Health Blog
Health Blog
Nutrition for healthy skin - Inner balance for outer beauty
The skin is the body’s largest organ and one of our most important elimination organs along with the liver, kidneys, and colon. We get many questions about skin problems. To tackle skin issues, it is important first to identify the underlying cause. It is not enough to just relieve symptoms. Often the underlying problems show up as symptoms like acne, eczema, rosacea, redness, inflammation, dry skin, brittle nails, or premature aging. These symptoms often point to an imbalance that you can adjust. Beauty comes from within In nutritional medicine, the skin is often related to the liver as well as digestive health. When you have an imbalance in these internal organs, it can show through the skin. The key to healthy and radiant skin literally goes through the stomach. Most of us need to review our dietary choices and take the right nutritional supplements to keep our skin happy and radiant. We may also need to do regular detox cures to support the body’s cleansing systems and reduce the burden on the skin. Besides dietary choices, it is also important to:– Avoid harmful substances from conventional skincare products (by using natural and organic skincare).– Balance stress in your life.– Exercise and sweat regularly to help your skin feel its best. What can you eat for healthy skin? Food for radiant skin It is just as important what you choose to avoid as what you choose to put into your body. Foods that disturb your liver and intestines are ultimately also harmful to the skin. Therefore, avoid or minimize**:** Avoid: Sugar Wheat flour Cheap fats like peanut oil, soybean oil, margarine, etc. Very fatty, fried, or sautéed foods in large amounts Artificial flavorings and preservatives. Eat more of: Vegetables rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and antioxidants support the skin by helping the body fight free radicals and protect against external effects from sun, weather, and wind. Especially good are broccoli, tomatoes, green leaves, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, sprouts, pumpkin, zucchini, celery, sweet potato, cauliflower, cabbage, beets. You can also choose green powder blends if you prefer to get as much green as possible in a simple and concentrated form. For example: E3live, Green Magic, Wheatgrass juice, and Spirulina. Fruits and berries rich in life-giving water, antioxidants, and vitamins help transport nutrients to the skin while clearing away waste products. Examples: avocado, papaya, goji berries, schisandra, apples, banana, lemon, lime, kiwi, pomegranate, pineapple, watermelon, pear. Healthy oils, the skin needs a certain amount of high-quality fatty acids to feel its best. These are good both to eat and to apply to the skin: Olive oil Algae omega-3 Hemp oil Hemp seeds Evening primrose oil Borage oil Coconut oil Black cumin oil Herbs and spices are like concentrated injections of antioxidants and phytonutrients that help the body protect the skin’s cells from external influences. Here are some tips: Ginger Chaga Moringa Neem Aloe vera Dandelion Nettle Field horsetail Turmeric Cinnamon Red clover Supplements that support skin health Some nutrients are especially important for skin health. In many cases, these overlap with what supports the liver, digestion, as well as hair and nails, since they all affect and interact with each other. The big stars for skin health are: Silica, Collagen, Zinc, Vitamin C, Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM (sulfur), Omega 3, and friendly gut bacteria. Vitamins E, D, and B-complex also have important functions for the skin. The best supplements specifically for the skin are combination supplements that combine nutrients and herbs in the right proportions to provide optimal support from within the body. Here are some favorites: Contains key ingredients for healthy skin such as silica from bamboo extract, vegetarian hyaluronic acid, soluble keratin, and several important vitamins and minerals. Sunwarrior Beauty Greens: with coconut water, biotin, and hyaluronic acid that help hydrate and strengthen the skin from within, while stimulating the body's collagen production, coconut water providing electrolytes, silica from bamboo, vitamin C, wheatgrass juice, kale, moringa, spirulina, and a vegetable blend as well as lactic acid bacteria for digestion. Terranova Beauty Complex contains a unique blend to support skin and hair health as well as nails. Contains MSM, horsetail, nettles, cocoa powder, pumpkin seeds, Gotu Kola, burdock, vitamin C, and zinc. Other supplements for the skin In addition to combination supplements for skin health, the following individual supplements can play an important role for skin health. Here are the most important: Lactic acid bacteria: health starts in the stomach and friendly gut bacteria support the entire body: Friendly lactic acid bacteria are one of the most important products you can choose. The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 in the body plays a crucial role for the skin and the whole body. B-complex supplements are effective for the skin and hair. Especially vitamin B3 plays an important role in circulation to the body's outermost parts. Zinc: required for collagen production, a connective tissue necessary for skin repair and regeneration. Zinc is a powerful mineral in preventing wrinkles, sun damage, inflammation (acne, rosacea), and pigmentation disorders (melasma). Eczema and acne can be caused by a deficiency of zinc and B vitamins in the body. Sulfur gives the skin radiance and glow. Where can you find sulfur? In lovely greens like arugula, kale, watercress, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and in maca. Or you can take MSM supplements. Silica is another essential mineral that keeps the skin happy. Silica-rich foods include green beans, nettles, oats, millet, artichoke, asparagus, beets, romaine lettuce, baby spinach, and herbs like horsetail. You can also drink organic green tea or Spring Dragon tea, 1-2 cups a day. Green tea protects the skin from sun damage and studies have shown it reduces redness – but it is important to choose a high-quality organic green tea without sugar.
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HIRO Cosmetics: Organic makeup for a natural look
Here comes a review of HIRO Cosmetics. What makes these makeup products unique is that they are incredibly light on the skin, multifunctional, super easy to achieve a beautiful result with, and they stay looking great all day. Mineral Foundation SPF 25-30 from HIRO Cosmetics I think the name mineral foundation doesn’t do this product justice and that this phenomenal product has received far too little attention. Unlike other mineral foundations, this one is extra finely milled, fluffy, and melts directly into the skin without emphasizing dryness or wrinkles. After two layers, you still look natural but the result is strikingly beautiful. Choose a fluffier kabuki brush for medium coverage and a denser foundation brush for high coverage. TIP: Because it is so finely milled, you can get an equally good liquid foundation by mixing it with serum, cream, or oil. When I was in Berlin and met one of the founders, I was explained that there is a huge difference in how the minerals are ground down. You can control particle size, but also particle shape like round, oval, or angular. Depending on the "settings" in the grinding process, the final result on the skin can vary. So exciting! They have also determined the exact SPF for each shade, and I think 25-30 is good year-round protection. Thumbs up for having done all the necessary tests to be able to print SPF on the jars. And thumbs up for the packaging being easy to use and secure so no powder spills out. HIRO Cosmetics is my absolute favorite loose foundation.You can buy HIRO Cosmetics Mineral Foundation here > No Doubt Natural Foundation from HIRO Cosmetics HIRO Cosmetics' natural liquid foundation is also easy to use as it melts into the skin immediately and gives a natural look. It doesn’t cake. I find it super comfortable on the skin and it gives a smooth, matte, beautiful finish. It provides medium coverage that is buildable, so if you need more, just apply more. This foundation is a 5-star product (out of 5 stars) and I think it suits both experienced makeup users and beginners. You can buy HIRO Cosmetics liquid foundation here > Space Balm concealer from HIRO Cosmetics Space Balm is also from another planet and has a high coverage level. HIRO Cosmetics may cover slightly less than some other brands, but it stays put all day, and even after several layers it feels light and not greasy on the skin, which means it doesn’t emphasize lines. A big plus is the mirror, a must for touch-ups or if you're always on the go. If I could only own one concealer, I would without a doubt choose HIRO Cosmetics' Space Balm. You can buy HIRO Cosmetics Space Balm here > Lipstick from HIRO Cosmetics I am a lipstickholic and absolutely love HIRO Cosmetics' lipsticks and lip paints. There are lipsticks that apply a fairly thick layer on the lips. Full coverage and beautiful, but they wear off quickly and end up everywhere. Then there are those that feel drier, last better but require more work when applying and are not for those with dry lips. HIRO’s lipsticks instead give a thin, pigmented layer on the lips that you don’t feel. The lips also stay soft for a long time. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing lipstick but am pleasantly surprised when I see it still looks nice at the end of the day. If I don’t touch up during the day, it fades evenly and nicely. There’s nothing worse than an outer ring left on the lips by evening. Their Lip Paint gives a lot of color and suits everyone who loves very colorful lips. Lip Paints are creamy in a liquid, thick form. They are very pigmented and have matte, opaque, wonderful colors. Buy HIRO lipsticks here > Mascara from HIRO Mascara is so individual. I always have trouble with flakes and smudges because I have hooded eyes. HIRO’s mascara Beautiful Brown & Deep Black gets 4 out of 5 points from me. By the end of the day, a little has settled under the eye. Easy to wipe off, but still. We know we have customers who are die-hard fans of the mascara; the brush has a classic perfect design and the formula lasts all day. Their latest mascara released in 2022 is called Bada Boom and is another hit from HIRO. A gentle mascara that suits sensitive eyes but still gives a sweep of fine volume without clumps… wonderful! This is by far the best natural mascara we’ve tested that gives volume and length at the same time. Buy HIRO mascaras here > Multistick from HIRO These multisticks became popular from day one! They are matte and the formula is cream-to-powder, which gives a light splash of color on the lips and eyelids. On the cheeks, HIRO’s multisticks are in a class of their own. There are cream blushes that are so pigmented they can easily look patchy and require practice to get an even and nice finish. If you succeed, cream blushes look more like skin, give a fresher and more believable result. Powder blushes look nice but can appear powdery and therefore more unnatural. HIRO’s multisticks are a middle ground, powdery but not quite. It’s easy and quick to create a subtle or more pigmented look. It looks like you’re good at makeup even if you don’t know what you’re doing. So easy to apply and no brushes needed, just fingers. The best part is that it stays extremely well on the skin. Blushes and bronzers tend to disappear on me during the day (I like small amounts, a subtle look), but not these. I easily eat off lipstick. But the multistick from HIRO stays all day. I've tried wearing multisticks and other lipsticks on top, and what remains in the evening is the multistick. Love, love, love HIRO's multisticks. Buy HIRO Multisticks here > All of you who love HIRO, go in and write product reviews so more people can hear how you experience them. All of you who haven't tried HIRO yet – do it!
