuts of the wild Shea tree/Karite Nut Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) found in semi-arid savannas in western and central Africa, where there is a wealth of local and traditional knowledge about how to produce and use shea butter. The tree that the shea nuts grow on can live up to 300 years. Almost every part of the tree has some practical use. The locals themselves call the shea tree the "tree of life." Flower clusters on the tree develop into fruit clusters, and the ripe fruits fall to the ground. Inside the outer shell is the fruit kernel (the shea nut). Traditionally, it is the women who collect the fruit and do the time-consuming work of extracting the fat from the nuts. The process of making shea butter is long. First, the outer fruit pulp must be removed, then the nuts are boiled, then crushed, then sun-dried, and finally roasted and ground before becoming butter. That’s why it’s called women’s gold Both Fushi’s and Akamuti’s shea butter comes from Ghana in West Africa and is produced by women’s cooperatives. Shea butter is a valuable source of income for these people, and the fair trade price allows them to build better facilities for their communities and fund renewable energy projects. In communities where women otherwise have very limited opportunities to earn their own income, this is very important both for their dignity and their status in society. That’s why shea butter is often called “women’s gold.” And the shea butter we sell is wild-harvested, meaning the population uses harvesting and production techniques that have been used for many thousands of years. What is the difference between refined and unrefined shea butter? Processed shea butter is often extracted with hexane or other solvents that are petroleum products. The extracted oil is boiled to remove the toxic solvents and then refined. Refining can include filtering, deodorizing with hot steam, purification with acids and alkalis, bleaching with absorbent powders, and removing wax residues by cooling. The scent is especially removed. Shea cream produced this way still contains unwanted solvent residues, and its healing effects are naturally much reduced or perhaps gone entirely. The end result is a scentless, white butter that may be aesthetically pleasing but lacks the moisturizing, healing, and nourishing properties found in unrefined, organic shea butter. It’s easy to choose, isn’t it? We choose the organic shea butter, produced by women’s cooperatives, of course!
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Natural face mask with avocado for all skin types
Avocado is very beneficial for the skin. It deeply moisturizes the skin and kills bacteria that cause acne, making it a great mask for both dry and oily skin. Many also find that avocado gives the skin a healthy glow. Vegan-friendly mask recipe:1/2 ripe avocado1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (omit if you are very sensitive)1 tsp olive oil, black cumin oil or argan oil Vegetarian mask recipe:1/2 ripe avocado1 tbsp honey1 tbsp Greek yogurt (if you have very oily skin, you can choose low-fat yogurt)1 tsp olive oil Blend all ingredients well and apply to the face, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin with your favorite oil.
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Natural homemade face masks for all skin types
Detoxifying face masks for a refreshing spring feeling / for both men & women. Kelp mask: 2 tbsp kelp powder, 2 tbsp oil such as avocado, argan, camellia, pomegranate – best for dry skin. Or 2 tbsp clay like rhassoul powder or neem powder – neem is best for oily skin prone to acne. Rhassoul clay works well for all skin types. 2-4 drops essential oil (optional) water Mix everything together and add water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply all over the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Chlorella mask:2 tsp chlorella powder1 tbsp grape seed oil1 tbsp oatswaterMix everything together and add water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply all over the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
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Avocado hair mask for dry & damaged hair
Now in spring, your hair may feel a bit damaged after winter, so give it a natural boost. Recipe for 1 hair mask: 1/2 avocado 1 tbsp of your favorite oil, e.g., argan, jojoba, camellia, almond, or apricot kernel oil. 1 tbsp coconut oil 3 drops of essential oil Mash the avocado in a bowl and add the oils. Massage into the hair, leave on for 15 minutes. Shampoo first, then rinse; this makes it easier to remove the oil. Essential oils for a healthy scalp Lavender – prevents dandruff, soothes dry scalp.Peppermint – cooling and astringent.Patchouli – good for dandruff and oily scalp.Tea Tree – good for dandruff, oily scalp, and itching.Geranium – good for dandruff, balances, promotes hair growth, smells like rose.Rosemary – stimulating oil, good for hair growth, increases blood circulation.Orange – stimulating oil, increases blood circulation. You can also pour an oil into a spray bottle and spray directly onto dry hair for shine and moisture. Spray directly on the scalp or just on the ends and leave the oil in. Good oils for this are: argan, camellia, marula, and baobab oil. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
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Genuine organic soap - gentle on skin and the environment
