Health Blog
Health Blog
How to save your old makeup - clean and refresh
You might wonder if makeup products you’ve had lying around for a while can still be used? Here’s a guide on how to clear out and refresh your makeup. With fewer bacteria, dirt, and old makeup, your skin will become healthier, have fewer blemishes, and glow. Your skin will thank you! Mascara ✅ Save If the mascara has been dry since last winter, the waxes may have hardened. Some waxes melt around 35 degrees Celsius, so try placing the mascara in a warm water bath for 5 minutes. Then stir it around with the mascara brush. ? Throw away If the mascara is dry despite a warm bath, it’s best to throw it away. Adding various agents to your dry mascara is not recommended. It’s simply old and probably full of bacteria. Buy a new one. If the mascara isn’t dry, smell it. If it smells bad, throw it away! Pressed powder makeup ✅ Save Oils from your skin can sometimes stick to your pressed powder. Oils from your face transfer with makeup brushes, sponges, and similar tools. This can create a sticky, hard surface on your makeup that blocks and prevents your brush from picking up the product. Gently scrape off this surface with, for example, a small smooth knife. Now you should be able to use your makeup again. Oils stuck on pressed powder. Tip! Wash your brush after every use to avoid this. You can also try wiping your brush on paper between reapplications. Make sure to wait until your face cream or oil has absorbed into the skin or wipe off excess oil on your skin with a tissue before applying your powder makeup. Throw away Most pressed powders like eyeshadow, blush, and various powders contain oils. Oils can go rancid over time. So smell your makeup to see if it has a sharp, harsh, or rancid odor. Throw it away if so, because rancid oils damage the skin barrier. Lip makeup ✅ Save Does the lip gloss applicator feel dull? Maybe lipstick is stuck on it or it just looks unclean? Wipe and wash the applicator with mild soap. Then rinse off soap residue thoroughly. It’s important to let the applicator dry completely (until the next day) so no water gets into your product. Cover your lip gloss tube with plastic wrap to protect the product while the applicator dries. Lipstick can look dull on the surface. Dead skin cells and bacteria may be stuck there, or it might have dried out or oxidized since you last used it. Wipe the lipstick with paper or swipe it several times on a clean sheet of copy paper if it looks really dull. This way, you get rid of the ugly surface. Throw away Smell your lip makeup whether it’s liquid or solid. Remember, you’re ingesting your lip makeup, so always throw it away if it smells rancid, sharp, or bad. Liquid makeup ✅ Save Does your foundation feel a bit dry or thick so it crumbles or cracks on your skin? Try mixing a dab of foundation with a drop of any facial oil. Throw away Guess. Yep! Smell it. You know the drill. Unsure? If the makeup smells bad, old, or completely different, it’s clear that it should be thrown away. But sometimes it smells just like usual even though you’ve had the product for a long time. Makeup has a best-before date or open jar label (use within x months after opening). Follow that, and if you can’t find a date then: Throw away if you have used the product on and off for several years. Keep if you have used the product almost every day since you bought it. Throw away if there’s only a little left, e.g., liquid makeup in a tube or bottle. A little makeup left means a lot of air, and there’s a high risk your product has oxidized if it’s also been untouched for a while. Keep if your loose mineral makeup is free of liquids and oils. Pure minerals last incredibly many years, especially if you tap the makeup into the lid and don’t dip fingers or brushes directly into the product. Keep your water-free cream makeup, which often contains a lot of coconut oil, waxes, or shea butter. It usually lasts longer than the expiration date. How to clean your makeup Makeup brushes If you don’t usually wash your makeup brushes after each use, it’s time now. Do a fall cleaning of your makeup brushes and other applicators. Your skin will feel better and your makeup will last longer. Clean your brushes with mild soap and water. The best soaps for cleaning are mild, natural soaps. It makes the whole washing routine easier and more enjoyable. Soap and cleaner Soap and water Time to wash the makeup lids! All dirty lids, especially for mineral makeup, need freshening up now and then. Now is a perfect time. Wash with soap and water. Then wipe thoroughly. If the makeup is very stubborn, you need to rub with coconut oil and a little baking soda to loosen it. Then wash off oil residues with soap and water. Wipe dry. Done! Mineral makeup can be really stubborn. Here rubbing with coconut oil and baking soda. Wipe We all know how sticky it can get around a powder case, the edges of your cream makeup in a jar, outside bottle necks, etc. Wipe off with soap and water or coconut oil. Only wipe the packaging without getting soap and water into the makeup. Use a tissue or soft paper to wipe the makeup product itself. The edges were easily wiped clean with soap and water. Polish Makeup gets annoying fingerprints and other smudges on the outside of the packaging. Even skincare and hygiene products left out get dull lime spots and maybe even toothpaste splashes. With an effective cleaner, it becomes both easy and fun to keep cases and bottles clean! Smooth makeup cases tend to get sticky, especially if you use facial oil. @ekotipset has a great recipe for an eco-friendly window cleaner that works perfectly for polishing makeup cases, bottles, and other bathroom items. Mix 4 dl water 1 dl 24% vinegar 5 drops of mild and eco-friendly dish soap or 3 dl water 2 dl 2% vinegar 5 drops of mild and eco-friendly dish soap Pour into a spray bottle and polish up! While you're at it, clean mirrors, shower glass, faucets, bathtubs, and windows. Best used with a clean microfiber cloth. Enjoy sparkling clean surfaces and bottles!