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Safe face paint for children for Halloween
Halloween is a fun tradition where children get to dress up, play tricks, and eat candy. But they should be able to do it without risking their health! We take a closer look at what scary Halloween makeup for children contains, suggest better alternatives, and give you makeup inspiration. Harmful substances in children’s makeup As early as 2015, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation warned about toxins in makeup aimed at children after examining the Halloween makeup selection. They found frightening substances such as: are suspected hormone disruptors. are allergenic. are believed to contribute to diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Read the ingredient list It’s worth taking the time to read the small ingredient list on conventional face paint. When you read it, watch out for toxic substances such as: PFAS (perfluorinated substances). Watch out for names containing “fluoro,” polytef, polytefum, and PTFE. Read more about PFAS in makeup. Cyclic silicones (start with the word “cyclo” and end with “siloxane”). Parabens such as butyl-, isobutyl-, isopropyl-, and propylparaben. Phthalates are incredibly hard to identify because they come in many forms and are abbreviated as BBP, DEHP, MEP, MiBP, MEHP, etc. Always be critical when abbreviations are used. In cosmetics, phthalates can be found in nail polish and perfumes. It’s worth knowing that there are also toxic substances that don’t appear on the ingredient list but are hidden in other ingredients. For example: Synthetic color pigments often contain harmful heavy metals. Watch out for lake colors (e.g., labeled as Red 6 lake) and FD&C colors (e.g., labeled as FD&C Yellow 5). Phthalates are often part of synthetic perfumes. They fix the scents and make them last longer. A perfume can contain a large amount of phthalates without it needing to be listed on the ingredient label. They can hide behind vague terms like fragrance and perfume. It should be easy to choose right! Living a toxin-minimized and chemical-wise life should be simple, we at Glimja believe. We know it’s hard to decipher ingredient lists! That’s why we do the work for you and offer a handpicked selection that has both clean ingredients and high quality. Always buy pure, natural, and organic makeup products for children. They are much more sensitive than adults. The makeup products in our range contain no: PFAS substances (and are therefore not waterproof). Forms of silicones or petroleum-based chemicals. Instead, they consist of vegetable oils that nourish the skin. Parabens. Instead, they contain milder preservatives. Synthetic fragrances. Made from fragrant plant oils that are completely free from phthalates. Synthetic color pigments. Natural face paint from Namaki Namaki makes fun face painting products with ingredients that are safe for children's skin and health. Since the beginning, they have used carefully selected natural and organic ingredients when formulating their products. Namaki is COSMOS ORGANIC certified by Cosmécert according to the COSMOS standard. All Namaki products are certified organic and dermatologically tested. They are made with natural ingredients and formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. The packaging is recyclable and made with the environment in mind. Namakis fine products are perfect to use for Halloween, parties, or other festive occasions! The face pencils are practical and precise, allowing you to paint exactly the design you or the child wants. The natural and water-based face paint for face painting can also be applied to the skin. The face paint’s content is 99% natural and 20% organic. It includes 6 colors, a makeup brush, and 5 makeup instructions. 3 face paintings for Halloween 1. Halloween-themed face painting Painting kids as vampires and zombies is a classic that’s always in, but why not try something new, like an evil pumpkin, intergalactic creature, mermaid, favorite animal, robot, or avatar. Google in English and you’ll easily find pictures of the face painting you want to do: For example: "avatar halloween makeup children" or "zombie halloween makeup children." For kids who want something different, we have some fun suggestions that are easy to do even if you’re not an artist. If you want different shades, mix in white to get lighter colors and black to get darker colors. 2. Face painting with patterns Patterns on the face look both nice and cool. Base the face with a color of your choice and then create a pattern with another color. Here we have made a reptile imitation. Do as follows: Apply face cream or face oil to the face. Base with a mix of yellow and blue. Then use, for example, a net as a stencil (a tip is to use the net bag that avocados or onions come in). Paint over the stencil with another face paint or powder with a powder makeup like black eyeshadow. 3. Themed face painting Choose a theme that the kids like. Hello Kitty and Disney characters are examples of such. Here we went with the popular Pokémon theme. They are usually colorful and easy to paint. Here we have created Pikachu face painting. Do as follows: Start by applying a moisturizing face cream or oil to the face. Then draw the black lines. If you don't have black face paint, you can use a creamy and pigmented eyeliner like Purobio Long Lasting Pencil. Base with a yellow color. Fill up to the black lines. Paint the cheeks and upper mouth with red paint. Paint the lower part of the mouth with a mix of red and white.
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37 natural & organic Christmas gift ideas for better health
We asked the Glimja team which organic and natural Christmas gifts they would like to give. Here they come! 1. Organic hair kit Sara M is putting Malin i Ratan's lovely starter kit under the tree this year. The strength is perfect for beginners in "no poo" or for those who want to try shampoo soap. The soaps also work great as body soaps. The kit contains 3 small soaps, 1 rasul clay detox, and 1 sour rinse hibiscus. All Malin i Ratan's solid soaps are handmade and organic. They contain only the best natural and organic ingredients. 2. Reusable cleansing pads Otilia wants to recommend Bambaw's reusable cleansing pads. A Christmas gift that suits the environmentally conscious. These pads are washable and can be reused again and again. The pads are made of cotton, bamboo, and polyester and are designed to suit all skin types. 3. Vitamin C serum Ljung of Lapland's Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum is the perfect beauty Christmas gift, says Vera. It refreshes and brightens the skin while smelling so good. The serum contains carrot extract, vitamin C, and heather extract, which have an anti-aging effect. Vitamin C prevents pigmentation spots. 4. Ceremonial matcha tea Otilia loves Matcha tea and wants to give away the beautiful package with Ceremonial Grade Matcha tea and matcha whisk. Matcha is very rich in antioxidants and also contains the special amino acid L-theanine, which is only found in green tea. A lovely gift that most will appreciate. A matcha whisk, or Chasen as it is actually called, is a beautiful element for a Japanese tea ceremony. This whisk is made of bamboo with 100 bamboo tines to perfectly mix the tea with foam on top. 5. Natural candy dates Sara recommends Dave & Jon's amazingly tasty dates with candy flavors! They suit both kids and adults and contribute to a slightly healthier Christmas candy. It's a very nice "host gift" for the mulled wine party or Christmas cozy time. Which will be your favorite? Licorice, Peach, Tropical flavor, or maybe Cola bottles? 6. Green super powder Better You's green powder Green Boost is a great Christmas gift for a tired mom, says Hanna, or for anyone who needs a little extra nutrition during winter. Drink the powder directly in water or make a delicious smoothie. Green Boost gives you spirulina, spinach, Q10, wheatgrass, acai, barley grass, alfalfa, green tea, chlorella, and sour cherry – a really great boost of greens and nutrients. 7. Play bag Hanna recommends PlanToys’ “learning bags,” which are inspiring and fun play bags that help children develop imagination, creativity, fine motor skills, and logical thinking. Perfect even for the “wild” child, says Hanna. And we adults take turns being patients or customers. PlanToys makes very nice, eco-friendly, and educational toys. They use sustainable materials and dye with organic, water-based colors. They are made of rubberwood, painted with low-toxicity paints, and the bags are made of cotton canvas. 8. Wool blanket Otilia wants to give one of Klippan’s wool blankets in organic lambswool – it’s guaranteed to be a Christmas gift everyone will love. Because who doesn’t want to snuggle under a warm blanket in winter in front of a fire or a good movie? The wool blankets are made without chlorine and with heavy metal-free dyes. The blanket is just as beautiful on the front as on the back and becomes a cozy, warming treasure in the home for many years to come. 9. Aroma bottle Sara loves her aroma bottle because she can create her own scent combinations for her home with selected essential oils. The current favorite is cinnamon scent! Of course, the essential oils we offer are genuine and organic, no synthetic fragrances. You fill the bottle with a little vegetable base oil and 5-10 drops of essential oils. Then you put in a few scent sticks and the fragrance spreads throughout the home. 10. Organic argan oil Sara wants to share the amazing Argan oil. Sara now only uses pure argan oil on her face and has never had such beautiful skin. Her favorite is Loelle’s argan oil with vanilla. Argan oil suits all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin. At the same time, the oil is probably best known as a really good, effective hair oil that helps dry, damaged, and worn hair. 11. Organic conditioner Nicole gives 100% Pure Honey & Virgin Coconut conditioner as a Christmas gift. Because it makes the hair so soft, smooth, and easy to comb! And it smells just right. The balm has a nourishing formula with, among other things, aloe vera, rose water, avocado butter, and coconut oil that makes the hair healthy and shiny. 12. Organic foot cream Moon thinks that Dr Sannas organic foot cream is a perfect Christmas gift. A sure winter present for tired and dry winter feet. Dr Sannas foot cream softens and prevents cracked heels. The feet become smooth and lovely with completely natural ingredients. 13. Supercharged C60 Sara wants to share Global Healing's Supercharged C60, which is a unique product. It is an advanced form of micro-activated, multilayered, and organized C60. What does it do then, you wonder? Well, it works as a very powerful antioxidant. It contributes to cleansing the body and supports healthy aging. Its unique structure acts as a powerful "catcher" of free radicals, effectively absorbing these harmful molecules and helping to eliminate them from the body. 14. Organic elderberry syrup Moon wants to give Gaia Herbs Elderberry Syrup as a Christmas gift because it is a simple product for the whole family to use to give a boost and prevent colds. And it tastes so good! Gaia Herbs Elderberry Syrup is a liquid syrup made from elderberries and acerola fruit. Two berries rich in vitamin C. Each teaspoon corresponds to 14.5 grams of fresh elderberries. 15. Organic propolis Nicole thinks Ballot Flurin black propolis is a perfect Christmas gift. It is organic black propolis extract in spray form that is easy to take to support the immune system. Propolis is a wonder of nature consisting of vitamins, minerals, and almost all amino acids. It also contains a range of interesting bioflavonoids, some of our most important antioxidants. 16. Natural watercolors For Sara T, it is important to minimize toxins in the home. She wants to brighten Christmas Eve with this beautiful watercolor kit with 12 different colors. Suitable for the crafty child or the crafty adult. With pencils, crayons, or paint from the German ökoNORM, we avoid worries about toxins, as their products are made from natural raw materials. The colors are made from highly concentrated plant extracts and food-grade dyes. 17. Insulated thermal mug This insulated Camp Mug from Klean Kanteen is a favorite when going out with the dog and wanting to bring your morning coffee, says Rahima. Perfect as a gift for anyone who enjoys hiking in the forest or wants their drink in the car. Suitable for both hot and cold drinks. Camp Mug has a "Climate Lock" vacuum insulation that keeps cold drinks chilled for about 9.5 hours and hot drinks warm for about 3.5 hours. 18. Yoga mat in lambswool Nicole gives away a yoga mat in lambswool – for the calmer yoga moments. Nicole loves to cozy up on this mat with her dog when the floor at home is cold in winter. The mat is also perfect just for relaxation, meditation, or why not outdoors. The rug is certified according to Ökotex and Woolmark. The top side is 100% wool. The underside has anti-slip stripes made from a mix of natural latex. 19. Eye cream Adam would like to recommend 100% Pure's fantastic eye cream that reduces puffiness and dark circles. A big favorite both with us and our customers. With green tea and green coffee extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, rose water, rosehip oil, aloe vera, and herbs, this is an effective hit. 20. Organic body lotion You can't live without a good lotion, so Rahima puts i+m Naturkosmetik's organic lotion Rich Body Cream Orange Vanilla under the tree. Because it leaves the skin so smooth and smells divine. i+m naturkosmetik is a favorite company. They are organic pioneers who create products with fine eco raw materials. The principles FAIR ORGANIC VEGAN BRAVE are always the foundation for all their product and company decisions. 21. Natural bath salt A bath salt from Vermont Soap is the obvious Christmas gift, says Daniella. If you have a bathtub at home, there is nothing more pleasant and relaxing than taking a bath with bath salt. Vermont Soaps aromatherapy bath salt soothes aching and tired muscles as it contains both sea salt and Epsom salt. The lovely scent is just a bonus. 