Vermont Soap Organics in the USA manufactures unique and natural body care products of benefit and value. They are also an example of how companies can contribute to positive social change. They emphasize wholeness in all departments within the company through communication, participation in the growth process, and responsibility among employees. They commit to conducting their business in an environmentally conscious way and emphasize reuse and recycling, and perhaps most importantly for the environment; they use only natural base ingredients from sustainable sources in all their products. Their products are certified according to the USDA organic food standard (USDA Organic) from Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). Naturally, none of their products contain hidden animal ingredients, which is otherwise common in conventional soap. What is Castile soap? The word Castile in Vermont Soap Organics’ liquid Castile soaps is a reference to La Castilla – a region in central Spain historically significant in the history of soap making. In America, Castile means a soap made with olive oil, usually a liquid soap of olive oil and coconut oil. But always check your ingredients – some companies add synthetic chemicals to their so-called Castile soap. Vermont Soap Organics does not. And all their ingredients are organic and carefully selected. Their liquid Castile soap contains only saponified coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, essential oil for fragrance (varies depending on which scent you buy), rosemary extract as a natural “preservative,” and aloe vera. Nothing else. And it is 100% organic. Their foaming soap contains only aloe vera juice, saponified oils of coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil, vegetable glycerin (glycerin), essential oil for fragrance, and rosemary extract as a natural “preservative.” And it is 100% organic. How are their solid organic soaps made? They are made using a modern version of a 250-year-old method. Certified organic oils of palm, coconut, olive, and palm kernel (all oils come from sustainable sources) are mixed at precise temperatures with an alkaline solution*. *To make soap, you need an oil (which is an acid), an alkaline base, and water. Saponification is a reaction between these ingredients that results in the creation of soap. The oil and alkali undergo a structural change to form solid or liquid soap. For the alkaline base, it is traditional to use potassium hydroxide (INCI: potassium hydroxide) to make liquid soap and sodium hydroxide (INCI: sodium hydroxide) for solid soap. The oils used in these organic, handmade soaps are carefully selected by the soap makers with regard to the character they give to the final soap. At Vermont Soap, they use the highest quality organic oil. They have experimented for a long time and arrived at the best blend of oils. Coconut oil creates batches of glycerin, makes good lather, and is very stable. Olive oil has natural antioxidants and makes the soap creamier. Each oil is used for a specific reason. Note that oil and alkali must be in perfect balance to make the perfect soap; if you add too much of a specific oil, it won’t turn out well. This is a science that takes a long time to learn, and after several months of countless trials, Vermont Soap found the perfect recipe. At Vermont Soap, the batch for the solid soaps is mixed for hours so that it thickens slowly. When ready, botanical and organic herbs, spices, and grains are added. The batch is then poured into wooden molds and kept warm for about three days. As the soap solidifies, alkali salts begin to rise to the top like cream. Around the fourth day, the soap, now solid in block form, is removed from the molds, skimmed of all alkali salts, and cut into individual bars. The soaps are then placed on custom oak and stainless steel drying racks and cured for about three weeks. This process produces the mildest and finest solid soap available. Why should we buy natural soap? These soaps last about twice as long as conventional ones and are very moisturizing and soothing for the skin. No measurable free alkali, i.e., residues of sodium hydroxide, remain when the soap is finished. This is part of the reason their soap is so mild. Many modern conventional soaps are made in a mass-produced industrial way. They may, for example, use nut or beef tallow instead of oils. Conventional soaps often contain many synthetic additives, for example, to make the soap lather more. Glycerin is usually separated out to be sold elsewhere, whereas in natural soap it is stirred back in during soap production. Problems in mass-produced soap making can include low-quality base ingredients, alcohol, synthetic colors and fragrances, and preservatives. The soap then lacks moisture fundamentally and tends to have alkali residues left in it, which will irritate the skin. Oil and alkali must be balanced to make the perfect soap, as we mentioned earlier. Problems arise when alkali and oil do not chemically combine; alkali salts remain in the product. Excess alkali results in strong soap that dries out the skin. People with sensitive skin are especially prone to irritation from these types of soaps. Why all this? It costs less, takes less time, and yields greater profit. We believe it is better to buy an organic soap that may cost more but lasts longer and benefits the skin, health, environment, and animals. We are proud to sell Vermont Soap Organics! You can find their soaps here.