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Stop hair loss naturally - Proven methods & tips
Many people experience hair loss as a major problem. Both women and men reach out wondering if there is anything they can do to naturally stop hair loss. Here we have therefore gathered all the tips on how you can naturally support your hair’s health. What causes hair loss? Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles for some reason do not function as they should. This can happen for a variety of reasons but can roughly be divided into four cause areas: Severe or prolonged stress. Temporary hair loss is common after a traumatic experience, after long periods of stress, in connection with rapid weight loss, or other radical dietary changes. It is often temporary but can be helped along with natural remedies. Hormonal changes. Hair loss can also occur in connection with childbirth, menopause, or hormone-related medical conditions such as thyroid problems, PCOS, or lupus. Chemical stress. Strong chemicals and heavy metals can also cause hair loss. Some medications may have temporary hair loss as a side effect. Hereditary factors. If your parents have or have had any type of hair loss, you have an increased risk of experiencing it as well. NOTE: If you are worried about symptoms that do not go away or suspect an underlying illness, we recommend that you seek medical care. However, if you believe your hair loss is harmless and can be helped with lifestyle factors such as eating habits, the right nutrients, or herbs, read through our summary of important factors and key nutrients below. How can hair loss be treated and prevented naturally? Lifestyle factors Blood circulation Something that affects the health of hair follicles is blood circulation in the area around them. There are a few things you can make a habit to increase nutrient supply in this way; Massage the scalp – preferably with nourishing and stimulating substances like coconut oil and/or aloe vera and a few drops of essential oil of rosemary or geranium. Exercise and movement help oxygenate and cleanse all cells in the body, including the hair follicles. Enough water in the body increases the blood’s ability to reach all tissues; so remember to drink enough clean water throughout the day. Stress management Another factor that can be important is relaxation and stress management, especially if you suspect your hair loss is related to stress. There are many methods for this – the important thing is that you find a way to unwind and find meaning in your daily life that works for you. Food for the hair For hair, as mentioned, circulation is important, and water-rich foods are an excellent support – e.g., cucumber, watermelon, apples, and tomatoes are all good choices. A nutrient especially mentioned for hair, skin, and nails is beta-carotene, found in carrots as well as certain algae and seaweed. It is equally important to avoid eating habits that make the blood thick and circulation poor. Cheap oils, fried or too fatty foods, refined sugar and flour, as well as artificial additives and preservatives are at the top of the list to avoid in this regard. Nutritional supplements for hair Certain specific nutrients are especially important for hair. It can be a good idea to review your intake of these and supplement with supplements if needed: B vitamins generally help us handle stress better. Especially vitamin B5 is important for the regeneration of hair follicle cells. Biotin is often called the beauty vitamin and plays a central role for skin, hair, nails, and the nervous system. Silicon – Perhaps the most important mineral for hair health. Important for collagen formation. Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that among other things contributes to the growth of hair and nails. Zinc protects cells against oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system’s function, which in turn facilitates hair recovery in stress-related hair loss. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll has a wide range of important properties, including building healthy blood and contributing to the oxygenation of the body’s tissues – which is important for healthy and beautiful hair. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that contributes to the permeability and elasticity of cell walls, which increases nutrient exchange between the blood and, for example, the hair follicle cells. Herbs for hair health Good herbs for hair are those that provide the nutrients needed for hair follicle health, as well as help manage and prevent stress effectively. Here are the four most important according to many nutrition experts: Ashwagandha: An Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to counteract stress and strengthen everything including hair growth. Especially good for the adrenal glands that regulate stress hormones in the body (which in turn affects hair loss). Nettle: One of our most nutritious Nordic superfoods. Provides chlorophyll and important minerals for hair health. Horsetail: Rich in bioavailable silicon, which is an important mineral for hair health. Lemon balm: Counteracts stress, contains chlorophyll, and provides important nutrients to the hair follicles. Hope this was helpful. Good luck with both your hair and health! Hair care against hair loss Scalp care against hair loss For better hair growth, the scalp needs balance and stimulation. The hair follicles also need moisture and nutrients so that hair loss can be prevented. Do a scalp detox if you feel your scalp is clogged or that your hair grows slowly. Bruns Växa Hair Mask: This deep-acting hair mask provides the scalp with moisture and nutrients to promote healthy hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Bruns Växa Hair Water: An oil-free hair tonic sprayed onto the scalp to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Best used together with Bruns Växa Shampoo. Weleda Revitalizing Hair Tonic is an oil-free and non-greasy hair tonic that promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss, and nourishes the scalp. Yin Your Skin Lovi Gua Sha Comb: The best way to stimulate the scalp and awaken the hair follicles is regular, preferably daily, scalp massage. Massaging the scalp with this can also release stress and tension. The comb is perfect to use together with Bruns Växa Hair Water or Weleda’s Revitalizing Hair Tonic. Shampoo against hair loss Bruns Växa Shampoo: Cleanses the scalp so that moisture and active extracts can penetrate the hair follicles. Provides the scalp with nutrients that stimulate dormant hair follicles. Bruns Växa shampoo promotes a healthy scalp, prevents hair loss, and stimulates hair growth. Best used together with Bruns Växa Hair Water. This shampoo detoxifies the scalp and frees clogged pores. In this way, the hair follicles can absorb nutrients from the shampoo such as coffee, biotin, and ginseng. These stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair. Best used together with the matching conditioner. Logona nettle shampoo promotes stronger hair and reduced hair loss with long-term use. For best effect, use the shampoo every day and let it work for a few minutes before rinsing out.