22. Natural birch sugar Daniella would like to recommend Birch Sugar as it tastes just as good as the less healthy white sugar. A fun gift to put under the tree or bring to the Christmas party. Birch sugar can be used like regular sugar, except for baked goods that require yeast. You can, for example, make chocolate, chocolate balls, ice cream, marmalade, jam, desserts, cookies, etc. Or put it on berries, in tea, and more. 23. Vitamin C Adam gives away Vitamin C because it is such a fantastic support during the winter months for everyone. A must-have in the medicine cabinet at home. We have Vitamin C for big and small, for all ages. In capsule, tablet, or powder form. 24. Organic olive oil An organic olive oil of the highest quality is the obvious Christmas gift, says Ellinor. The Vivere Verde olive oil comes from Sicily. Olives of the Tonda Iblea variety are handpicked and pressed within a few hours, then bottled in dark glass bottles. The oil is certified D.O.P. Monte Iblei, which guarantees that it is 100% oil from olives from this area and that pressing has been done without heat or chemicals. 25. Wool blankets for children Moon, who is a toddler parent, thinks Klippan’s children’s blankets are a lovely Christmas gift and they are so beautiful! A soft, cozy gift that everyone wants to take turns sitting on or wrapping themselves in. Of course, they are made from organic lambswool. The lambswool is free from pesticides and no chemicals or antibiotics have been used in raising the lambs. The blankets are dyed with colors free from heavy metals, and they are not chlorine bleached either. 26. Water purifier Adam wants to recommend Maunawai water filter because it’s an amazing product everyone should have in their kitchen that makes the water feel very clean and taste so good! Maunawai® PI®PRIME K8 filter is a gravity water filter that filters according to five principles: filtration, information, optimization, harmonization, and biological availability. This technology was developed 60 years ago in Japan, intended to make tap water first-class drinking water. The Hawaiian word “Maunawai” means “mountain water.” 27. Natural beeswax wraps Daniella wants to give Bee´s Wraps beeswax wraps as a Christmas gift because they are indispensable once you’ve discovered that plastic isn’t needed in the kitchen. Beeswax wraps work perfectly for everything from cheese to vegetables and bread, and the size is adapted to the product you want to use it for. You simply shape the cloth so that it covers, for example, a bowl going into the fridge. Then you clean them with cold water and a mild dish soap, and they can be used for up to a year. 28. Face Tan Water Ellinor thinks Eco by Sonya’s Face Tan Water is a nice Christmas gift because it really brightens up the skin and gives that extra fresh feeling during winter. Besides being organic, non-greasy, easy to use, giving a healthy glow, and reducing the need for foundation are just extra bonuses. 29. Organic facial oil Hanna recommends Ljung organic Facial Oil Rosehip with rosehip seed oil, borage oil, and blackcurrant seed oil. It’s such a lovely oil and it really feels like it nourishes the skin. The facial oil is rich in antioxidants and has a high content of essential fatty acids that improve the skin’s texture deeply. 30. Natural calendula balm Hewri gives away Ekendahls organic calendula balm suitable for babies and children’s sensitive skin. It’s magical! and always removes dryness and redness from my daughters’ cheeks during winter. It’s enough for me to apply it in the evening and in the morning the skin is soft and smooth again. This mild calendula balm is not only suitable for babies and children but is equally useful for adults to apply on dry skin areas. It is 99% organic and has no added fragrance. 31. Crunchy spirulina Rahima thinks Spirulina Crunchy is a fun Christmas gift that most people would be surprised to receive, and most have never tried it. Dried spirulina that has been made into small crunchy pieces. Oh, so good! If you like the "green flavors," this is a must. The spirulina is grown in Auroville and harvested as a mass that then undergoes a purification and filtration process. After that, the mass is pressed before being shaped into a paste that is ground into "spaghetti." These are dried in the sun. Finally, the spirulina is portioned and packaged. Available in neutral flavor or with chili for a little kick in the mouth. 32. Organic blueberry powder Vera gives Holistic's Blueberry Powder as a gift because it's super tasty on porridge! Blueberry powder is a great Christmas gift that suits both health novices and seasoned health enthusiasts. Blueberries provide vitamins and minerals, but above all antioxidants. 33. Ultimate Cellular Health Mikael absolutely loves Global Healing's Ultimate Cellular Health because it feels like it contributes to youthfulness. Ultimate Cellular Health is an advanced supplement for cellular health. This is a really cool Longevity product, says Mikael! 34. Multivitamin for women Better You Multivitamin Woman is a nice Christmas gift and perfect for people like me who like ALL IN ONE, says Hewri, while also being affordable. Multivitamin Woman is designed for all women's needs, regardless of age, with a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals. 35. Stainless steel straws Vera would love to see BamBaw's stainless steel straws under the Christmas tree this year. These bent straws are made of stainless steel and replace disposable straws! A single stainless steel straw can prevent many plastic straws from ending up in the ocean or landfill. 36. Food thermos Klean Kanteen's Insulated TKCanister is a really good food thermos that Ellinor would love to give to anyone who wants a really good lunchbox, for work, forest trips, or traveling. The food thermos has Climate Lock double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps contents warm for 11 hours and cold for 45 hours. It has a wide opening that makes it easy to eat from. The lid is leak-proof and has a large stainless steel handle. 37. Glass water bottle Hewri thinks the water tastes better in this nice water bottle from Lifefactory, so she wants to give one to a friend for Christmas! Lifefactory makes incredibly nice glass bottles with a practical silicone sleeve. The silicone sleeve both protects the glass and provides a good grip, making the bottle soft and easy to hold.
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Inlight Beauty: Organic skincare with a scientific foundation
Inlight Beauty is an English company that produces luxurious, organic skincare products. They started in 2007 and have advocated “clean beauty” from the very beginning. Dr. Mariano Spiezia, a physician, clinical herbalist, and homeopath, is the wisdom behind the brand. He has over 30 years of medical knowledge and an innate passion for alchemy. Inlight carefully selects and blends the very best organic ingredients, chosen for their natural therapeutic and preservative qualities, ensuring they work in synergy with each other and are gentle not only on your skin but also on our planet. Over 50 botanical plants are used in their products. Each organic ingredient has been specifically selected by Dr. Spiezia for its beneficial properties and individual or collective synergistic effects. All Inlight products contain Dr. Spiezia’s Bio Lipophilic Matrix®, a blend of organic, cold-pressed plant oils carefully developed for their high biochemical affinity to the skin. Feel free to watch this film How Inlight’s products are made? All products are handmade in Cornwall, England. Inlight avoids mass production, and their unique production process integrates modern science, nature’s alchemy, and green chemistry. Ingredients are expertly blended, and raw materials like flowers, herbs, stems, and roots are infused in cold-pressed oils such as olive, jojoba, and coconut oil for over a month before being pressed and filtered by hand. They are also exposed to sunlight and moonlight to harness their unique, subtle strength. Once the oils have been infused with care and powerful plant nutrients, they are cold-pressed and filtered to create a pure oil blend. The final touch is adding essential oils and, in some products, beeswax. They process the raw materials as little as possible to preserve their natural integrity and life force. Dr. Spiezia uses a range of unique techniques during every production step, such as tuning sounds, colors, and intention words, to enhance each ingredient’s vibrational energy and vitality. This is how Inlight uses alchemy in their products Every Inlight product is also represented by an alchemical symbol. As is well known, all matter is surrounded by its own vibrational energy, so each alchemical symbol is the visual expression of the product’s unique, vibrational “dance.” With every unique formulation comes the perfect fusion of particles, molecules, and atoms. Or as Dr. Spiezia so beautifully explains it: "Health and science have a beauty within them, the beauty that arises from the chemical and physical processes underlying life itself; there can be no finer beauty than that of atoms dancing together in the fascinating harmony of laws that stabilize this planet and are constantly evolving. Every symbol on Inlight products is the visual expression of this unique, vibrational 'dance'." It is skincare alchemy. Lip Serum is an oil-based lip serum Why do they only have water-free formulations? Inlight Beauty’s products are water-free, oil-based formulations. Their water-free formulas mimic the composition of the skin’s natural sebum, allowing each ingredient to work on and with the skin, resulting in highly effective products. All skin types, whether dry, normal, or oily, need hydration. Effective hydration is crucial to keeping the skin healthy, supple, and youthful. Oil-based products provide a protective barrier that helps lock in water, keeping the skin hydrated longer. Oil-based beauty products require no chemical additives or preservatives at all. The products therefore do not contain synthetic preservatives, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, phenoxyethanol, petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances, or other chemicals. What certifications do they have? The fine organic ingredients that form the base of the skincare and Dr Spiezia’s expertise made Inlight Beauty the first British beauty brand to receive Cosmos Organic Certification for the entire range of skin and hair care products. Inlight is also certified by Positive Luxury’s Butterfly Mark, the leading sustainability certification in the luxury industry, as well as the international Leaping Bunny – Cruelty Free certification for the welfare of all animals. Dr Spiezia was nominated in 2020 for the Lifetime Achievement Award by Positive Luxury for his contribution to sustainable and positive changes in the beauty and health industry. Deep Moisture Balm is a deeply moisturizing facial cream Glass jars and bottles that protect the contents Inlight's products come in violet miron glass that protects the contents and ensures the shelf life and effectiveness of the ingredients remain at their peak. Miron glass blocks UV rays but lets in other important rays. Product shelf life Most products have a shelf life of 36 months on the shelf before opening. After opening, we recommend use within 6 months for maximum effect. However, considering the ingredients and miron glass, they can be used much longer if stored properly. Face Oil is a facial oil that balances Who are the products suitable for? Despite the common misconception that oil-based products should not be used on oily skin, they can actually help regulate and balance excess oil production. The entire skincare collection is therefore suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. All products are suitable for vegetarians and never tested on animals. All oils and serums are vegan-friendly. The balm contains beeswax. Explore their product range for skin and hair InLight Beauty Deep Moisture Balm, 28 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Especially nourishing for dry, uneven, and sun-affected skin. Also ideal as anti-aging skincare and for skin during menopause. InLight Beauty Face Cleanser, 28 ml suits all skin types. Also ideal for problematic and acne-prone skin. InLight Beauty Face Oil, 30 ml suits all skin types and ages. Also ideal for problematic skin. InLight Beauty Face Oil for Men, 30 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Especially beneficial for dry and mature skin. InLight Beauty Night Balm, 45 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Also ideal for skin during menopause. InLight Beauty Line Softener Intensive, 15 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Ideal for mature, dry skin, age spots, deep lines, and scars. Also ideal for skin during menopause. InLight Beauty Under Eye Revive, 12 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Ideal for dark circles, puffiness, and thin skin. InLight Beauty Floral Tonic, 200 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Ideal for mature, dry skin, redness, and acne-prone skin. InLight Beauty Make Up Remover, 50 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. InLight Beauty Superfood Mask, 25 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Ideal for tired, dull, and sun-damaged skin. InLight Beauty Chocolate Mask, 25 ml suits all skin types, including sensitive. Ideal for tired and dull skin. InLight Beauty Lip Serum, 10 ml suits all skin types and ages. InLight Beauty Hair Elixir, 100 ml suits all hair types including dry, damaged, or colored hair. Especially good for frizzy hair, split ends, sun-damaged hair, or hair worn out from pool and sea swimming. Is there a product for Rosacea? Floral Tonic is oil-free and contains ingredients that soothe, refresh, and reduce inflammation. This makes it effective for calming skin prone to rosacea. Floral Tonic is an alcohol-free facial toner Which of the products are suitable for acne-prone skin? Face Cleanser and Floral Tonic have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe and relieve acne-prone skin. Using specific oils actually helps balance the skin’s sebum and prevent excess oil production. Face Cleanser is a balm that deeply cleanses and nourishes Skincare routine à la Inlight Step 1: Cleanse impurities and remove makeup with Face Cleanser. If you want a vegan-friendly product, swap it for Make-up Remover Oil. Step 2: Refresh and brighten with Floral Tonic (vegan-friendly). Step 3: Hydrate and protect with Face Oil (vegan-friendly). For more intensive daily hydration, choose Deep Moisture Balm. It is formulated with a high concentration of phytonutrients that promote skin renewal and increase collagen and elastin production. You can also alternate with Line Softener Intensive which combats fine lines and dark spots, or Night Balm which provides intense nourishment overnight. All these balms contain beeswax and are therefore vegetarian. Step 4: Once a week, you can use one of the lovely face masks Superfood Mask or Chocolate Mask (vegetarian). Have you tried Inlight Beauty's amazing products? Feel free to share your experience here!