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Review: 100% PURE Multivitamin Serum for Night Care
This multivitamin serum from 100% Pure deserves a tribute in its very own article. It’s rare that I manage to finish a facial product. When I do, it’s even rarer that I get a new one that’s the same. The reason is partly that my cabinets are already packed with products and because I constantly have new products to test. I’ve lost count, but I believe this is my 3rd bottle, and before it was completely empty, I had already made sure to have a new one in the cabinet. That good it is! What makes this multivitamin serum special? Feel free to visit the serum’s product page to see the impressive ingredient list or read more about the product. It’s worth mentioning that the vitamin C is in the form of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – a very stable and effective form in water solutions (yes, there are different forms of vitamin C). Many believe that the higher the vitamin C concentration in a serum, the better the effect. But it’s not quite that simple. You have to look at what kind of vitamin C it is, how stable it is in its formulation, pH, etc. Vitamins rarely work best in their isolated form but have the best effect together with other substances or vitamins. In this serum, we find vitamin B, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, which on their own have positive effects on the skin but also make the vitamin C more effective. That’s why people often talk about vitamin complexes or that vitamins work synergistically with other substances. Don’t be afraid if the serum is a weak yellow-brown color. It’s partly the sea buckthorn oil that gives this color. Something unusual is finding a serum with both vitamin C and niacinamide in one! Niacinamide is an active form of vitamin B, known for its brightening, wrinkle-reducing, and pore-minimizing properties on the skin. Niacinamide has a high trend factor and is something skincare enthusiasts love to have in their routine. This serum is designed for mature skin or those starting to get fine lines. High-level anti-aging where you have potent and high concentrations of all boosters packed into one product! 100% Pure always aims to be the best. Sometimes it feels like they put all the skincare goodies into one product just to impress. But the fact is they carefully select the ingredients and develop an advanced and stable formula that delivers really good results on the skin. Usage This is a night serum. It works best at night. Partly because it contains light-sensitive vitamins and a splash of retinol, but also because the skin works the most (repairs and renews itself) when we sleep. It’s when we sleep that we can best take advantage of all the potent ingredients in the serum. So it’s a waste to use such a fine and active serum during the day. Don’t do that! One pump is usually enough. Sometimes I wish I had 1.5 pumps, but it’s hard to dose less than whole pumps. At the same time, it doesn’t feel wasteful because it’s as if the skin thanks me for the generosity 🙂 And the results get even better. But sure, the serum runs out faster then. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s the pump. It could be better. Results I don’t notice the skin getting lighter, but it definitely gets a more even skin tone. Small imperfections disappear or become less visible, so the skin looks cleaner and more even. It’s so good at moisturizing the skin. I find the need for a follow-up cream/oil is reduced. The skin gets a general nice glow and fresh appearance. The skin becomes incredibly smooth, which you can already feel after one application. The pores also become visibly smaller. It must be all the moisture and niacinamide doing that (at least I like to think so). When the skin is in poor condition (due to lack of sleep, too much stress, careless diet, etc.), I always use this multivitamin serum, which after a couple of nights restores and soothes the skin. The skin also feels more resilient (stronger skin barrier) when I use the serum regularly. I don’t know what more you could wish for from a serum. It is without a doubt the best serum I have ever used, and I find it hard to live without it. It may be an expensive serum, but definitely worth every penny. May 100% Pure never stop making this product!