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Best facial cleanser for dry winter skin
Consider switching your facial cleanser now that the weather is getting colder. Cold and wind cause your skin to produce less natural skin oil, resulting in drier skin. Therefore, it is important not to use products that dry out the skin. Wash with a foaming facial wash Not many skin types benefit in the long run from a strong foaming cleanser. Fortunately, most organic skincare products are mild despite their foaming action. A foaming cleanser suits oily skin, oilier combination skin, acne-prone skin that is painful, or sensitive skin. Odylique Lenom Tea Tree Facial Wash Odylique’s foaming cleanser is antiseptic, soothing, and antibacterial. Like Suki’s cleanser, it is suitable for blemished skin. Since it is designed with sensitive skin in mind, this is a better choice if you also have easily irritated, inflamed, or redness-prone problematic skin. 100% Pure Coconut Oil Cleansing Milk If you don’t have issues with blemishes or inflamed skin but rather dry and sensitive skin, this coconut cleanser from 100% Pure is for you. It has a thin gel-like texture, moisturizes, and feels gentle on the skin. It barely foams but contains a mild soap agent that gently cleanses without drying out the skin and rinses off easily with water. Wash with a cleansing milk Cleansing milk is gentle on the skin and is a good middle ground for those who don’t quite have time for oil or find foaming cleansers too drying. A cleansing milk suits normal, dry, drier combination skin, or sensitive skin. i+m naturkosmetik Cleansing Milk i+m’s cleanser for sensitive skin has a soft texture and a mild scent of real vanilla. It is completely free of essential oils and perfumes. A wonderfully balanced cleansing milk with a pH around 5, just like the skin. Contains soothing Aloe Vera, balancing jojoba oil, and nourishing almond oil. It does exactly what it promises, i.e., cleanses the facial skin without drying out or irritating it. Wash with an oil Oil is the best choice for most skin types for the simple reason that the skin gets a deep cleanse and gentle exfoliation without disturbing its natural oil or moisture balance. Massage about 5-8 drops of oil directly onto dry, dirty skin. Place a warm, damp cloth on your face and relax for a moment. Wipe off the oil, makeup, and dirt with the cloth until all the oil is gone. Oil cleansing can be combined with other cleansers to remove stubborn makeup or used 1-2 times a week for a deeper cleanse. Oil cleansers are good for all skin types (except skin that is painful or sensitive to touch) and especially good if you wear makeup or need a deep cleanse. Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt An oil cleanser in the form of a soft balm. Wonderful for cleansing if you have dry and tight skin. The skin quickly regains its radiance and softness. Wipe off with a warm, damp cloth, just like an oil cleanser. Fushi Kalahari Melon Oil Kalahari or watermelon seed oil is good at dissolving excess sebum, has anti-aging properties, and does not clog pores. It is appreciated by all skin types, but especially by congested acne-prone and mature skin. Watermelon seed oil is also thin enough to use as a cleanser and absorbs nicely as a facial oil as well as a hair oil.
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Optimize training with the right diet and supplements
Exercise is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. To optimize the results from training, it is also important to take a holistic view of yourself. Your entire lifestyle affects the outcome. For women, the menstrual cycle also influences training and is something we can use to optimize our training results. We are all genetically different, which means we function differently and respond in various ways to different lifestyle forms. Nutrition is important for everyone, of course, but then you need to find what works for you. Also, be aware that this can change over time. Therefore, listen to your body's signals and keep a journal so you can find your personal, optimal diet and training method. Macronutrients in training Macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and they provide the body with energy. Complete protein is important for building muscles and consists of amino acids, which are the building blocks your body needs. In a vegan diet, it becomes especially important to diversify protein sources to get all the vital amino acids. Kidney beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, lentils, hemp, and peas are preferred. However, soy and gluten are often more problematic protein sources. Soy negatively affects the thyroid and disrupts hormone balance. Legumes and nuts can also have negative effects for some due to antinutrients. Regardless, it is good to soak them to reduce the amount of antinutrients. Here you can read my post about soaking on morotsliv. And here about IFD, that is, anti-inflammatory diet. It can therefore be challenging to get good protein quality while avoiding inflammation increase as a vegan from the antinutrients found in plant-based protein sources. It is easier for vegetarians who can eat eggs and dairy products, provided their body tolerates these. Fats and carbohydrates also provide energy, and here too, genetically, what we thrive best on varies. Some do well with keto while others need more carbohydrates. Caffeine can also enhance training results and endurance. Micronutrients in training When you train, you not only need to consume more energy from macronutrients (calories) but also good micronutrients. Several studies show that vitamin and mineral therapy has a performance-enhancing effect. (Wilhelmsson, P. 2007) When you train hard and sweat more, the body excretes more of the important vitamins and minerals in sweat. And when you strain muscles and bones, protective antioxidants are also used up, so you need to replenish with new micronutrients. Vitamin C reduces muscle soreness and improves muscle function and recovery during intense training, and vitamin E reduces muscle damage after training. Magnesium reduces lactic acid formation during intense training and speeds up recovery. It also helps muscles relax and reduces muscle soreness. MSM, organic sulfur, is also important for cell structure and function and provides flexibility, tone, and strength to muscles. Iron is abundant in green leafy vegetables and red meat, and its absorption is stimulated by vitamin C and inhibited by calcium. Iron is needed for functions and processes important in aerobic training, that is, endurance training. Iron deficiency is common especially among female athletes and endurance athletes. Therefore, in some cases, it may be good to take iron supplements, but always check with a nutrition therapist to ensure you really need the iron supplement first. The more intense the training, the more zinc the body uses, and chromium optimizes blood sugar supply to muscle cells to build muscles faster through training while also stimulating fat burning. Food before, during, and after training? Muscle activity does stimulate growth, but the actual repair of damaged muscle fibers happens during the hours and days after your training, and that is when muscle mass increases. That is why you must be extra mindful of nutrition and rest during that time. When the glycogen stored in the muscles is used up and muscle fibers are damaged, you want to quickly supply the materials needed for tissue repair and growth. Before training Do not eat a large meal less than 2 hours before a session. It takes a long time to break down all that food, which causes blood sugar to drop. Then you may feel tired and not be able to handle as high a load or pace. Also, a large part of the body's blood gathers in the abdomen when digestion is active, and less blood is sent to the muscles with the necessary oxygen and nutrients to give them energy. Instead, eat the meal about 2 to 4 hours before the session. Just before the session, you can have a smaller snack that is easy to digest and does not contain much fiber or fat. These slow stomach emptying and can prevent possible stomach discomfort during the session. Choose foods with soluble fibers such as oats, vegetables, and psyllium husk. Or choose yogurt, smoothies, berries, fruit, oatmeal porridge, fat coffee with MCT that increases fat burning. The snack should give you easily accessible energy before training and minimize hunger during your workout. Fluid intake is also important in connection with training. The more you sweat, the greater the fluid intake before and after, but perhaps especially after. Research suggests that intake of EAA (essential amino acids) and BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) before, during, and after training stimulates muscle building in strength training. During training Usually, you do not need to consume anything during the workout. If you train at high intensity for longer than 60 minutes, it is sometimes recommended to drink sports drinks to perform better. However, it has been shown that rinsing the mouth with the drink can have the same effect as drinking it. After training The training session is a breakdown (catabolic) phase. If you want a good building (anabolic) effect afterward, the recovery meal is of utmost importance. The recovery meal slows down muscle and immune system breakdown and also stores a larger amount of glycogen in the muscle. The recovery meal determines how good results you get from training and should preferably be consumed within an hour after the session. Within 2 hours, you can then eat the next meal, which should be a well-composed meal and drink plenty of fluids. Now you can advantageously eat protein and fast carbohydrates to spike insulin and get the nutrients into the muscle cells. If you like sweets, it is right after training that it is best to treat yourself to something tasty because these carbohydrates are fast-acting. By drinking plenty, you get better protein metabolism and thus muscle building. Take your supplements preferably with the recovery meal. Rest and time for recovery are just as important as the training session itself. Train according to the menstrual cycle A man feels roughly the same every day. His cycle is 24 hours with testosterone peaking in the morning. A woman, on the other hand, has a cycle of about 28 days where physiological and hormonal changes occur depending on the menstrual cycle. This is actually something we can use to achieve better results. During menstruation, the best training can vary from person to person. Some women find that intense training can relieve menstrual pain, but for others, gentler forms of exercise such as walking or yoga are better. After menstruation, estrogen levels rise and reach peak levels just before ovulation. Now strength training gives the best muscle-building results. After ovulation, progesterone rises in the body and starts fat burning in fat cells, making endurance training suitable. The last week before menstruation, there is a higher risk of injury as both balance and coordination may be impaired. Then high-intensity training and interval training are excellent, such as swimming, running, and spinning. Read more about training in harmony with the menstrual cycle. Find what suits you These are general tips, but since we are all unique, the most important thing is always to start from yourself! Your lifestyle, your genetics, and your body. If you are unsure, you can advantageously contact a functional medicine therapist who can help you find what is optimal for you. Good luck!