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Find the right shampoo for your scalp and hair type
It can be hard to find the right shampoo. Many factors affect the final result, and the selection is huge. In this guide, you’ll learn what kind of shampoo to look for and what to avoid. That makes buying shampoo much easier. Scalp first The biggest mistake you can make is buying a shampoo that doesn’t suit your scalp. If your scalp is too dry or oily, your shampoo should primarily be designed to balance your scalp. An unbalanced scalp will sooner or later negatively affect hair quality. Always prioritize the scalp first. Feel free to read our blog post about scalp detox. Both dry and oily scalps can itch. The itching usually disappears when the scalp is balanced. If your shampoo suits your hair but not your scalp, the tip is to use two different shampoos: one for the scalp and another for the lengths. Dry scalp When the scalp is dry, it can feel tight after washing. It may also flake and itch. A classic sign of dry scalp is small flakes falling onto your shoulders. It can feel like it’s “snowing” from your hair and never stops no matter how much you try to shake it off. Keep in mind: many confuse dryness with dandruff and aren’t helped by dandruff shampoos, which actually dry out the scalp more. Tips to get rid of dry scalp If you have a dry scalp Try scrubbing your scalp if it flakes a lot. Dead skin cells need to be scrubbed away from a dry scalp just as much as from dry skin. See our blog post scalp detox for how to scrub your scalp. If your scalp flakes a lot, it’s important to wash thoroughly so dead skin cells don’t build up and form a barrier on the scalp. Gently massage the scalp with your fingers while shampooing and rinse well. Wash more often if you usually wash infrequently (e.g., once a week). If you usually wash your hair every day, try washing it less often. Frequent hair washing can dry out both the scalp and hair. If you exercise often, it’s fine to wash sometimes and other times just rinse with water or use a dry shampoo. If you usually wash your hair with hot water, try lukewarm or cold water, which is less drying. If you feel your hair rarely gets dirty, try washing with a light conditioner instead and let your scalp rest from shampoo for a while. Natural shampoos for dry scalp Try an organic, mild shampoo designed to provide moisture, nourishment, shine, and easy-to-comb hair. These nourish and hydrate without drying out the scalp. Look for gentle, moisturizing shampoos that contain plant oils. Avoid conventional strong sulfates (drying soap agents that create a lot of lather) in your shampoo. Also avoid volumizing shampoos or strengthening shampoos for damaged and fragile hair. These can either irritate or wash away too much oil from an already dry scalp. Ingredients that are good for dry scalp Plant oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil are good for nourishing and protecting the scalp from drying out. Plant extracts from eucalyptus, aloe vera, burdock root, nettles, green tea, and calendula are also beneficial, as they provide moisture and calm the scalp. Products we recommend for dry scalp Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo Bruns Shampoo no. 02 Logona Nettle Shampoo Glossy Locks Moisture Drench Shampoo 100% Pure Honey & Virgin Coconut Shampoo Oily scalp Overproduction of sebum (natural skin oil) can be due to genetics or hormonal imbalance, but in most cases it actually stems from dry skin on the scalp. When you wash away too much of the skin’s natural sebum, an excess sebum production occurs to balance the disruption. Therefore, avoid strongly lathering and drying shampoos that only worsen the condition. If you need to wash often and with strong lathering shampoos to keep your hair clean, it’s time to break the vicious cycle. Tips to get rid of oily scalp Do you feel your hair doesn’t get clean after shampooing? Be patient when massaging your scalp and hair with your new milder shampoo to dissolve oil. Shampoo at least twice and make sure to rinse the shampoo thoroughly from scalp and hair. When switching to a milder shampoo, you may initially need to wash your hair more often during the week to keep it clean. That’s okay as long as it’s a milder change. The goal, however, is to gradually wash less often. If it’s absolutely impossible to get your hair clean with a milder shampoo, alternate with your current (strongly lathering) shampoo to eventually phase it out completely. Never massage conditioner into your scalp, but apply from the ear down or only on the hair ends. Make sure to rinse the conditioner thoroughly. Natural shampoos for oily scalp Try dry shampoo to extend the time between washes. Choose an organic dry shampoo to avoid irritating and strongly drying ingredients. Look for a sulfate-free volumizing or balancing shampoo. Watch out for cheap shampoos aimed at oily hair. They are often drying with strong drying sulfates, which dry out the scalp and cause it to produce even more oil. Avoid shampoos that are moisturizing, nourishing, shine-enhancing, meant to detangle tangled hair, or good for curly, frizzy, thick, or dry hair. These usually provide too much nourishment for an already oily scalp. Many natural and organic shampoos for oily hair also work against dandruff. The reason is that the ingredients both balance an oily scalp and are effective against dandruff formation. If you don’t have dandruff, an organic dandruff shampoo still works perfectly well. Ingredients that are good for oily scalp Examples of ingredients that either balance or reduce oil production are jojoba oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, aloe vera, rosemary, tea tree, kelp, calendula, lavender, burdock root, horsetail, nettles, baking soda, neem, and clays. Products we recommend for oily scalp Logona Balance Shampoo Khadi Neem Shampoo Odylique Tea Tree & Herb Shampoo Grön Lycka Golden Rose Shampoo Bar Grön Lycka Exotic Flower Shampoo Bar Shampoos that suit your hair type When your scalp is balanced, you can choose a shampoo that can fulfill your hair dreams. Hair type /Shampoo / Beneficial ingredients Fine, thin hair: Volumizing shampoos that revive hair without weighing it down. Avoid shampoos with a lot of oils, like serums and hair oils.1100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo, Sante Volume Goji & Henna Shampoo. Bamboo extract, kelp, clay, peppermint, horsetail. Straight hair: Shine-enhancing shampoos that are often extra nourishing. 100% Pure Honey & Coconut Shampoo, Lavera Gloss & Shine Shampoo, 100% Pure Yuzu & Pomelo Shampoo.Honey, nettles, rosemary, rose water, aloe vera.Chemically, heat-damaged, bleached, colored, and fragile hair. Strengthening, protein-rich shampoos. 100% Pure Repair Shampoo, Eco Cosmetics Repair Shampoo. Bamboo extract, baking soda, vitamin E, green tea, honey, proteins, rosemary, horsetail.Stiff, dull, and lifeless hair: Detox shampoo or one that lathers well without strong sulfates. Make sure to shampoo at least twice to get the hair really clean. Follow up with a nourishing, detangling conditioner. Bruns Shampoo no. 04. Baking soda, honey, nettles, rosemary, apple cider vinegar.Thick, wavy: Moisturizing, nutrient-rich shampoos with plant oils that make hair supple, shiny, and smooth. Bruns Shampoo no. 02, 100% Pure Moisture Drench Shampoo. Aloe vera, argan oil, avocado oil, honey, jojoba oil, cinnamon, coconut oil, nettles, rosemary.Curly hair: Nourishing shampoos that prevent frizz with mild foam. Avoid sulfates at all costs. Bruns Shampoo no. 02, Rahua Hydrating Shampoo. Aloe vera, avocado oil, bamboo extract, coconut oil, clays, shea butter.Very dry and curly hair that rarely gets oily. Same as for Curly hair. Preferably skip shampoo and try washing your hair with clay or conditioner without silicones, mineral oils, and sulfates. Crearome Rhassoul Clay, Bruns Conditioner no. 01All hair types with hair loss problems or that need to stimulate hair growth with sulfate-, silicone-, and mineral oil-free shampoos. 100% Pure Grow More Shampoo, Bruns VÄXA Shampoo no. 80 & 81. Biotin, vitamin E, ginseng, green tea, coffee, chamomile, burdock root, mint, nettles, rosemary, horsetail.All hair types that need frequent washing. A mild foaming shampoo for daily use (usually suitable for the whole family) that cleans without drying out, like Logona Nettle Shampoo or Lavera Sensitive Moisture & Care Shampoo, Odylique Hydrating Lavender Shampoo.Not sure about your hair type: A balancing shampoo. It’s a safe choice if you’re not quite sure what you need. It’s not too nourishing and doesn’t dry out the hair. Dr Sannas balancing shampoo, Sante Shampoo Shine Birch Leaf, Odylique Hydrating Lavender Shampoo. Jojoba oil, lemon balm, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lavender. Here you can read more about dry hair, here you can read more about curly hair, here you can read more about how to create volume in your hair or about the conditioner method. Here you can read about how to dye with herbal hair colors.
