Health Blog
Health Blog
Natural sun protection with diet and supplements
Nothing beats the feeling of warm sunlight on your skin, especially after a cold winter. On one hand, the sun helps us produce vitamin D, a hormone necessary for, among other things, bone health and immune function; on the other hand, too much sunlight can be harmful to the skin. Because of this paradox, we need to find a balance between getting enough sun and avoiding damage from overexposure. Regardless of what you may have heard before, this does not always require sunscreen. Sunscreen can actually reduce our body's ability to produce vitamin D. Sunscreen starts with your diet What you put into your body is very important – or even more important – than the protection you apply to your skin. Antioxidants are potent natural UV protectors, and specific sources of them can help protect the skin. Eating vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients (the compounds that make fruits, berries, and vegetables colorful) enhances the skin’s protection. Think vegetables, sprouts, seaweed, fruit, and berries. Colorful! Here are some of the many ways you can protect your skin when you are in the sun: Sunny spices Exciting research in plant biology has discovered the synergistic protective effects of turmeric and ginger on skin health. Both ginger and turmeric contain powerful antioxidants and soothing properties that help protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Become a tea connoisseur Brief exposure to direct UV light is all it takes to activate collagenase and elastase, two enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of the skin’s collagen matrix. Studies have shown that white tea, one of the least processed types of tea, inhibits these two enzymes, likely protecting against early wrinkle formation. White tea also provides a high level of antioxidants. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants. Load up on tomatoes One of the most studied compounds in tomatoes is lycopene, and for very good reasons. Several studies point to lycopene’s ability to protect against free radicals caused by too much sunlight. Natural tomato paste appears to contain the highest levels of lycopene compared to raw tomatoes. Tomatoes also contain a number of other antioxidants, including vitamin C, which complement lycopene’s protective effects. Supplements that can help Certain herbs and natural nutrients can be an excellent way to protect your skin from sun damage. Here are some of our favorites: Vitamin C Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant often cited as a potent protector against UV damage. Resveratrol Resveratrol is another powerful antioxidant that can inhibit DNA mutation after direct UV exposure. Promising studies show that pomegranate extract can protect keratinocytes from UV-induced oxidative damage. Resveratrol is found, among other places, in Cell Fuzion, a very effective antioxidant blend. Omega-3 Omega-3 is a healthy fatty acid that helps strengthen circulation and elasticity in all the body’s cells, thereby also boosting the skin’s “self-defense.” Beta-carotene Beta-carotenes provide extra protection against the sun’s harmful rays, can inhibit the onset of sun rash, and contribute to a faster and more even tan. Beta-carotenes are found in, for example, parsley, sprouts, carrots, spinach, kale, dill, papaya, spirulina, and other algae such as Dunaliella salina. Astaxanthin Astaxanthin is a carotenoid (antioxidant) derived from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is a very powerful antioxidant that can counteract free radicals. Astaxanthin is the compound that gives the pink color to salmon, shrimp, and flamingos. Collagen If the body is exposed to large amounts of UV light from the sun or a tanning bed, collagen production will be inhibited. Collagen is important for healthy and elastic skin. Nowadays, there is a vegan-friendly type called Vollagen that contains the same 18 amino acids in the same proportions as human collagen but in free form, making them easily absorbed. Evening primrose oil Evening primrose oil contains important fatty acids that help repair the skin, and it can also inhibit specific enzymes in the skin that break down collagen, potentially delaying wrinkle formation. Good organic sunscreen If you prefer to protect yourself with a sun lotion, we of course have the very best natural and organic products for you! Here you will find Alga Maris SPF 30 with physical protection suitable for both face and body. This sun spray has a light texture that makes it very easy to apply and quickly absorbed into the skin. It contains, among other things, sunflower oil and coconut oil that nourish the skin, and titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here you will find Suntribe SPF 30, which is a physical sunscreen. The sun cream is lightly tinted to blend into your skin tone. It offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA+UVB), is water-resistant, and provides sun protection factor 30 (blocking 97% of the sun’s UVB rays). There are both physical and chemical sunscreens with different properties and functions.