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8 smart ways to use argan oil for skin and hair
If you’re packing an oil for a sun holiday, this is the one. Argan oil originates from Morocco and comes from the seeds of the argan tree fruit. It has a light golden-yellow color and a mildly nutty scent. This oil helps the skin maintain its moisture balance, improves elasticity, softens, and adds radiance. It boosts the skin with vitamins and essential fatty acids and is rich in vitamin E, which helps prevent scarring and soothes irritated skin. Here are 8 tips on how to use argan oil Skin Apply the oil to your skin before and after sunbathing. It protects the skin while helping it recover from sun exposure. Use as facial oil, including around the eye area. Use as beard oil. Mix argan oil with sugar. Half argan oil – half sugar. Scrub your lips – rinse with water. Then massage a drop of argan oil into your lips. Your lips will become wonderfully soft! Use as body oil after showering – leaves skin silky smooth with a nice glow. Rub into your hands and give your nails a lovely oil treatment at the same time. Hair Make a hair mask while you’re at the beach and protect your hair from the sun at the same time. Warm a little oil and massage into the lengths. Wrap a towel or wear another nice head covering over your hair and leave it on during the day. Rinse out and enjoy wonderfully soft hair with a beautiful shine. Apply a few drops after styling to combat frizz or dry, split ends. Buy cold-pressed argan oil Loelle – Organic Cold-Pressed Argan Oil with Grapefruit, 50 ml Organic cold-pressed Argan Oil from Akamuti Loelle – Organic Cold-Pressed Argan Oil with Pump, 100 ml Argan Oil – Organic & Cold-Pressed Crearome – Organic Cold-Pressed Argan Oil, 100 ml
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Natural hair care for healthier hair - 5 simple tips
Are you looking for an exciting challenge for 2021? Why not try something a little different? How about promising your hair to try some new exciting things? Here are my suggestions: Try a shampoo bar. If you haven’t already, I recommend trying a shampoo bar as it helps many who have scalp problems, such as dry or sensitive skin. This is a different way to cleanse your hair and it takes some time to get used to if you have only used regular shampoo before. One of the things you need to get used to is washing your hair without much foam. After washing, you can rinse your hair with organic apple cider vinegar to make it soft and shiny or use a good conditioner. Try natural hair care products. We only sell hair products with natural ingredients, i.e. without surfactants, sulfates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate, TEA, DEA, MEA, PEG-laureth, and everything else we find harmful that depletes the hair. You can find hair care here. Try an herbal hair dye. Conventional hair dyes disrupt the balance of the scalp and hair. Organic, plant-based herbal hair dyes, on the other hand, have natural ingredients and are therefore gentle to use for everyone. They give your hair a protective color that combines with your own natural hair color to produce a unique result. You can also mix the hair dyes with each other to achieve different color variations. They provide expressive colors as well as silky shine and volume. Herbal hair dyes are of course free from peroxide, ammonia, and other chemical components. Here you can find our herbal hair dyes! Manage stress. Stress affects your entire system and thus also negatively impacts your hair. Some of my best tips to reduce stress are to find a way to relax, whether it’s through walks, calm music, moments in nature, yoga, meditation, conversations, or touch. Also try to filter your life and say no to things that drain too much energy. Replace them with things you enjoy and that inspire you. If you want more tips on how to manage stress, I suggest you read our article on managing worry and stress. Beauty comes from within Remember that your hair reflects your overall well-being. Shampoos, hair masks, and serums can enhance your hair, but for long-term results, you need to lay a good foundation. Here are five tips from us on how you can care for your hair from the inside, where true health begins. 1. Keep your hydration at its best Drink pure water every day, preferably with a little lemon or lime. Also enjoy beneficial herbal teas. Remember: for every cup of coffee, you need a glass of water. Coffee is not water. 2. Avoid refined fats and carbohydrates An excess of fast carbohydrates (e.g., margarine, white sugar, and white flour) can stimulate the body to produce more sebum, which can cause or worsen both problematic skin and scalp issues. There are plenty of other options to choose from today: for example rye flour, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, oats, seeds of all kinds, brown rice, stevia, xylitol, coconut palm sugar, etc. 3. Eat good fats Good fats include avocado, seeds, nuts, and cold-pressed oils. Choose, for example, organic extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil, hemp oil, black cumin oil, etc. You can find oils here. 4. More vegetables and berries Enjoy a diet rich in vegetables, berries, and fruit in their natural forms—they contain phytonutrients, enzymes, fibers, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables in all colors and shapes enrich our health in ways we cannot understand! 5. Take supplements that support hair health This includes silica, B vitamins, MSM, Omega-3, vitamin C, nettle, AFA algae, which enhance your results for healthy hair. Coconut bomb recipe for hair This is a real moisture bomb for dry and brittle hair. Suitable for most hair types. About 3 dl: 1 can coconut milk 0.5 dl coconut oil 1 tbsp jojoba oil 1 tbsp argan oil 10 drops essential oil Instructions:• Melt the coconut oil in a water bath, stir in argan and jojoba oils, mix well.• Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Pour in the coconut milk.• Pour into a clean spray bottle (preferably glass) and shake to mix.• Shake the bottle a little each time before use. Spray on all dry hair areas.