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The conditioner method for dry and damaged hair
Have you tried all kinds of shampoos that are supposed to be good for dry and damaged hair but still haven't found the right one? For you, the very best shampoo might be no shampoo at all if your hair is very damaged and worn. Then the conditioner method might be something to try. With the conditioner method, you wash your hair clean using only conditioner. 5 benefits of the conditioner method With the conditioner method, you can wash your hair every day without damaging the hair quality. The conditioner method: Makes dry hair shiny. Makes colored hair last longer. Repairs damaged hair. Enhances curls. Makes the scalp produce less oil. In general, both hair and scalp become healthy with the conditioner method, and it is an easy way to save damaged hair. Step 1: Deep clean with a "final shampoo" before you start A so-called "final shampoo" is needed to wash away deposits of silicones, mineral oils, and other hard-to-dissolve chemicals from hair and scalp before you begin the conditioner method. If you already use natural and organic hair products, no final shampoo is needed. One of these shampoos works as a "final shampoo": – Shampoo no. 4 from Bruns – Shampoo Repair from Eco Cosmetics Your final shampoo should have pure, natural ingredients and be strong enough to clean. Usually, a shampoo with sulfates is recommended, but it works just as well if the shampoo contains milder soap agents like these. How to do it: Massage the shampoo into your entire hair. Rinse out. Repeat the washing step until the hair feels "squeaky clean." The hair may feel tangled and rough (no worries!). Detangle the hair with a natural conditioner (see conditioners below). Wash your hair this way 1-3 times or until the hair feels really clean, shinier, and more manageable. The reason your shampoo and conditioner should have pure ingredients is so they don’t add more of the substances you want to wash away. They give your hair a good and fresh new start so the transition to the conditioner method becomes easy. Tip! It’s good to occasionally reset your hair again with your final shampoo. This is because air pollution and minerals in our water can stick firmly to the hair strands and become difficult to wash away with conditioner alone. Step 2: Start washing your hair with conditioner Since fat dissolves fat, it works perfectly to clean hair using only conditioner. But this places higher demands on your conditioner. Further down you will find our 3 favorite conditioners for the conditioner method. Keep in mind that conditioner does not lather, which requires a bit more time and effort to distribute in the hair and to dissolve dirt. With the conditioner method, you may initially need to wash your hair a bit more often. In that case, continue washing with conditioner until your scalp gets used to it. Be patient and hang in there! How to do it: Wet your hair with water. Distribute your conditioner on the scalp and massage carefully for a while so that dead skin cells and oil dissolve. Rinse the conditioner thoroughly with water. Be sure to rinse out all the conditioner. Otherwise, the hair may feel flat and oily after washing. If needed, finish with a more nourishing conditioner like a hair mask on the ends and lengths that protects the hair, makes it easier to detangle, and repairs dry and damaged hair. Rinse with water. Conditioners for the conditioner method The conditioners you use for the conditioner method must be free from sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, hard-to-dissolve chemicals, and drying alcohols. They should not weigh the hair down and should be lighter in consistency while still being able to clean hair and scalp without leaving a greasy feeling. These organic conditioners are suitable for the conditioner method: – Eco Cosmetics Conditioner with Jojoba & Green Tea – Dr Sannas Volume Conditioner – Bruns Conditioner No. 04 Magic Citrus Remember that a healthy scalp is the straightest path to healthy hair! Read more about how you can take care of your scalp to detoxify hair and scalp as well as to prevent itchy scalp.
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Cold-pressed oils for skin and hair - which one suits you?
Argan oil – for dry, aging, oily, and normal skin, intensely moisturizing. Anti-age oil. Suitable for; skin, face, hair. A very popular hair oil. Jojoba oil – for dry, aging, oily, normal, or combination skin, balances sebum production. Universal oil. Suitable for; cleansing, skin, face, massage, bath oil, hair. Also for acne-prone skin. Apricot kernel oil – for all skin types, especially good for normal, dry, and aging skin, universal oil. Suitable for; skin, face, hair, massage, bath oil, baby massage. Also for baby care. Sweet almond oil – for all skin types, fantastic facial oil, mild, nourishing, and light. Universal oil. Suitable for; cleansing, remover, skin, face, hair, nails, massage, and eating. Also for baby care. Grapeseed oil – for dry, normal, oily, or combination skin, soothing for the skin and mildly astringent. Suitable for; cleansing, face. Also for acne-prone skin. Green avocado oil – for dry, aging, and sun-damaged skin, increases elasticity and moisturizes. Universal oil. Suitable for; cleansing, remover, skin, evening face oil, hair, bath oil, and eating. Camellia oil – all skin types, fantastic facial oil, absorbs quickly and counteracts fine lines. Universal oil with a neutral scent. Suitable for; skin, face, hair, nails. Does not make hair greasy while moisturizing. Baobab oil – true anti-age oil that improves skin elasticity. Perfect for preventing stretch marks. Suitable for; cleansing, skin, face, hair, and eating. Sesame oil – good for any skin type. Universal oil. Suitable for; cleansing, skin, face, hair, massage, and eating. Rosehip oil – dry, aging, and normal skin, highly regenerating, anti-aging properties. Suitable for; skin, face, as serum, hair. Also to prevent pigmentation spots and scars. Raspberry seed oil – all skin types, fantastic facial oil, reparative, regenerating, and soothing. Suitable for; skin, as serum, face, hair. Macadamia oil – for dry to very dry, damaged, aging skin, renews the skin, restores moisture, and improves skin quality. Suitable for; skin, face, hair, and eating. Marula oil – for mature skin, dry skin, protects the skin against aging, counteracts fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for; skin, face, hair, nails, and eating. Borage oil – most skin types, but especially oily and acne-prone skin, very rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Suitable for; evening face oil and eating to obtain GLA fatty acid. Evening primrose oil – normal skin, mature skin, nourishes the skin, rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Good for eczema, skin problems, and scalp issues. Suitable for; diluted on skin, evening face oil, and eating. Tamanu oil – both dry and combination skin, anti-age and regenerating. Suitable for; skin, face, hair. Also for acne-prone skin. Can be used for spot treatment of scars. Pomegranate oil – normal, dry skin, also sensitive skin, naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-age oil, soothing and moisturizing. Suitable for; skin, evening face oil, as serum, and eating. Moringa oil – mature, dry skin and oilier skin with acne, very antioxidant-rich that protects while cleansing the skin. Suitable for; skin, face, eating. Also for acne-prone skin. Black cumin oil – all skin types, including sensitive skin, prevents skin aging, deeply nourishes. Good for itching and skin problems. Suitable for; skin, evening face oil, eating. Also for acne-prone skin. Should not be heated. Hemp oil – for all skin types, soothing, moisturizing, naturally anti-inflammatory, contains omega 3-6-9. Good for skin problems. Suitable for; skin, face, and eating. Should not be heated. Carrot oil – for all skin types, intensely protective, also sun-damaged skin, due to its high beta-carotene content. Suitable for; skin, face, as serum, hair. Calendula oil – problematic skin such as itchy skin, acne, eczema, diaper rash, stimulates the skin’s healing process and cell renewal. Suitable for; skin, face. Also for baby care. Castor oil – nourishes dry skin. Suitable for massage, relieves tired muscles, stimulates hair growth. Suitable for; cleansing, detox, to strengthen eyelashes, skin, hair. Coconut oil – nourishes dry and problematic skin. A universal oil. Very good cooking oil as it withstands heat. Good for itching and eczema. Suitable for; cleansing, skin, hair, after sun, and eating. Also for baby care. Olive oil – absolutely best as cold-pressed cooking oil. Suitable for; eating. Linseed oil – absolutely best as cold-pressed cooking oil. Suitable for; eating. Should not be heated. HERE YOU CAN FIND OILS from Fushifrom Loellefrom Crearomefrom Akamutifrom Odyliquefrom Ekendahls
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Dry skin: causes and effective treatments
Surface dry skin can affect anyone at any time of the year. Regardless of skin type – oily, dry, or combination – you can experience surface dryness. Read on to learn everything about surface dry skin. What is surface dry skin This is why you get surface dry skin How to get rid of dry surface skin Hydrate the skin from within* Drink water* Eat water-rich foods Treat dry surface skin from the outside* Have a moisturizing skincare routine* Daily cleansing* Exfoliation* Face mask for surface dry skin* Moisturizing facial toner* Moisturizing serum* Protect the skin from external influences* Prevent moisture from evaporating* Control humidity What is surface dry skin? When the skin lacks water, it becomes surface dry. The epidermis (the outermost part of the skin) is poor in moisture and dehydrated. But you need to distinguish between dry and surface dry skin, as they are two completely different things. Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks sebum. Read more about dry skin and how to recognize the difference between surface dry and dry skin. These are common signs of surface dry skin: premature signs of aging such as fine lines, sagging skin, and superficial wrinkles. dull and lifeless skin. uneven skin tone. itching. dark circles around the eyes, tired sunken eyes. dry lips. Other signs of severe dehydration can be: dry eyes and dry mouth. constant thirst. dark yellow urine with a strong smell. reduced urination and sweating. dizziness and fatigue. This is why you get surface dry skin Surface dry skin occurs when the body and skin lose more water than they receive. The moisture from the skin evaporates and the moisture balance needs to be restored. Common reasons why the skin becomes surface dry are: stomach flu, fever. heavy sweating. that you are drinking too little water. eating too dry food.. eating and drinking things that are diuretic. exposing the skin to strong sun, sunburn. heat, extra cold weather, large temperature fluctuations. drying, too heavy, and moisture-poor products. How to get rid of dry surface skin Treating dry surface skin is quite simple. You just need to restore the fluid balance in the body and skin. Hydrate the skin from within A first step to getting rid of dry surface skin is to hydrate the skin from within. Drink water It is crucial to drink enough water, especially after water loss from sun exposure, exercise, or sauna. Cut down on diuretic drinks like alcohol and coffee. Make sure to alternate alcoholic drinks with water and drink extra water after coffee. Eat water-rich foods Eat plenty of fresh foods like vegetables and fruits. Water-rich foods like watermelon, celery, and cucumber are excellent for hydrating the skin. Water-rich dishes like soups, stews, or cooked vegetables are preferable to fried, grilled, baked, or fried foods. Treat dry surface skin from the outside A common mistake is confusing dehydrated skin with dry skin and treating it with heavy creams and oils. What helps dry surface skin is hydrating, water-rich, and moisture-binding products. Maintain a moisturizing skincare routine Choose products containing ingredients like water, hydrolates, aloe vera, seaweed, algae, honey, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and AHA acids. Note that too much moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as exfoliating acids, can have the opposite effect – even drier skin. Ideally, use only one product containing these ingredients in your skincare routine. Daily cleansing Wash your face with a mild cleanser and lukewarm or cold water. Avoid overly long and hot showers and baths. Facial cleansers we recommend for dry surface skin: Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser 100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Cleanser Eco by Sonya Super Citrus Cleanser Exfoliation Take care of your skin barrier. It maintains moisture in the skin and protects against external stressors. Using (too much) retinol, acids, and potent active ingredients can weaken the skin barrier. Even harsh facial scrubs, various cleansing brushes, and cloths can negatively affect the skin barrier. Opt for mild AHA acids and grain exfoliants that gently scrub. Light exfoliating products that can be used daily: Evolve Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner Exfoliation that can be used 1-2 times a week: Evolve Miracle Mask Face mask for surface-dry skin Give your skin a rich moisture boost with a moisturizing face mask. Moisture masks are perfect when you want to instantly quench your skin’s