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Simple vegan smoothies for the whole family
3 dl cashew milk – 2 dl organic cashew nuts and 0.8 liters of water 1-2 dl red berries, we used frozen strawberries and raspberries 1 date A pinch of vanilla powder Instructions: First, blend the cashews and water in a powerful blender at high speed until it becomes a nut milk. Then add the rest and blend until completely smooth. If you use fresh berries, you may need to add ice cubes at the end to chill the drink. Serve in nice glasses with straws. A tasty, healthy, and filling snack that most people like, even the pickiest little ones. Green juice with apple, spinach & mint 5 deciliters sweetened or unsweetened organic apple juice with pulp 1/2 organic lemon 1 large handful of organic baby spinach 1 handful of fresh mint leaves Instructions: Juice the half lemon and blend all ingredients together in a blender. Taste and add more lemon if you want more acidity or more apple juice for sweetness. Strain the juice if you like, then pour into glasses with ice cubes. Top the glass with a few mint leaves just because it looks nice and tastes great to chew on. These lovely drinks, including thicker smoothies, are perfect to take along on a picnic in our Life Factory bottles, which have a wider opening than many other glass bottles.
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Chia Fresca - natural energy drink that provides long-lasting energy
What natural alternatives are there to so-called energy drinks that truly provide long-lasting energy and do not affect blood sugar? Well, Chia Fresca or Iskiate. My first encounter with Iskiate was when I read the book "Born to Run" several years ago, and since then it has been a favorite, especially in the summer. It's easy to make; you only need chia seeds, lime, and sweetener to taste. I like stevia or honey, but other options work too. The good thing about stevia is that it does not affect blood sugar. Chia Fresca provides both plenty of energy and a feeling of being "uplifted." Chia seeds have an amazing ability to bind liquid, as you probably know. Chia can absorb up to 12 times its own weight in water, which helps us improve fluid balance. With chia, the body more easily maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, and nutrients are absorbed more effectively. This is a perfect drink to have before exercise, during the workday, as a snack, as a cooling drink on outings, etc. Recipe: Chia Fresca / Iskiate / Chia Water 2 tbsp chia seeds 2.5 dl water Juice from 1 lime 1 tbsp honey or another sweetener that suits you. Instructions: Mix everything in a glass jar and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer.Then just enjoy it in a glass or take one in a bottle out into the sun. I think Chia Fresca fits perfectly in our glass bottles from Lifefactory because they have a wide opening.
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Tulsi and Moringa: Indian Herbs for Health and Well-being
Within Ayurveda – the traditional Indian healing art – there are thousands of herbs. Some of them stand out as daily “tonics” for strength and balance in everyday life. Two such herbs are Tulsi and Moringa. Tulsi / Holy Basil Tulsi is a leafy green herb with purple flowers that is used, among other things, to reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall health. Tulsi often grows around Hindu temples in India and is considered a sacred herb, hence the name “holy basil.” Ayurvedic doctors have used tulsi for therapeutic purposes for centuries. Traditionally, tulsi is used to: Reduce stress and anxiety. Balance. Improve sleep. Mental well-being. Counteract headaches. Tulsi is available in various forms; as tulsi tea, capsules, or liquid tulsi extract. It is very calming and tasty as an evening tea but can be taken anytime during the day. It also works well in combination with other herbs, such as rose or chamomile. We recommend Global Healing Center’s organic Tulsi extract, which is produced using their “Raw Herbal Extract” technology, a sulfur-rich blend of minerals that enhances the extract’s energy structure and bioavailability. This provides exceptionally pure and concentrated nutrition directly from tulsi. Moringa Moringa is a tree originally from India but also grows and is used throughout the rest of Asia and large parts of Africa. It is also called the Miracle Tree or the Tree of Life. Moringa has been used in traditional medicine in these regions for centuries as a strengthening and protective herb. The entire tree is nutritious, but it is primarily the leaves that are used therapeutically. They are very rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, minerals, unique phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Moringa is traditionally used to: Provide extra nutrition and energy. Support vascular/heart health. Support steady sleep. You can use Moringa in various forms; as a powder from dried leaves, in capsules, as tea, liquid extract, or cold-pressed oil. We recommend Global Healing Center’s organic Moringa extract, which is produced using their “Raw Herbal Extract” technology, a sulfur-rich blend of minerals that enhances the extract’s energy structure and bioavailability. This provides exceptionally pure and concentrated nutrition directly from the moringa leaves.