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Organic propolis and bee pollen from Ballot Flurin
We sell organic propolis and bee pollen from an amazing company called Ballot Flurin. You can find them at the picturesque honey farm in the heart of the Pyrenees, in southwestern France, located in beautiful nature full of life. A place where bees can be happy. The people behind Ballot Flurin have dedicated their lives to learning the language and customs of bees to better collaborate with the hive. Their fine, precious, and energy-rich products are delivered intact to you thanks to their artisanal manufacturing methods, based on manual, low-tech, and non-polluting procedures. They follow something called Gentle Beekeeping / Apiculture DOUCE®. This is a recognized quality label in both France and many other countries and is much more than just a simple label. **Apiculture DOUCE means: 1. That beekeepers respect and understand the language of bees. The language of bees is the very heart and soul of Apiculture DOUCE. All their beekeepers are trained in bee psychology and have an extensive set of techniques centered around relaxation, meditation, and observation that facilitate communication with the hive’s inhabitants. The methods also induce a specific mental state in the beekeeper that enhances the ability to listen to the bees. Beekeepers move quietly near the bees and breathe calmly. Bees have existed for 100 million years and are blessed with great collective intelligence and sophisticated communication skills. They are very sensitive to human contact. In this way, they respect the bees’ rhythm and active energies, making the final product more potent and alive. The bees are never treated with antibiotics but instead with herbs and homeopathy. 2. That beekeepers respect our natural environment. Ballot Flurin cultivates and harvests naturally (organically) without strong chemical agents. This means untouched vegetation, free from chemical products, vegetation that yields quality harvests and more disease-resistant, healthier colonies. Their raw materials and preparations are all organically certified. Ballot Flurin follows biodynamic harvesting. The beekeeping production also takes into account solar, lunar, and cosmic cycles when managing the hives and deciding exactly when the beekeeper should perform the harvest. This respects the natural laws of the world and the universe. Bees pollinate plants, which in return provide them with food. They play a crucial role in promoting and protecting biodiversity in all the regions they inhabit. That is why it is very important that we choose the locations for our hives with great care and protect the local ecosystem by cultivating plants beneficial for honey production such as heather, lavender, rosemary, sage, hawthorn, marjoram, etc. Ballot Flurin’s “Ferme d’abeilles” (Bee Farm) program promotes planting plants and installing hives on organic farmland. 3. That beekeepers respect everything and everyone around the production. This means preserving the natural environment and protecting the bees’ food resources as well as managing a responsible, human-scale economy. Their company is a family business, free from demands for external capital. Ballot Flurin contributes to preserving nature by choosing packaging, materials, and methods with minimal environmental impact. They also help make their rural areas more vibrant by creating ethical employment in the villages of Hautes-Pyrénées. Here in the film, Catherine – one of the founders and a beekeeper for 40 years – shows Mathilde, a young beekeeper, how to transfer a colony of bees. If they are too crowded in their hive, they install them in a new place. The bees agree. They follow their movements and the people follow their breathing. No stings, no need for smoke or masks. Smoke, often used in conventional beekeeping, is not good for bees who need 1000 times more oxygen than we do. Bee Happy!