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Effective home remedies for summer ailments
There are plenty of handy aids, home remedies, and folk cures at home that help with various ailments and discomforts. They can be found in the pantry, refrigerator, or on the windowsill, often without you even knowing which home remedies are hiding there. We will now take a closer look at some old folk remedies that still work today and some modern ones that might be good to know about. Burns Most people know that it’s good to spend time in the sun and replenish vitamin D stores during the summer. But if you know in advance that you will be out in the sun for a long day, it’s good to apply a sunscreen with a physical sun filter and make sure you have enough shade during the day. If you forget this and get too much sun, you can get sunburned. Usually, you notice it afterwards when the skin has turned red and may even start to feel hot and sting. 1. Aloe vera Soothe the skin with gel from an aloe vera plant. Cut off a leaf, peel away the green skin, and gently apply the gel to the skin. Aloe vera cools, soothes, and heals the skin. You can also use this fantastic aloe vera gel. 2. Colloidal silver Another tip is to spray colloidal silver. Silver has long been used on burns and effectively relieves the stinging sensation. 3. Clear out the fridge If you don’t have these at home, it can also work to dab the burned skin with thinly sliced cucumber, cold yogurt, mashed ripe avocado, or sauerkraut, which cools the skin. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamin C, which is believed to help speed up the healing process. You can also try cabbage if it’s a smaller area. Roll the leaves soft with a rolling pin, place them on the skin, and secure with a gauze bandage. Change a couple of times a day. 4. Wet fabrics You can also wet linen or cotton fabric in cold water, wring it out, and place it on the skin. These tips are also said to work if you’ve been burned by something hot. 5. Oil For scalds, olive oil can also soothe, and if you have essential oils at home, you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint for increased pain relief. Insect bites On the most beautiful summer days, you might unfortunately get stung by insects. Mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, while bee and wasp stings can be much more unpleasant. If there is a risk of an allergic reaction, or if the sting is in the mouth or throat area, you should seek emergency care. Otherwise, you can try some of these old home remedies. First, remove the stinger if it’s still there and cool the area with cold water or ice cubes. 1. Sugar cube Moisten the skin and press against a damp sugar cube, which is said to draw out the poison. 2. Baking soda You can also make a thick paste of baking soda or baking powder and water. Spread it over the sting site and let it dry. 3. Essential oils You can also drop a drop of tea tree essential oil on the sting site. It disinfects and can reduce inflammation. This lavender essential oil with roll-on function also works well against stings. Cure motion sickness If you’re going out by car, bus, train, or boat, you can sometimes suffer from nausea. If you know you tend to get it, you can prepare with these home remedies. 1. Cinnamon tea Prepare a tea with a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let it steep for ten minutes and strain. Take the tea in a thermos and drink if you start to feel nauseous. 2. Ginger At the onset of nausea, you can also try chewing a small piece of fresh ginger. It’s easy to carry in your pocket or handbag. Natural ways to treat cuts and scrapes If an accident happens and you get a small scrape or cut, there are also some home remedies you can use. Cleaning and disinfecting is always the most important first step. For scrapes, you can remove any debris and dirt with tweezers. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or another antiseptic solution. Lightly bleeding wounds should be covered with a plaster or sterile compress. 1. Cayenne pepper If you don’t have plasters, something most people have in their spice rack also works: cayenne pepper. Sprinkle a little cayenne powder directly on the bleeding small wounds and wait 10-20 seconds for the bleeding to stop. Cayenne pepper is also believed to relieve infections because the spice has potent antibacterial properties, and the antioxidant capsaicin is said to relieve pain. 2. Plantain Fresh plantain leaves have long been used on all kinds of wounds including leg ulcers, sunburn, scalds, other burns, and eczema. Even sprains. Plantain stops bleeding and immediately soothes insect bites. Rub the leaves until they are soft and moist, place them whole with the smooth side down, and tie them in place. You can also squeeze out some juice or chew and apply as a poultice. Plantain herbal oil and wound salve can also be used. 3. Egg white The membrane on the inside of eggshells can also work. Place the moist side down on a clean wound. It protects, soothes, and dries in a few minutes. Another option is fresh egg white, which you let dry to form a protective and astringent layer on the wound. This was a common home remedy in medieval Swedish medical books.