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Naturally colorful super powders for healthy cooking
One way to add beautiful color to your smoothie, ice cream, or cake is through colorful super powders. Colors in food indicate that it is rich in nutrients and especially antioxidants. Eating the "whole rainbow" every day is a health tip that also makes us happy in the kitchen; both when we cook and eat the food. Our extra vibrant powders are: Pink Pitaya A beautiful bright pink powder made from pitaya, also known as dragon fruit. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals. Butterfly Pea powder Made from dried, beautiful blue pea flowers and rich in proanthocyanidins and antioxidants. Its fantastic color pigments can change from blue to purple when lime or lemon is added. Acai A deep purple superberry from the Amazon, rich in antioxidants. A favorite for both smoothies and ice cream. Blueberry These luxurious berries are rich in vitamins and minerals, but above all rich in antioxidants of the anthocyanin type. Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is a food product that makes a fun addition to cooking for appreciated jet-black smoothies or pancakes, for example at Halloween. Colorful recipes These colorful and nutrient-rich powders are the best natural colorants and flavor enhancers available! You can create your own fantastic creations, such as colorful chia puddings, cakes, tarts, pancakes, smoothies, nice creams, etc. This is something that all ages, both children and adults, appreciate. Unicorn Nice Cream Ingredients 4 frozen bananas in pieces 1 can of coconut cream 2 tbsp maple syrup or coconut syrup 1 tsp vanilla powder 1 pinch sea salt or Himalayan salt Pink Pitaya and Butterfly Pea. Instructions 1. Blend everything except the powders in a food processor until smooth.2. Divide into 3 equal parts in 3 different bowls, and mix one powder into each bowl.3. Then gently fold the three different colors into a larger container that can be placed in the freezer. Create a beautiful "swirl" of colors.4. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the ice cream is sufficiently frozen, then serve! Gluten-Free Rainbow Pancakes Ingredients 125 grams of any gluten-free flour, e.g., brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, teff flour, or a gluten-free mix. 2 vegan egg replacements or 1 mashed banana. 50 ml sparkling water about 90 ml of any plant milk, such as oat, almond, hazelnut, or rice. 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar 2 tsp baking powder Optional colorful powders – preferably 3 different kinds Coconut oil for frying Toppings Whatever you like best, e.g., maple syrup, berries, fruit, whipped coconut cream, chocolate sauce, etc. Instructions 1. Whisk the egg replacement powder or the mashed banana with plant milk, sparkling water, coconut sugar, and nut butter.2. Combine flour, baking powder, vanilla, and cinnamon separately first, then add to the milk mixture while stirring.3. Stir until the batter is soft, thick, and creamy (add a little more plant milk if you prefer thinner pancakes or add more flour if you want thicker ones).4. Divide the batter into equal parts and stir in the desired colorful powders in separate bowls.5. Let the batters rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.6. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan.7. Add about 2 tbsp of batter per pancake to the pan. As soon as you see bubbles on the surface, flip the pancakes (after about 2-3 minutes).8. Serve your pancakes with your favorite toppings. Blue/Pink Chia Pudding (2 servings) 1. Mix these ingredients and let swell in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight: 1 dl chia seeds 2 dl plant milk such as almond, rice, coconut, hazelnut, or tiger nut milk. 2 tsp Pink Pitaya 2. Blend these ingredients in a blender: 1-2 frozen bananas 1 dl coconut water 1 tbsp lime juice 2 tsp Butterfly Pea 3. Layer the two "puddings" in glasses or bowls. Decorate with fresh blueberries if you like. Serve!