thirst. Moisturizing face masks suitable for surface-dry skin:100% Pure Green Tea Water Bomb MaskInlight Beauty Masks Moisturizing facial toner An important product for surface-dry skin is facial toner. A facial toner that contains most of what moisture-deficient skin needs is Eco by Sonya Superfruit Hydrator. If you also want a facial toner that can hydrate your face while at the computer or during the day, rose water is a good choice. Moisturizing serums When it comes to moisturizing serums, hyaluronic acid is always a key ingredient. Remember that serums containing hyaluronic acid should always be applied to damp skin so they have water to bind to. We recommend these serums for a serious moisture boost: i+m Hydro Perform Aqua Boost Aloe Vera Hyaluron, i+m Naturkosmetik Freistil Hyaluronic Serum, Evolve Hyaluronic Serum 200, and Evolve Blue Velvet Ceramide Serum. If you already have (a lot of) hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, you can use the following serums that do not contain hyaluronic acid:Aloe Vera Gel Protect the skin from external influences Sun rays, air pollution, and similar factors directly or indirectly affect the skin’s moisture balance. Protect your skin with a moisturizing day cream that also shields against UV rays, blue light, free radicals, and oxidative stress. We recommend: i+m Hydro Perform Moisturizing Cream Aloe Vera Pomegranate Prevent moisture from evaporating Surface-dry skin is not lacking oil or sebum. However, oils and oil-rich creams are good to apply to the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating. If you feel the moisture you apply to your skin doesn’t stay or disappears quickly, a facial oil can be a good idea. Use it as is or mix a few drops with your face cream. We recommend light, moisturizing, and protective facial oils for surface-dry skin: Fushi Japanese Camellia Kissi Oil, Fushi Kalahari Melon Oil, and Loelle Raspberry Seed Oil. Control humidity During winter, humidity drops significantly, which can easily cause surface dryness. Make sure to add moisture to the air by: keep plants and flowers at home and in the bedroom that need frequent watering. hang laundry in the rooms you spend the most time in (bedroom, living room) instead of the laundry room. use humidifiers, especially while you sleep, to help your skin regain moisture. We wish you the best with your skin, and don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any questions!
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Dry skin - causes and natural solutions for healthy skin
Problems with dry skin are common and the skin's condition can also vary throughout the seasons. Whether you have dry skin all year round or just right now, we have the solution for how you can manage dry skin. Contents What is dry skin? This is why you get dry skin Age Weather and heat Water and soap Incorrect skincare products Unbalanced diet How to get rid of dry skin Turning down the heat Adjust your skincare routine* Cleansing for dry skin* Exfoliate dead skin cells* Face mask for dry skin* Moisturize every day* Facial water and toners for dry skin* Serum for dry skin* Facial cream for dry skin* Facial oil for dry skin Eat a balanced diet What is dry skin? You get dry skin when the skin lacks sebum. But you need to distinguish between dry and surface dry skin, as they are two completely different things. When the skin lacks water, it becomes surface dry. The epidermis (the outermost part of the skin) is poor in moisture and dehydrated. Read more about surface dry skin and how to distinguish between surface dry and dry skin. Common signs of dry skin are: dry and white skin flakes. flaky skin. rough skin. irritated and red skin. tendency to problematic skin such as eczema, itching, psoriasis, dermatitis. tight feeling especially after showering, bathing, or swimming. both small superficial and larger deeper skin cracks that can bleed. This is why you get dry skin Dry skin is a very common skin type that can affect anyone at some point. To avoid and understand dry skin, it is good to know the causes of the problem. Age Sebum production is controlled by androgens (sex hormones). Generally, children have low sebum production, which then increases during puberty and can start to decrease already from the age of 20. Sebum production in men does not decrease significantly until around 70-80 years of age. For women, sebum production decreases quite quickly from around 40 years old or when menopause begins. So it is absolutely right to apply extra moisturizer to the skin of children and adults, as the need changes throughout life. Weather and heat Although the sun and warm weather can dry out the skin, it is still driest in winter: when temperature and humidity drop sharply. when it is exposed to large temperature fluctuations. when indoor humidity becomes extra low, for example when the stove, radiator, or kitchen oven is on. when the skin is exposed to heat combined with water such as warm showers or baths. The moisture from the skin's outermost layer cannot stay and evaporates. The skin becomes surface dry. Skin that is already dry can start to flake, become red, and itch. Then the skin needs both oil and moisture. Water and soap Water itself is drying, and combined with overly strong soaps and cleansers, the skin quickly becomes dry on the surface, especially in winter. By continuing to wash away too much of the skin's natural sebum (the skin's natural oil), it eventually becomes dry deep down. If the skin does not get extra fats (via creams or oils), the outer drier skin layer will be lubricated with oils from deeper skin layers. You could say that the sebum is "taken and moved" to the skin's surface and dries in from within. Incorrect skincare products It is not only soaps and water that can dry out the skin. Coarse cloths, makeup wipes, and cleansing brushes (made of fiber strands) are examples of things that create a lot of friction against the skin and wipe away too much of the skin's protective fat. Detox masks and clay masks can be too absorbing and drying for winter skin. They are better suited for oily skin. Trying to remove dry flakes and flaky skin with scrubs or peeling is a good idea. However, it can easily become too much, weakening the skin barrier, making it thin, sensitive, and dry over time. It is crucial to adapt skincare according to the season. Fear of acne or oily skin from too rich creams and oils means the skin does not get the extra fat it needs in winter. This can ultimately lead to both acne and dry skin. The fear of using vegetable oils causes many to instead choose to moisturize with creams and oils based on petroleum oils. At first, it can feel incredibly softening, but in the long run, it acts like a barrier that prevents the skin from absorbing both moisture and fat, drying it out from within. Feel free to learn more about the difference between vegetable and petroleum-based oils. Another mistaken idea is that creams make the skin dependent. Refusing to moisturize the skin when it is dry and in greatest need of fat and hydration only makes the skin even drier. In the worst case, the skin can crack. Petroleum oils prevent the skin from absorbing fat and moisture. This makes the skin drier and therefore increases the need for moisturizing. This is experienced as the skin becoming "dependent on" products. In reality, it means the skin becomes even drier from the wrong types of products. Unbalanced diet Besides weather effects, an unbalanced diet is the most common underlying cause of dry skin. Generally, water-draining foods can make the skin dry: Alcohol and coffee. Salty food. Food without healthy fats. Junk food, sugar, and carbohydrates can dry out the skin indirectly by negatively affecting collagen production in the skin. This can lead to more wrinkles, dullness, and moisture-deficient skin. How to get rid of dry skin Fixing dry skin is relatively easy. You need to add more oils to the skin and minimize things that dry it out. Now we will go through step by step what helps against dry skin. Turning down the heat It’s nice to have proper warmth sometimes. However, try to save your skin by: turn down the radiator a bit and instead get cozy with warm socks and a sweater. avoid long, hot showers and baths. use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity. Adjust your skincare routine Skincare products that are natural, organic, and toxin-free are preferable if you want to get rid of dry skin. Here’s how to best adjust your skincare routine when you want to treat dry skin. Cleanser for dry skin When it comes to daily washing: Switch to a cleanser that doesn’t foam and doesn’t leave the skin feeling tight afterward. Tips for cleansers suitable for dry skin: i+m Clean Beauty Gentle Cream Cleanser, Odylique Silk Touch Cleanser, and Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser. Try OCM (oil cleansing method) where you wash your face with oil like almond oil. This reduces contact with water while deeply cleansing the skin. Be sure to wipe off all cleansing oil with a damp cloth. We also have ready-made oils to remove makeup and dirt. Keep in mind that deep-cleansing masks like clays, detox masks, and similar can be too drying on already dry skin. This is what you can do if you have blemished and dry skin: Use clay masks and purifying masks only in the T-zone. Mix a few drops of facial oil into your face mask to make it more nourishing. Face masks containing clays tend to dry quickly, which makes them “absorb” moisture and oils from the skin. Always keep it moist with a toner or facial water. It’s also fine to place a warm, damp cloth over your face while the mask works. Try a cleansing mask that is not drying, such as a face mask with rose quartz. Exfoliate dead skin cells Exfoliate or scrub regularly but not excessively to make it easier for the skin to absorb nutrients from your skincare products. Follow your product’s instructions and do not treat the skin more often than recommended. Good exfoliators for dry skin:Evolve Radiant Glow MaskEvolve Miracle Mask. Face mask for dry skin Face masks are great to use when you want quick results. These organic face masks provide the skin with plenty of nourishment: Evolve Radiant Glow Mask, Inlight Beauty Superfood Mask, and Inlight Beauty Chocolate Mask. Moisturize every day Facial toner for dry skin A moisturizing facial toner is a must for dehydrated skin. For dry skin, facial toner is not as important. There are still benefits to using facial toner on dry skin: if you have dry and dehydrated skin. if your skin dries out quickly between steps in your skincare routine. When the skin is dry, it has difficulty absorbing products and they mostly sit on the surface. Then a facial toner is perfect to use before applying serum, cream, and oil so the products absorb more effectively. Tips on facial toners suitable for dry skin: Evolve Daily Defence Moisture Mist with Prebiotic i+m Naturkosmetik Deep Water Hydrator Eco By Sonya Skin Compost Super Fruit Toner Inlight Floral Tonic Serum for dry skin Make sure to use serum as it penetrates the deeper skin layers. Choose a more nourishing serum that provides both moisture and fat. Tips on serums that help with dry skin: - i+m Age Protect Serum - i+m Naturkosmetik Freistil Hyaluronic Serum - i+m Naturkosmetik Lifting Boost Immortelle Hyaluron - Odylique Superfruit Concentrate Facial cream for dry skin Use a richer and nourishing facial cream that can moisturize dry skin and keep it soft for a long time. If it feels tight or looks dry after your facial cream has absorbed, you need a richer cream or to apply facial oil on top of your facial cream. If you have areas (usually the T-zone) that easily become shiny or are more prone to acne, you can apply a thin layer of facial cream or lighter facial lotion on those areas. This preserves moisture in the skin and prevents it from evaporating. Facial creams that really quench dry skin’s thirst are Inlight Beauty Deep Moisture Balm, Evolve Daily Renew Facial Cream, and Dr. Sanna’s Multi Cream. If you want to use a night cream in the evening, we recommend these for dry skin: 100% Pure Multi-vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Riché PM Treatment, Inlight Beauty Nightbalm, and Evolve Nightly Renew Facial Cream. Facial oil for dry skin The great thing about facial oils for dry skin types is that they can be used: as a cleansing oil. instead of day and night creams. on top of day and night creams. to enrich other skincare products. It’s especially important that the skin is moist (and clean) when you apply facial oil. Then the oil sinks into the skin instead of just sitting on top. Tips on oils suitable for dry skin: Green Avocado Oil Inlight Beauty Face Oil Eco by Sonya Glory Oil Eat a balanced diet Nourishing your skin from the inside with the right diet is an effective way to get rid of dry skin. It’s important that the diet is varied and balanced. Sometimes it can be helpful to keep a diary of what you eat. That way you can easily see if your diet is one-sided. It’s also wise to note how much you eat of everything. Is it 10% vegetables on the plate or 90%? When the skin is dry, you need to get more healthy fats. Try: increase your intake of healthy fatty acids. An easy way is to drizzle extra virgin olive oil on your plate. eat more omega-3 rich foods like avocado, seeds, nuts, fish, and shellfish. take omega-3 supplements. The Medical Products Agency recommends that we should get 2.5-3 grams of omega-3 fat every day. eat less of things that cause dry skin.