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5 simple health routines for summer well-being
When summer is in full bloom, the days are long, and summer vacations begin, many of us probably have a little more free time than usual. Sometimes it can be nice not to use that time for anything at all, but just let the body and mind recover from the challenges of spring. But it can also be a fantastic opportunity to try new things that support your well-being and lay the foundation for health for many years to come. That’s why I, together with our other skin and nutrition experts, have written down a list of 5 tips on interesting routines to try. 1. The Wim Hof Method Wim Hof, known as “the Iceman,” highlights great health benefits from deep breathing and exposing the body to cold combined with meditation and exercise. I started with his meditative breathing exercises, push-ups, and then cold showers every morning. It only took a few days before I noticed how much stronger, calmer, and more focused I became. Breathing exercises: Breathe in forcefully through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep, circular breaths without pauses. (Feel free to watch how Wim Hof breathes on YouTube). Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on breathing all the way down to your stomach and expanding your chest. Take 30-40 breaths Exhale and then hold your breath as long as you can. Take a deep breath and hold it for 15 seconds. Exhale and repeat for a total of 3 cycles. Push-ups: Sit cross-legged and take 30 deep breaths as described above. Exhale, then hold your breath and do as many push-ups as you can. Sit up and take a deep breath. Hold your breath for 15 seconds. Exhale. Done! Cold shower: Turn the tap to the coldest possible setting. Shower every morning for 2 minutes. Start with 15 seconds and gradually increase. Enjoy the warmth and joy spreading through your body. My best tip is to write down your progress. Don’t be surprised if you can triple the number of push-ups in 1-2 weeks or hold your breath for 2 minutes. Wim Hof has a great app that is free to download. It includes a handy timer for the breathing exercise and you can track your progress. Note that there are other features in the app that cost. 2. DIY Body Scrub In summer, the skin easily becomes dry and flaky from saltwater baths and sun. If you don’t have a body scrub at home, you can very easily make your own with ingredients you already have in the kitchen. Mix something that exfoliates, such as: -Coffee grounds-Sugar-Salt with any oil such as: Olive oil, Coconut oil, or Sesame oil The tip is to find a clean and nice jar to store the scrub in. Keep the jar out in the bathroom so you are reminded to scrub yourself regularly, 1-2 times a week. Another tip is to place the jar near the sink, so your hands also stay smooth and soft. 3. Morning Exercise: 15-Minute Bounce One of my absolute favorite things in our home is the Bellicon trampoline. Jumping on it is both uplifting and relaxing at the same time. It increases circulation, gives a gentle massage to all internal organs, and helps the lymphatic system pump out waste products from the body. There are periods when I use it more or less, but if I can get in 15 minutes a day, I always notice that both my mood and energy level improve. So now I have decided that every morning, before I take on anything else (except possibly a glass of lemon water), I bounce for 15 minutes while listening to some beautiful music or an inspiring lecture. Just this little habit has made me look forward to getting up in the morning and feel generally happier and lighter. If you don’t have access to a trampoline, I can (besides warmly recommending you get one ;-)) suggest a similar idea that requires no equipment at all. It is fitness guru Max Shank who developed what he calls the "5-minute-flow," which basically involves moving continuously for 5 minutes every morning. He has lots of tips and ideas for movement patterns (completely free). 