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5 Best Organic Hand Soaps for Dry Skin
Good hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as the common cold viruses during the autumn season. Unlike in the spring, we are now dealing with cold weather, which makes our hands even drier after all the hand washing. Therefore, it is especially important to choose a soap that not only cleans but also moisturizes. I recommend the 5 best organic hand soaps that are long-lasting, clean well, and moisturize. Bar Organic Soaps Distinguish between industrial and handmade organic bar soaps. Industrially produced soaps develop ugly cracks and dry out the skin because valuable moisturizers like glycerin are missing or removed during the soap-making process. Organic artisan soaps are made from vegetable oils and fats where all nutrients and glycerin remain in the soap. The advantages of a bar organic soap are that they usually: are cheaper are concentrated have plastic-free packaging are water-free and do not require preservatives Vermont Soap – Organic Handmade Soap Lemongrass, 85 g Vermont’s bar soaps have a 200-year-old recipe and are all designed to be low-allergenic. The soap is so mild and pleasant on both hands and body. Also very long-lasting! Of all the scents, I prefer lemongrass as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, among others. Maybe not for COVID’s sake (since it’s a virus), but it theoretically feels good to wash with in the kitchen or after using the toilet. It is not strongly scented, but I like the idea of lemongrass anyway. Grön Lycka – La Provence Bar Soap, 110 g If you love beautiful and incredibly fragrant soaps, you should treat yourself to a soap from Grön Lycka. A smart feature is that the soaps contain a bit of clay, which makes them firmer so they don’t get mushy easily. Choose Grön Lycka if you also want to wash your face with soap. They are all luxuriously nourishing and clean well at the same time. Available in three different scents to choose from. All smell divine, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, I am fond of lavender, so my choice is La Provence. Dr. Bronner’s – Bar Soap Baby Mild, 140 g Here you get a lot of soap for your money, so if you are a heavy user, Dr. Bronner’s might be for you. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are not only organic but also made with fairtrade ingredients. It is said that these soaps are magical as they can be used for so many things. Everything from washing dishes, cleaning, shaving, washing makeup brushes, hands, body, and hair, etc. This fragrance-free variant also works excellently for pets. The soaps are also incredibly long-lasting, effective at dissolving grease and dirt, lather nicely but still do not dry out the skin. Maybe it’s because they are enriched with extra moisturizing glycerin. Dr. Bronner’s also has liquid soaps if you prefer that. To prevent the soaps from getting mushy, I recommend a soap dish where the water can drain away, so the soap can dry after use. Check out Vermont Soap’s soap dishes. Liquid Organic Soaps The advantages of a liquid organic soap are that: they are easy to use, even for children convenient to have in the shower more nourishing and less drying compared to conventional soap I personally prefer foaming organic soaps that are also: easy to dose and hard to overdose non-sticky and fun to use long-lasting and last a long time Vermont Soap – Foaming Soap Lemongrass, 355 ml Vermont Soap’s wonderful organic soaps come in all different forms. Bar, liquid, foam, and shower gel. My favorite is the foaming variant, which feels luxurious as it contains no water but has aloe vera juice as a base. This is a super nice and mild soap. It dispenses a rich and thick foam that feels soft and gentle on the skin. The scent feels fresh and makes the soap very pleasant to have at the sink, in the shower, and kitchen. A big plus is that it is also very affordable. Eco by Sonya – Lemongrass Cleansing Foam 375 ml Eco by Sonya’s foaming soap is also water-free and has aloe vera juice as a base. If you are looking for a liquid soap that works for hands, body, and face, you should try this one. A large bottle that lasts a long time and cleans well and gently. Customers notice that their skin becomes clearer with less acne/blemishes both on the face and body. Not surprising since it is enriched with lemongrass and grapefruit, which give the soap antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The foaming soap also removes makeup without drying out the skin. Those with dull and mature skin find that their face looks more refreshed. For those who use the Double Cleansing Method (i.e., first cleanse the face with an oil-based cleanser and then wash with a water-based cleanser), this foaming soap is nice as a “second cleanser.” This is a soap designed for hands and body, but it has become very popular as a facial soap.
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The story of The Organic Lab - Sustainable superfoods
Today, we mainly know The Organic Lab as one of the best producers of vibrant superfood powders. Their colorful vitamin-packed powders have been frequently seen on social media, where they are used to create everything from blue smoothies to cakes in all the colors of the rainbow. But when The Organic Lab, or Kokosbowls as they were called then, was founded in 2018, they had a completely different plan. The company was founded by Juliana, who together with her husband wanted to contribute to positive change in Indonesia by using their good relationships with local artisans. The idea was to purchase handmade coconut bowls from Indonesia, sell them in Sweden, and give all profits back to the artisans and communities in Indonesia. But as their social media accounts grew, they noticed an increased demand for superfoods. It wasn’t long before every customer who bought coconut bowls also asked for the colorful powders shown in the pictures. Juliana explains that superfoods had long been a part of her life for various health-related reasons. At ages 15 and 19, she was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo several difficult surgeries and treatments. “The treatments often took such a toll on me that I couldn’t manage to eat any solid meals, so I started drinking smoothies. But the doctors said I wasn’t getting enough vitamins and that I would need to be hospitalized if I didn’t manage to eat more. So I decided to fill my smoothies with even more vegetables and fruit, but in powder form, to boost them with even more nutrients. Sometimes I could mix up to 10-12 different powders in each smoothie, which definitely helped me with my recovery.” Juliana Juliana herself is from Spain but grew up in Brazil, where superfoods like acai, graviola, and pitaya were part of the everyday diet. When she later moved around the world as an adult, she discovered that most people didn’t know about these superfoods, nor had the opportunity to buy them in their raw form. So, driven by her own passion for superfoods and customer requests, the big project of producing the colorful powders began. But it’s not an easy job, and the amount of work behind each new product is perhaps what sets The Organic Lab apart from other brands. Sometimes it can take several months to find the right producer, Juliana says. They may have switched from coconut bowls to colorful powders, but the passion for supporting local farmers and contributing to sustainable social development remains at the heart of the company. All farms in The Organic Lab’s network are small-scale and carefully selected based on their sense of quality, fair working conditions, and love for what they do. They work very closely with both farmers and local communities in, among others, Brazil, the Philippines, and Chile. But it’s not just social sustainability that is the focus; environmental awareness is equally important. Since the beginning, they have worked with sustainable packaging, and very recently they succeeded in meeting the requirements to have their bestseller, Pink Pitaya, classified as organic. In connection with the launch of the super powders in 2018, they also changed their name to The Organic Lab. “Today, we are so used to stuffing ourselves with medicines developed in labs that we have completely forgotten the natural ‘medicine’ we can get from fruits and vegetables, which heal us from the inside. The name The Organic Lab was a way for us to show that it is possible to get all the important nutrients from nature’s own lab.” Juliana In just two years, they have managed to build a shining company that spreads health, creates jobs in the South American countryside, and inspires other companies to follow their sustainable path. We at Glimja are proud to sell their products and look forward with excitement to following their continued journey.