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17 harmful substances to avoid in your skincare
The skin is a permeable barrier as it is our largest organ. That is why it is especially important to use products that strengthen – and do not harm – this delicate barrier. The skin is very absorbent, which you notice when you apply lotion. Ideally, we should not put anything on the skin that we cannot eat. The same applies to hair care and oral care products. It is simply better for you, nature, and animals to use natural products. In this article, we go through which chemicals we think you should watch out for in your bathroom cabinet. If you already have some of them in your products, it might be a good idea to do a purge and replace them with better alternatives. All hair and skincare products sold on Glimja.se are completely free from harmful preservatives, synthetic additives, animal residues, and other substances that are not good for us or the earth in the long run. Our products instead contain natural ingredients such as organic oils, fats and waxes, vitamins, plants and herbs, essential oils, etc. They have nurturing and healing properties that lay the foundation for long-term health and sustainability. 17 harmful substances in common body care For simplicity, we have created a list of the most harmful substances found in skin and hair care. So you can check if the products you use daily contain ingredients we should all avoid. It is worth knowing that some of these substances are also found in so-called "natural/organic body care." Therefore, there are many organic brands we have chosen not to sell. None of the items on the list below are sold in any of our products. 1. Anything that starts and ends with: TEA, DEA, and MEA DEA and MEA are hormone-disrupting chemicals known as Cocamide DEA or Lauramide DEA, and they produce carcinogenic nitrates and nitrosamines. They are used as solvents and cleaners. TEA can undergo nitrosation when it comes into contact with other chemicals, becoming a carcinogenic nitrosamine. TEA stands for triethanolamine and is used as a thickening agent. It is allergenic and irritating and can release small amounts of formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic. 2. Phenoxyglycerin and Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative, which together with ethylglycerin is used to produce Phenoxyglycerin. Both are synthetic chemicals. Phenoxyethanol is produced through a reaction between phenol and ethylene oxide, which is a toxic substance. Phenol is made from the petrochemical benzene, which is carcinogenic, but also from propene. Unfortunately, this has become a popular preservative in organic skincare as a substitute for parabens. 3. BHA & BHT BHA and BHT are known allergy-causing substances used to prevent products from going rancid. In animal tests with these substances, changes appeared in the immune system and blood profile, as well as in the thyroid and liver. Both substances accumulate in human tissue and reach the fetus. They can easily be replaced by the natural antioxidant Tocopherol (vitamin E). There is no reason to use them anymore, yet they still are. 4. Propylene glycol Propylene glycol is used as a bactericidal and fungicidal agent. It enhances the preservative effect when used together with parabens. The substance is suspected to disrupt the brain, liver, and kidneys. It also irritates the skin. Propylene glycol is an active substance also found in car engines as a coolant, in airplane cooling systems, rubber cleaning, polyurethane pillows, in paint, glue, enamel, varnishes, and many products as a solvent. 5. Surfactants: Sodium Laureth Sulfate / Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS/SLES) SLS is an ingredient that causes foaming in many products. SLS can react with other ingredients such as DEA, MEA, and TEA to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. SLS alters the skin structure and allows other chemicals to penetrate deeper into your skin, thus letting more chemicals reach the bloodstream. It also removes the skin’s natural oils (used in industrial degreasing). There are nearly 16,000 studies in the PubMed scientific library all demonstrating the toxicity of this chemical. Other names for this chemical are sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium salt sulfuric acid, A12-00356, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex, sodium lauryl sulfate. 6. Synthetic preservatives The substances listed below are especially known to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation or release the carcinogenic substance formaldehyde: Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15. These are also dangerous preservatives: p-Phenylenediamine (toxic hair dye ingredient), Xylene, Toluene (solvent in, among other things, nail polish), Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Bromochlorophene, Chlorphenesin, Chlorothymol. More harmful chemicals to avoid: Benzophenone 1, Benzophenone 3, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in sunscreens (read more about this here) 7. Silicones: Cyclic siloxanes Cyclic siloxanes are silicones often found in makeup, skin, and hair care products. They are a group of silicones that act as emollients, making the skin or hair feel smooth. Common cyclic siloxanes are cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclopentasiloxane (D5), and cyclohexasiloxane (D6). They are collectively called cyclomethicone. Watch out for any words containing "cone" or "siloxane". The European Chemicals Agency ECHA has now classified D4 and D5 as persistent; they can accumulate in human tissues and remain in nature. They are suspected to affect the liver and respiratory organs. D4 is now banned in cosmetic products. On January 31, 2020, D5 was also limited to 0.1% in cosmetic products; D6 remains allowed. 8. The surfactants: Trideceth, Laureth, Ceteareth, Glycereth, and Steareth Surfactants are listed on product labels, among other things, as ingredients ending in -eth. Anything starting with, for example, Trideceth- or Laureth- (with any number or word combination) is toxic both to aquatic organisms and the body. Cleansing agents are the foaming emulsifiers called surfactants found in regular and some organic shampoos, shower gels, and hand soaps. They are made to dissolve fat and dirt and keep it in a liquid form until washed away. All surfactants dissolve fat and can therefore also remove the skin’s natural fat substance, sebum, which leads to dry skin and dry scalp. The cleansing agents can also penetrate cell membranes and thereby irritate the skin. Some surfactants irritate more than others, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate remove the natural protective fat layer and make the skin dry and more vulnerable. Even Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, which are used in some organic hair care, are less good in our opinion, so we have chosen not to sell products containing them. In hair care at Glimja.se, instead "gentle" surfactants are used, like in 100% Pure’s shampoos. If you don’t want any surfactants at all in your hair, you should choose shampoo bars from Nea of Sweden, Grön Lycka, Malin i Ratan, Vermont soap, or Akamuti. 9. Parabens: Butyl-, Methyl-, Ethyl-, Propyl-, Benzyl- Propylparaben, Methylparaben, and all other parabens used as preservatives should be avoided. More than a dozen scientific studies have shown that parabens have an estrogen-like effect. The body can react to the false hormone or be prevented from reacting when a real hormone is produced. It has also been scientifically shown that parabens found in, for example, deodorants and creams are absorbed through the skin and accumulate in tissue. Overall, this does not say that parabens cause cancer. Nor does it say that parabens do not cause cancer. The scientific community believes that substances like consumer products should be studied more closely, and that takes time. Dr. Philippa D. Darby, a laboratory technician from England, used chromatography and mass spectrometry to see if 20 samples of breast cancer tissue contained parabens. Researchers say they found six different types of parabens in the tissue and all samples contained parabens. They say the average concentration of all types of parabens in the samples was roughly equal to the amount that caused breast cancer cells to grow in test tubes in previous studies. Darby says a wide range of substances can mimic estrogen, including certain pesticides, cosmetics, and cleaning agents, and it is possible that aluminum salts and other inorganic estrogen-related substances called “metalloestrogens” may further disrupt normal hormonal signaling in the breast. Darby also says that people's breasts today are exposed to a variety of environmental estrogenic insults. According to Darby, aluminum from deodorants is particularly concerning because it is applied to an area near the breast and remains on the skin. Deodorants are often used after shaving, which makes it easier for aluminum salts to enter the bloodstream. Studies have also shown that aluminum salts can penetrate human skin under the arms. However, Darby says much more research is needed before they can begin to determine the combined effects of all these chemicals. The Environmental and Health Information Center has classified Butylparaben, Propylparaben, and Isotylparaben as “high environmental hazard.” They can also be called: Parahydroxybenzoic acid, Benzylparahydroxybenzoic acid, Methylparahydroxybenzoic acid, Ethylparahydroxybenzoic acid, Propylparahydroxybenzoic acid, or Butylparahydroxybenzoic acid. 10. Aluminum Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate, Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Chlorohydrex PG, and Aluminum Chlorohydrate are all harmful substances used in deodorants. They are synthetic aluminum salts that clog pores and can damage sweat glands and cause inflammatory reactions. Note that natural aluminum salts like alum or potassium alum are not harmful. The body's detoxification system expels toxins and waste through sweat glands, which means that aluminum chloride contributes to reduced detoxification and cleansing in the body's lymphatic system. The body absorbs substances especially easily in the armpit area, particularly after shaving, which can easily damage the skin. 11. Emulsifiers: Mineral oils, Polysorbate 20, and all numbers Emulsifiers are the oily or fatty parts of the emulsion. They prevent drying out and protect the skin by lubricating and softening it. Most common skincare products use synthetically produced emulsifiers such as mineral oils (paraffin wax and petroleum jelly). Mainly because they are cheap and stable. Mineral oil forms a layer over the skin and prevents it from breathing, blocks the excretion of waste products, and can thus irritate the skin. Other synthetic emulsifiers include silicones (methicone and dimethicone). Like mineral oils, silicones can affect the skin’s ability to expel waste products and thus irritate the skin. Silicones are also not biodegradable. Paraffin oils are extracted from by-products of crude oil distillation. They are easy to handle and cheap, so unfortunately they are used extensively. They often go by the names Mineral Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum, Vaseline, Paraffin, White mineral oil, Medical white oil, Oleum petrolen, Oleum vaselini, Paraffinum, Vaseline Oil, E 905, Paraffin Oil, Liquid paraffin. Polysorbate 20 and others with different numbers are harmful emulsifiers. Polysorbates are synthetic and produced on a large scale in industry, and residues of ethylene oxide may remain in the chemical. Polysorbates are also often used in organic soap; we have chosen not to sell it for safety reasons. 