4. The Summer Drink After my morning exercise, I drink a summer drink that serves three functions: Enjoyment of life. Hydration at the cellular level. Support for the body's cleansing organs (liver, kidneys & digestive system). I currently have two versions of this drink that I alternate between. Both are based on the same idea: freshly pressed and living nutrition directly from fruits and vegetables used in natural medicine for these exact purposes. Of course, you can serve these drinks – or variations of them – at any time of day. But I find they have an extra good effect if I drink them before eating anything else that day. Usually, I wait about an hour afterward before having breakfast. Variant 1: Red Summer Dream Ingredients: ½ watermelon 1 handful of frozen raspberries Juice from ½ grapefruit (or lemon) Fresh mint or lemon balm if you have it available How to make: Cut the melon (without skin) into pieces and put everything in a blender. Blend until you get a smooth and nice drink.Tip: Feel free to store the melon in the fridge overnight for an extra cool drink. You can also make it colder by adding a few ice cubes. Variant 2: Green Delight Per serving: ½ bunch of celery stalks ½ cucumber or fennel bulb 1 apple 1 lemon or lime 1 small piece of ginger Cut everything into pieces and run through a juicer (alternatively blend and strain out the fibers with a nut milk bag). Serve immediately! 5. The sun’s healing rays Something that is easily forgotten in all the talk about sunscreen and the risks of burning is that the sun’s rays, besides being very relaxing and enjoyable, carry a lot of health benefits. By now, most people know the importance of having good levels of vitamin D in the blood, and that the best (and cheapest) way to get it is by exposing as much of our skin as possible to the sun for 15-20 minutes a day. When we get our vitamin D this way, we also don’t have to worry about getting too much because the body regulates its production as needed. Relaxing for a while in the warmth of the sun also provides several other health benefits that may not be obvious to everyone. Here are some of them: It lowers blood pressure A study from the University of Edinburgh has shown that nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure, is released into the blood vessels as soon as sunlight touches the skin. Therefore, Richard Weller, a university lecturer in dermatology, and his colleagues argue that sun exposure can not only improve health but also extend life (since lower blood pressure reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes). Strengthens brain function In addition to promoting bone health and regulating vital calcium levels, researchers have now linked vitamin D to a number of functions throughout the body, including brain function. A study led by David Llewellyn from the University of Cambridge found that cognitive function decreased the lower a person's vitamin D levels were. Other studies have found that sunlight can help stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the part of the brain where we form, organize, and store memories. Improves mood Moderate sun exposure increases levels of natural antidepressant substances in the brain. This is because sunny days cause the brain to produce more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts our mood. Improves sleep quality. Natural light, especially early in the day, signals the body to switch to producing hormones and neurotransmitters that keep us awake and alert. When it gets dark, a new signal is sent to the brain to produce melatonin, which helps us sleep deeply. By exposing ourselves to sunlight during the day, we support the natural circadian rhythm. The list could be much longer, but one thing is clear: If this were a pill we could take, everyone would have it in their cabinet at home. Since in Sweden we only have the opportunity to truly benefit from the sun's healing properties for 3-4 months a year, I at least plan to take in as much "Vitamin S" as I can.