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5 organic hand creams that don’t leave a greasy residue - test and guide
There are plenty of organic hand creams available. The big question is what sets them apart and which one is the best? I have tested five really good hand creams that are non-greasy and excellent for daytime use. All the hand creams in this test meet the “non-greasy” criterion. This means they neither feel oily nor sticky afterwards, so you can immediately type on your computer or phone without that sticky feeling. Eco by Sonya Hand & Nail Cream – Mango Sea Buckthorn with Vitamin C, 75 ml All Eco by Sonya’s products maintain such high quality that I suspected the hand cream would be something truly special. This is the most luxurious hand cream in this category. The scent, color, texture, and results together impress with a wow response. The hand cream provides maximum moisture and makes the hands soft and smooth instantly. When the skin is dry and tight after all the hand washing, it’s almost a liberatingly pleasant feeling to use hand cream. This hand cream gives that pleasant feeling times two. The skin becomes so smooth, relaxed, and calm, probably because moisture saturates the deeper skin layers. Over time, both the hands and cuticles stay soft and intact. The mild scent is also absolutely heavenly, with tropical fruit notes in harmony with fresh bergamot. They haven’t skimped anywhere. It may be the runniest of all in this test, but definitely not diluted. The cream contains no water but has the moisture queen aloe vera juice as its base. This is accompanied by ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil, glycerin, shea butter, sea buckthorn oil, carrot seed oil, and mango butter. It’s worth mentioning that 100% of the profit goes directly to vulnerable children in Kenya. The only downside is the packaging’s large opening, which doesn’t suit the somewhat runny consistency. It easily gets sticky in the lid, and you have to be careful when squeezing out the cream to avoid overdosing. A snap lid would have been preferable. Eco Cosmetics Hand Cream – Echinacea and Grape Seed Oil, 125 ml My favorite in this price range! You get a large tube of hand cream that is really good. The consistency is wonderfully creamy and smooth. It absorbs relatively quickly into the skin and provides both moisture and nourishment. The best part is that the hands stay hydrated for a long time without any stickiness. Perfect if you are a heavy user of hand creams or want a tube here and there. What lowers the rating is the scent. It’s the classic Eco Cosmetics scent (unisex and fresh) which feels a bit too strong for my nose. It doesn’t fade quickly either. I prefer discreet or luxurious scents when it comes to hand creams. Looking at the ingredients, there is echinacea extract and glycerin which provide moisture and soothe the skin. Squalane and coconut oil give that smooth feeling, and a splash of shea butter locks in moisture without stickiness or greasiness. This is a very wise and fine balance of oils and extracts. Dr Sannas Hand Cream – Colloidal Oat Linden Blossom, 75 ml Dr Sannas maintains a consistently high standard with their products, and this applies to their hand cream as well. It absorbs nicely and quickly, and as expected, leaves the skin wonderfully smooth. This provides the skin with plenty of moisture and keeps the hands hydrated for a long time. The cuticles also improve over time. I must say that in terms of results, it is quite similar to Eco by Sonya’s hand cream. It’s the kind of hand cream that strengthens the skin barrier so the skin can withstand weather exposure and frequent hand washing without cracking or flaring up in eczema. The mild notes of fresh linden blossom and bergamot fade quite quickly, which is a big plus. The packaging is neat despite its 75 ml size. The snap lid combined with the moderately sized opening makes it easy to dose. In terms of ingredients, the humectant glycerin ranks high on the list, which is good. Light oils like safflower seed oil and broccoli seed oil provide good hydration and a smooth feel. Innovative ingredients such as probiotics, colloidal oat, and malic acid in the hand cream are impressive. The hand cream does a very good job, so there’s only positive things to say about it. i+m Naturkosmetik – Sensitive Handcreme, 50 ml I know some think this is too mild, but this is a perfect day hand cream. i+m’s freestyle series is specially designed for delicate, sensitive skin and for those who cannot tolerate scented essential oils. Note that the hand cream has a faint scent of real vanilla (vanilla contains no fragrance substances that can irritate) which fades quickly. I know this has saved many sensitive hands from cracking. The cream has a light consistency that absorbs quickly. It provides plenty of moisture without irritation. This is definitely the best if you have damaged and sensitive skin or have trouble finding a hand cream you tolerate. The packaging is completely unique. Hand creams often have super sharp tube edges that totally ruin the lining of my bags or tear and damage other items inside. This hand cream has a neat package with a hygienic pump completely without sharp edges and is therefore my favorite go-to hand cream. The ingredients are kept as minimal as possible. The fewer ingredients, the less there is to react to for sensitive skin. It contains humectants like aloe vera and glycerin, mild and incredibly good oils like jojoba oil and almond oil. They have also enriched it with carrot extract. A very well-thought-out composition and whole. Thumbs up for that! Odylique – Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie, 60 ml Odylique’s products are aimed at everyone. Since the founders have eczema-prone skin, all products are also adapted for sensitive, problem skin types. The hand cream is not runny but feels very moisturizing on the skin. It penetrates deeply at lightning speed and provides plenty of moisture while leaving the skin smooth. The cream feels active and almost stimulating while the skin feels calmer. They describe the hand cream as moisturizing, soothing, and protective, while also having anti-aging effects as it is said to lighten age spots and promote firmer skin. I don’t have age spots yet, so I can’t comment on that, but it definitely makes the hands less dry over time. The scent is absolutely wonderful with a clear citrus fragrance and floral undertones. A scent I associate with high-level organic natural cosmetics. I have a certain fondness for Odylique, so my opinion may be biased. I really like this one and think it works deeply in the skin, and the feeling is positively special. The formula absorbs at express speed and keeps my hands hydrated and luxuriously smooth for a long time, and that alone! It’s worth mentioning that besides classic moisturizers, it contains antioxidant-rich oils, anti-aging sea buckthorn extract, as well as soothing aloe vera and calendula. The cream contains lactic acid, which is excellent as it helps dead skin cells to shed and lightens any pigmentation spots. However, the lactic acid and the scented essential oils can sting if you have damaged skin (such as severe eczema). If you have problems with hand creams stinging, i+m’s freestyle hand cream is preferable. Thank you very much for reading the entire article! If you constantly moisturize your hands without good results, try switching hand cream and/or soap. Also try scrubbing your hands so dead skin cells don’t become a barrier to your fantastic hand cream.