12. Anything containing the words: PPG and PEG (polyethylene glycol) PPG and PEG are so-called ethoxylated ingredients produced through heavy chemical processes requiring very strict safety measures. PEG is synthetically produced from propylene. These very dangerous substances are considered practical and cheap as, for example, emulsifiers, binders, and softeners. They can be found in makeup, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, and more. They can make the skin more permeable and allow harmful substances to enter. They are considered hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic. Carcinogenic because during breakdown they can release small amounts of formaldehyde. In ingredient lists, they are listed as PEG-8, Peg-100 Stearate, etc. 13. Phthalates Phthalates are softening chemicals widely used in plastics. Phthalates is a collective name for a large group of chemical substances based on phthalic acid. Phthalates are used in fragranced beauty products such as conventional perfume, creams, soap, and shampoo to make the scent last longer. Phthalates can be found in perfumes, vinyl/PVC floors, older toys, beach balls, gym balls, exercise mats, and more. Unfortunately, they are still often found in shaving creams, makeup, and skin creams despite many being banned by the EU. Therefore, it is always best to buy natural body care and replace plastic at home in the kitchen. They can be listed as dibutyl and diethylhexyl. 14. PFAS In cosmetics, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are most often found in waterproof makeup. PFAS is a large group of substances developed to resist dirt, grease, and water. The best-known PFAS substances are PFOS and PFOA. When they enter nature, they do not break down but remain and can accumulate in plants and animals. They persist for a long time in our bodies and in our environment. We ingest these substances when we drink water and through foods like fish, eggs, and fruit. Releases into nature occur during the manufacturing of products (such as kitchen utensils with Teflon). These substances are transferred via the placenta and breast milk to fetuses and breastfed infants. Studies show that PFAS substances can affect the immune system, birth weight, blood cholesterol levels, and liver enzymes. 200 PFAS substances are banned within the EU, but many other PFAS substances are still allowed. PFAS ingredients can be called; PTFE, Polytef, Polytefum, any words containing “perfluoro” or “polyfluoro,” C9-15 Fluoroalcohol phosphate, Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphat, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl ether, Perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane. 15. Triclosan and fluoride Triclosan is used as an antibacterial agent in, among other things, toothpastes and dish soaps. It is very harmful to nature and questioned for human health – as it appears to have carcinogenic effects. Fortunately, this substance has significantly decreased in beauty products in recent years. We do not recommend fluoride in toothpaste, but that is a topic of its own. 16. Dioxin Dioxin has been identified as one of the 216 chemicals linked to breast cancer in animal studies on rats (Cancer’s 2007, article on carcinogens). The danger of dioxins was first pointed out as early as 1965 and later confirmed (1978), yet they are still used in today’s hair and skin products. Since the FDA recognized the dangers around 1985, it has been emphasized that manufacturers should avoid these toxins or reduce them to doses below 10 ppm. In 2005, a study by the USFDA (Federal Drug Administration, USA) showed that all seven tested tampon brands from well-known, conventional brands contained measurable levels of dioxin. So organic tampons should be an obvious choice. Humans mostly ingest dioxins and PCBs through food, including fatty fish. Feel free to read more about this at the National Food Agency. 17. Nanoparticles Nanoparticles are particles or substances that are nanosized (extremely small). They are therefore very reactive and can easily interact with our cells and be transported through the blood into our brains. In cosmetics, nanoparticles can be found in sunscreens. Nanoparticles can be present in many things like packaging, food, and textiles. These particles also have a negative environmental impact. At Glimja, we have zero tolerance for nanoparticles. This applies not only to cosmetics but also to other categories such as food, toys, household items, and more.
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Dry hair: Causes, tests, and natural care
It is when the hair cannot retain moisture or when the scalp does not produce enough oil to moisturize the hair. Find out if you have dry hair Do a simple test that reveals how dry your hair is. Take a freshly washed and wet hair strand. Twist it around your fingers (like dental floss) and start pulling. It should stretch about one third of its original length. Elastic = Good moisture balance: if it stretches and returns to its original length Stretchable = Dry hair: if it stretches and does not return to its original length Breaks = Damaged hair: if it breaks immediately or soon after the hair strand is stretched. Good habits for healthy hair 1. Wash your hair less often Daily shampooing can really dry out the hair. Try to reduce the number of washes per week and always use conditioner after shampooing. 2. Let your hair rest from heat Heat styling with curling irons and blow dryers simply has to wait so the hair can recover. Heat causes the hair to lose moisture retention, resulting in rough, frizzy, and dull hair. Always use heat protection when you need to heat-style your hair. Protect your hair with a hat or scarf from strong sun in the summer. If you have long hair, you can nourish and at the same time heat-protect your hair from the sun’s heat with hair oil. Hair oil is best applied to damp hair. Use hair masks regularly to restore the moisture balance in the hair. Wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water. 3. Care for your hair extra in dry environments or dry conditions climate Restore moisture in the hair if you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, are in dry indoor air, or a dry climate. A humidifier in the home office moisturizes both skin and hair. Spray moisturizing hair mist once or several times during the day. Use conditioner spray if you have very dry hair. 4. Cut down the number of products Using many styling products requires daily shampooing, which both damages and dries out the hair. Treating the hair with, for example, chemical-based hair dye also deteriorates hair quality. Use natural hair products and stop using hair products that contain silicones and other petroleum-based ingredients to avoid buildup on the hair. Do hair rinses regularly to remove buildup that prevents moisture absorption. Switch to natural styling products that are easier to wash out. Try organic hair dye that strengthens the hair. 5. Protect your hair from air pollution, saltwater, or pool baths Use a shower cap or wet your hair thoroughly with clean water so it is saturated before saltwater or pool baths. Do hair rinses now and then to remove air pollution and chemical residues. 6. Brush your hair every day Brushing the hair stimulates the scalp and distributes oils from the scalp along the lengths. Make sure to choose a good hairbrush that can gently detangle the hair without causing damage. Use products that make hair shiny and healthy Here are our best tips on organic and natural hair care products for dry hair. Shampoo that strengthens and adds shine to the hair Dr Sannas Strengthening Shampoo is exactly one that works incredibly well for all types of dry hair. This plant-based shampoo contains, among other things, horsetail, oats, and abyssinica oil that together strengthen, moisturize, and bring new life to dull hair. Restore shine with a hair rinse Chemicals, lime, and air pollution are examples of things that can cling tightly and weigh down the hair. Restore softness and shine by rinsing away buildup with a vinegar rinse. Do hair rinses regularly (preferably after shampooing) for a period to dissolve all layers of residue. Conditioner that detangles and moisturizes the hair Always use conditioner after shampooing if you have dry hair. Moisturizing conditioner restores the hair's moisture balance and naturally enhances shine. The hair and scalp pH are restored while the hair gains a smoother texture. The conditioner is silicone-free and works well for the conditioner method. Moisture boost during the day For extra moisture during the day, Anita Grants Aloe Rose Oil Free Hair Spritz is recommended. It is oil-free and provides plenty of moisture to the hair thanks to aloe vera and moisture-binding glycerin. Additionally, the hair structure is strengthened with organic MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). For those who like to spray often without hesitation, organic rose water is perfect. Loelle’s rose water is a very good moisturizer for both skin and hair and also smells very nice! Conditioner spray is a perfect alternative to conditioner if you have fine hair that easily becomes flat. It is also recommended for thick and very dry hair that needs an extra moisture boost during the day. Improve your hair’s health with a deep-acting hair mask Use Bruns hair mask regularly to prevent frizzy hair and split ends. The hair is repaired and nourished deeply. Both long and short hair regain shine, become stronger, and get a natural fall. Preserve moisture in your hair with hair oil Hair that can’t retain moisture quickly becomes dry again. By using hair oil, a barrier is created that locks in moisture in the hair and protects it. Hair oil also protects split ends and adds extra shine. Hair oil can be used in many different ways. As a hair mask for very dry and thick hair. Apply a few drops to dry or damp lengths and ends to retain moisture and add extra shine. Apply before showering to prevent dryness. Mix a few drops with your conditioner for extra care. Khadi Hair Oil Rose Repair is a fantastic rescue for dry hair. The hair becomes long-lastingly smooth and fragrant. Khadi’s other hair oils are also very rewarding. Protect and nourish your hair with the right kind of hair styling Use hair styling products that shape the hair while having protective and nourishing properties. They should be easy to wash out so they don’t weigh the hair down. All our organic and natural hair styling products are gentle on the hair. There are a few products that are especially good for dry hair: Bruns Hair Soufflé – best described as a hair gel and leave-in conditioner in one. Shapes and nourishes while adding volume and heat protection to the hair. Max Green Alchemy Sculpting Gel – an alcohol-free moisturizing hair gel that provides long-lasting hold. Bruns Salt Spray – moisturizing salt spray without alcohol. Gives hair structure and hold. We wish you the best with your hair, don’t hesitate to ask us! Looking for more volume in your hair? Then read this article.
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