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How to save your old makeup - clean and refresh
You might wonder if makeup products you’ve had lying around for a while can still be used? Here’s a guide on how to clear out and refresh your makeup. With fewer bacteria, dirt, and old makeup, your skin will become healthier, have fewer blemishes, and glow. Your skin will thank you! Mascara ✅ Save If the mascara has been dry since last winter, the waxes may have hardened. Some waxes melt around 35 degrees Celsius, so try placing the mascara in a warm water bath for 5 minutes. Then stir it around with the mascara brush. ? Throw away If the mascara is dry despite a warm bath, it’s best to throw it away. Adding various agents to your dry mascara is not recommended. It’s simply old and probably full of bacteria. Buy a new one. If the mascara isn’t dry, smell it. If it smells bad, throw it away! Pressed powder makeup ✅ Save Oils from your skin can sometimes stick to your pressed powder. Oils from your face transfer with makeup brushes, sponges, and similar tools. This can create a sticky, hard surface on your makeup that blocks and prevents your brush from picking up the product. Gently scrape off this surface with, for example, a small smooth knife. Now you should be able to use your makeup again. Oils stuck on pressed powder. Tip! Wash your brush after every use to avoid this. You can also try wiping your brush on paper between reapplications. Make sure to wait until your face cream or oil has absorbed into the skin or wipe off excess oil on your skin with a tissue before applying your powder makeup. Throw away Most pressed powders like eyeshadow, blush, and various powders contain oils. Oils can go rancid over time. So smell your makeup to see if it has a sharp, harsh, or rancid odor. Throw it away if so, because rancid oils damage the skin barrier. Lip makeup ✅ Save Does the lip gloss applicator feel dull? Maybe lipstick is stuck on it or it just looks unclean? Wipe and wash the applicator with mild soap. Then rinse off soap residue thoroughly. It’s important to let the applicator dry completely (until the next day) so no water gets into your product. Cover your lip gloss tube with plastic wrap to protect the product while the applicator dries. Lipstick can look dull on the surface. Dead skin cells and bacteria may be stuck there, or it might have dried out or oxidized since you last used it. Wipe the lipstick with paper or swipe it several times on a clean sheet of copy paper if it looks really dull. This way, you get rid of the ugly surface. Throw away Smell your lip makeup whether it’s liquid or solid. Remember, you’re ingesting your lip makeup, so always throw it away if it smells rancid, sharp, or bad. Liquid makeup ✅ Save Does your foundation feel a bit dry or thick so it crumbles or cracks on your skin? Try mixing a dab of foundation with a drop of any facial oil. Throw away Guess. Yep! Smell it. You know the drill. Unsure? If the makeup smells bad, old, or completely different, it’s clear that it should be thrown away. But sometimes it smells just like usual even though you’ve had the product for a long time. Makeup has a best-before date or open jar label (use within x months after opening). Follow that, and if you can’t find a date then: Throw away if you have used the product on and off for several years. Keep if you have used the product almost every day since you bought it. Throw away if there’s only a little left, e.g., liquid makeup in a tube or bottle. A little makeup left means a lot of air, and there’s a high risk your product has oxidized if it’s also been untouched for a while. Keep if your loose mineral makeup is free of liquids and oils. Pure minerals last incredibly many years, especially if you tap the makeup into the lid and don’t dip fingers or brushes directly into the product. Keep your water-free cream makeup, which often contains a lot of coconut oil, waxes, or shea butter. It usually lasts longer than the expiration date. How to clean your makeup Makeup brushes If you don’t usually wash your makeup brushes after each use, it’s time now. Do a fall cleaning of your makeup brushes and other applicators. Your skin will feel better and your makeup will last longer. Clean your brushes with mild soap and water. The best soaps for cleaning are mild, natural soaps. It makes the whole washing routine easier and more enjoyable. Soap and cleaner Soap and water Time to wash the makeup lids! All dirty lids, especially for mineral makeup, need freshening up now and then. Now is a perfect time. Wash with soap and water. Then wipe thoroughly. If the makeup is very stubborn, you need to rub with coconut oil and a little baking soda to loosen it. Then wash off oil residues with soap and water. Wipe dry. Done! Mineral makeup can be really stubborn. Here rubbing with coconut oil and baking soda. Wipe We all know how sticky it can get around a powder case, the edges of your cream makeup in a jar, outside bottle necks, etc. Wipe off with soap and water or coconut oil. Only wipe the packaging without getting soap and water into the makeup. Use a tissue or soft paper to wipe the makeup product itself. The edges were easily wiped clean with soap and water. Polish Makeup gets annoying fingerprints and other smudges on the outside of the packaging. Even skincare and hygiene products left out get dull lime spots and maybe even toothpaste splashes. With an effective cleaner, it becomes both easy and fun to keep cases and bottles clean! Smooth makeup cases tend to get sticky, especially if you use facial oil. @ekotipset has a great recipe for an eco-friendly window cleaner that works perfectly for polishing makeup cases, bottles, and other bathroom items. Mix 4 dl water 1 dl 24% vinegar 5 drops of mild and eco-friendly dish soap or 3 dl water 2 dl 2% vinegar 5 drops of mild and eco-friendly dish soap Pour into a spray bottle and polish up! While you're at it, clean mirrors, shower glass, faucets, bathtubs, and windows. Best used with a clean microfiber cloth. Enjoy sparkling clean surfaces and bottles!
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