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4 organic face masks for instant radiance
Face masks that deliver quick results are popular after all the delicious food at the Christmas table. The skin needs a quick boost before the New Year's celebration and maybe after New Year's too? Here are four fantastic tips for face masks that immediately provide visible and noticeable results. They are all organic, biodegradable, and absolutely wonderful. Evolve Organic Beauty – Bio-retinol Gold Mask 30/60 ml This glamorous face mask is an obvious choice for any party! It is designed to give the skin many benefits and is therefore suitable for all skin types. The hero ingredient here is a plant extract from Bidens Pilosa – a natural alternative to retinol. This bio-retinol gives the skin the same benefits as retinol, but without causing skin irritation. The skin also does not become sensitive to the sun, making it perfect for year-round use. This face mask: moisturizes the skin, making it soft and smooth gently exfoliates so the skin becomes smoother with a more even tone has anti-aging properties so the skin feels fresh and revitalized 100% Pure – Vitamin C Mask, 38 g This is a concentrated light yellow powder that activates when mixed with water. It becomes a fresh and potent face mask packed with a huge amount of vitamin C! It’s a bit like taking a strengthening vitamin C shot, but for your skin. This vitamin boost also contains mild fruit enzymes that scrub away tired skin. The mask is gentle on the skin and can be used 1-5 times a week. The skin immediately gains a very healthy glow The skin becomes soft and silky smooth Brighter and clearer complexion The skin becomes smoother and more even Makes the skin firmer with regular use Remember to use this mask before bedtime, as it contains a bit of turmeric and may leave a slight yellow tint on light skin tones. However, this is not visible the next morning. Dr. Sannas Detox Face Mask Dr. Sannas Detox mask gives the face an immediate fresh lift regardless of skin type. Since this is an effective, deep-cleansing clay mask, it has quickly become a favorite among those with combination, oily, acne-prone, or impure skin. The green color comes from green clay and spirulina, which purify, soothe, combat impurities, and make the skin feel renewed. The face mask also contains colloidal oat flour and probiotics, which hydrate the skin and maintain a healthy skin microbiome. The skin has smaller pores, a more even tone, and is deeply cleansed. Calms stressed and sensitive problem skin. Makes the skin soft, silky smooth, and gives a beautiful glow. 100% Pure – Green Tea Water Bomb Mask This mask makes everyone smile! This is a so-called hydrogel mask – a groundbreaking, 100% biodegradable face mask where the base consists of organic aloe vera juice and plant cellulose. It feels incredibly soft and wonderfully cooling on the skin. Aloe vera juice is a soothing and anti-inflammatory thirst quencher that all skin types need. When your hydrogel mask starts to look wrinkled, it’s a good sign that the moisturizing fluids and nutrients have left the mask and been absorbed into your skin. So cool! Feel free to use your favorite serum under this mask for maximum effect. Gives the skin a new glow and a more even tone. Moisturizes the skin, smooths out lines, and reduces pores. Keeps your skin hydrated and soft for several days. The skin stays renewed and fresh for a long time after one treatment. Here shines Daniella who works in Glimja’s incredibly skilled customer happiness department.
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Meaningful intentions for the new year - 4 simple steps
We often write a “to-buy list” when we go to the store, or a “to-do list” when we go to work. This way, we can make sure we get everything done or bought that we need that day. But what about a “most-important-to-me” list? A list that ensures we focus on what matters most during the new year! Has this year given you more appreciation for life? Then make sure to make the most of 2023! We usually spend New Year’s Eve (or the day after New Year’s Eve) on a very simple but powerful New Year’s exercise that helps us reflect on the past year and make the most of the new one. You can do it together with someone or on your own. It was actually through such an intention exercise that ClearLife.se (now Glimja.se) was born during New Year’s ten years ago. Who knows what might happen next in your life? Step 1 Write down 3-5 things (or more) that you appreciated about the past year that you want to bring with you into 2023. It might feel difficult given the circumstances, but take your time. Maybe you got to spend more time with your children, got to know yourself better, or found a new hobby? Choose the very best things from 2022 that you would like to see more of in the future. Take some time to really feel what these things mean to you. Step 2 Take a moment and think about each thing (write it down if you want):– How would life look if you put this more at the center in the coming year?– What is the best thing that could happen then? Step 3 For each thing you want more of in 2023, write down 3-5 practical things (or more) you need to do to make sure it happens. Maybe you need to schedule time, start meditating, save money, book a meeting with someone, change jobs, talk about your feelings, say no, etc. Step 4 Put the list somewhere you can see it. If you want, you can update it regularly during the new year and check off the practical things as you do them. If you want and have time, a nice addition is to make a “vision board” where you cut, paste, and paint a picture of how you will feel and how your life will look when you have more of these things in your life. Take what you like from this article and make the process your own. Feel free to share with us how it goes!
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Simple skincare with just 3 products for your skin type
Get started taking care of your skin with just three products! No worries if you're unsure about what you need. Here is a guide aimed specifically at you who want a super simple skincare routine. The absolute minimum you need is 1 – a cleanser to keep your skin clean and clear. 2 – an all-year-round sunscreen that prevents the formation of wrinkles and age spots. 3 – a moisturizing cream that keeps your skin soft and supple. For all skin types This skincare routine is for you who don’t know your skin type, have combination skin, or sensitive skin that acts up. Cleanse with a balancing cleansing milk i+m’s Freestyle facial cleanser is so popular because it does a great job regardless of your skin type. It is balancing and therefore suitable for both dry and oily skin. It removes makeup without irritating acne-prone or sensitive skin. i+m Freestyle Cleansing Milk is available for purchase. Protect your face year-round against UVA and UVB rays Apply sunscreen to your face every morning (preferably on damp skin) to avoid deep wrinkles and brown pigment spots as you age. Dr. Sanna’s sunscreen is non-greasy and works well under makeup. It suits all skin types and does not irritate sensitive skin. Dr. Sanna’s Sunscreen SPF30 Moisturize your face with a balancing facial cream i+m’s Freestyle facial cream provides your skin with vitamins and moisture without irritation. It has a mild scent of real vanilla and keeps your skin wonderfully soft. Use this facial cream in the evening after washing your face. i+m Moisturizing Cream For oily skin Do you have oily or shiny skin by the end of the day? Then you should use skincare products that gradually reduce excess sebum (natural skin oil) production. Wash your face without drying it out The challenge with oily skin is that you want to wash away all the excess oil without drying out your skin. Otherwise, your skin will produce even more sebum to moisturize the dried-out skin. That’s why cleansing is a crucial step and forms the foundation of a good skincare routine. Odylique’s Tea Tree cleansing is soothing, antiseptic, and antibacterial. Best of all, it normalizes sebum production while cleansing oily skin without drying it out. Designed to also suit sensitive skin types. Odylique Lemon Tea Tree Facial Wash is available here > Use non-greasy UV protection All skin types need UV protection to keep skin youthful—meaning firm, wrinkle-free, and without brown sun spots. If you have oily skin, you need a sunscreen that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy after application. Dr. Sanna’s sunscreen is easily absorbed by the skin and also contains probiotics that boost the skin’s good microflora. Once applied, it gives a non-greasy and almost matte finish. Dr. Sanna’s Sunscreen SPF30 is an excellent sun protection for your skin. Apply a facial cream that regulates sebum production Phyto Balance facial cream keeps sebum production in check. It tightens pores and adds moisture to the skin. Perfect if you have oily skin with large or clogged pores. i+m Balance Balancing Cream is available for purchase. For dry skin This skincare routine suits you who, for various reasons, have dry skin. It could be daily exposure to dry indoor environments or aging skin that naturally produces less sebum. Your skin feels tight after showering and looks dull and lifeless in the evening. Cleanse your face with something that doesn’t foam Avoid foaming cleansers and cleanse your face with milk or oil to restore radiance and softness. A nourishing cleanser is also much better at dissolving oils and dirt. Evolve’s cleansing melt is a rich gel that transforms into a soft milk when it comes into contact with water and rinses off easily. Pat dry with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt. Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt Use sunscreen that adds radiance to your skin Dry skin that already feels wrinkled really needs extra protection against UVA rays, which accelerate skin aging. Biosolis sunscreen SPF 30 is not greasy but nourishing and feels wonderful on dry skin. If your skin is very dry, it’s fine to use a facial cream under your sunscreen. Apply a facial cream that keeps skin supple for a long time Rich and oily creams rarely work alone in a simple skincare routine for dry skin. They need to be combined with serums or lighter creams to work well. In a skincare routine with so few products, you need a facial cream that provides both plenty of moisture and nourishment, so your skin stays soft for a long time without clogging pores. Evolve’s facial cream is just that! Evolve Daily Renew Facial Cream is available for purchase. Expand your skincare routine With a good basic routine, your skin will stay in great condition for a long time. If you want more and faster results or have specific skin concerns, you need to add more steps to your skincare routine. Simply build on your basic routine with more products like toner, serum, face masks, exfoliation, etc.
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Practical tips for remembering your supplements
Do you have trouble taking your supplements? Maybe you forget to take them or find it hard to swallow capsules. Then this article is for you! Read our best tips on how to take your supplements every day. Which supplements do you need? The first step is, of course, to choose which supplements you need. It’s not always the easiest, but we are here to help you. A good start is to read our article “The five most important supplements we take every day” here. If you then have questions about what is right for you, we are here to answer your questions via chat, email, and phone! How do you take them most easily? The second step is to consider which form of supplement you should choose to take them most easily. Here is a brief overview of different supplement forms and their pros and cons. Tablets & Capsules A common form that is easy to remember and easy to bring to work or on a trip, for most people. The most common downside is that large capsules can be hard to swallow. One way around this is to open the capsules (or crush the tablets) and mix them into food or drink. However, some supplements have a very strong taste, which can be a challenge. Liquid form Liquid supplements are a good solution if you have difficulty swallowing capsules. It’s a simple and effective way to get your nutrients. One downside is that some need to be stored in the fridge and don’t last as long as other forms once opened. This can also make them a bit harder to remember to take since they can’t be left out on the table or in the pantry with other supplements. The taste can be a pro or con depending on the type of supplement and personal preference. Powder form Many supplements, especially superfoods, come in powder form. This is a very good solution for many because you can mix it into drinks, porridge, or other types of food. Many powders taste good and have the advantage of adding flavor to smoothies, porridge, etc., while others are not as tasty, which can be a downside. Of course, taste preferences are individual. A “complete solution” – supersmoothie! A great way to get many of your supplements in one go is to create your own “supersmoothie” with all the ingredients you feel good about! For example, take a green powder, various herbal extracts, the contents of a few capsules, maybe a protein powder, and throw everything into the blender with some berries, perhaps almond milk and/or fruit. It can easily become a routine for breakfast or a snack if you manage to create a tasty recipe! Remembering your supplements Last but not least, you need a way to remember to take your supplements. Unfortunately, they have no effect if they just sit on the shelf or in the fridge. A good thing to remember is that supplements are like any other habit; it takes a little effort at first, but once it becomes a habit, it will happen automatically – just like brushing your teeth. Morning routine An easy way can be to have a morning routine that is the same every day. Then it quickly becomes a habit. For example, taking your supplements with breakfast or in the form of a supersmoothie. That way, you have at least one daily moment packed with nutrition. Dinner It’s optimal if you remember to take supplements at dinner as well. Some nutrients pass through the body quickly and need to be replenished often for optimal levels. This applies, for example, to vitamin C, B vitamins, and many herbs. Evening routine Some supplements like magnesium, calming herbs, or certain probiotics work best if taken in the evening. Most of us already have an evening routine when we brush our teeth, read something, maybe drink herbal tea or water. If you take any of these supplements at the same time, it will soon become an easy-to-remember habit. Weekly pill organizer A solution to avoid thinking about your supplements every day is to have a “pill organizer” that you fill with the supplements you need to take daily. They come in different sizes for different needs, some divided by times of day for those who want to go all the way with that method. Together If you live in a family or a shared household, one way to remember your supplements is to take them at the same time as others in the house. When someone takes out their bottle, you are automatically reminded to take your own supplements. If you have trouble remembering, maybe ask your partner or family to remind you?
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