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Vermont Soap Organics organic soaps - Natural craftsmanship
Vermont Soap Organics solid soaps are made using a modern version of a 300-year-old method. Certified organic oils of palm, coconut, olive, and palm kernel oil are blended at precise temperatures with an alkaline solution*. The palm oil is, of course, sourced from small sustainable farms where the families harvesting it are paid fairly. *To make soap, you need an oil (which is an acid), an alkaline base, and water. Saponification is a reaction between these ingredients that results in the creation of soap. The oil and alkali undergo a structural change to form solid or liquid soap. For the alkaline base, it is traditional to use potassium hydroxide to make liquid soap and sodium hydroxide to make solid soap. Perfect science The oils used in their organic, handmade soaps are carefully selected by Vermont Soap for the character they give to the final soap. Vermont Soap uses the highest quality organic oil from sustainable sources. Coconut oil creates batches of glycerin, produces good lather, and is very stable. Olive oil has natural antioxidants and makes the soap creamier. Many other oils can be used, each for a specific reason. The important thing is that oil and alkali must be in perfect balance to make the perfect soap. For example, adding too much coconut oil will not produce good results. This is a science that takes a long time to learn, and after many years of countless trials, Vermont Soap Organics found the perfect recipe. Maturation process At Vermont Soap, the soap batch is then mixed for hours so that it thickens slowly. When ready, botanical and organic herbs, spices, and grains are added. The batch is then poured into wooden molds and kept warm for about three days. As the soap solidifies, alkali salts begin to rise to the top like cream. Around the fourth day, the soap, now solid, is removed in block form from the molds, skimmed of all alkali salts, and cut into individual bars. The soaps are then placed on custom drying racks made of oak and stainless steel where they cure for about three weeks. Mild natural soap without additives This process produces the mildest and finest soap available. These soaps last about twice as long as conventional ones and are very moisturizing and soothing for the skin. No measurable free alkali, meaning no sodium hydroxide residue remains when the soap is finished. This is part of why their soap is so mild. Conventional soap Many modern conventional soaps are made in a mass-produced industrial way. They may, for example, use nut or beef tallow instead of oils. Many synthetic additives are added to conventional soaps, for example, to make the soap lather more. Glycerin is often separated out to be sold elsewhere, whereas in natural soap it is stirred back in during soap production. Problems in mass-produced soap manufacturing can include low-quality base ingredients, alcohol, synthetic colors and fragrances, and preservatives. The soap then lacks moisture fundamentally and tends to have alkali residues that will irritate the skin. Problems arise when alkali and oil are not chemically combined. This leaves alkali salts in the product. Excess alkali makes the soap too strong and dries out the skin. People with sensitive skin are especially prone to irritation from these types of soaps. Why do soap producers do this? The answer is that it is cheaper and much faster. Choose eco soap We believe it is better to buy an organic soap that may cost more but lasts longer and is good for the skin, environment, and animals. The amazing thing about these soaps, besides being organic and vegan-friendly, is that they can be used in many ways. Some of them are made to combat sweat and odor and are designed for a specific area of the body. The mildest soaps can be used on the face, body, and as shampoo soap. We like that!
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Sante organic hair dye naturally covers white hair
Some people can really age gracefully with gray hair, but I have such an ungrateful hair color as black. I don’t get gray strands, I get chalk-white ones… So I tried dyeing with Radico dark brown shade. It gave incredible shine and less contrast between the black and white, but the color washed out quite quickly and didn’t last very long. So instead I tried a red shade because red pigments usually adhere better. I chose to try Sante’s natural red herbal hair dye. According to the package, you should mix the dye powder with boiled water. Instead, I brewed black tea (earl grey) and also mixed in a heaping teaspoon of organic coconut oil. It is said that coffee and black tea help the color adhere better. I added the coconut oil partly for extra care as a hair treatment, but mostly because I find Sante’s hair dyes a bit crumbly. The coconut oil makes it less crumbly. Since I have such thick hair, I left the color on for about 2.5 hours. The red took to the white strands, what a joy! It became like red highlights on my black hair. I actually felt it also took to the black hair and gave the impression that I got a lighter shade. Shine and healthy hair always come as a bonus when dyeing organically with herbs. I immediately looked younger and much more vibrant. Now exactly 8 weeks have passed and there is a 2 cm regrowth. The red color on the black hair appears to be completely washed out, while the white strands are still red. Not as intense, but far from gone. The red pigments have set like a rock on the white strands. I believe it easily lasts 4 months, maybe 6 or more. This time I will dye with a brown-red shade to see if it adheres better to what is already red compared to the white regrowth. Positive: + covers gray hair+ completely chemical-free+ one package is enough for long hair (down to the armpit)+ inexpensive+ like a hair treatment, gives shiny, strong, healthy hair with good “bounce” and beautiful fall+ does not stain skin, comes off with a little mild soap or oil+ gave a long-lasting color result (8 weeks +) Negative: – crumbly and a bit coarse Sante’s Natural Red Herbal Hair Dye gets top marks from me! Also read the review of Cultivator’s hair dyes which also cover gray hair very well!
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Prevent green hair with herbal dyes - Important tips
Light to medium light hair, i.e. white, gray, and blonde hair to medium blonde hair, can develop green or blue tones when dyed with shades that do not contain any red or with dark colors. This applies to all herbal hair dyes regardless of brand. Shades without red include, for example, black, indigo, and dark brown. Some dark brown shades contain red but are so dark (containing a high proportion of "dark herbs") that they can still cause green/blue tones in the hair. Therefore, I generally say this applies to ALL dark shades. Why does hair turn green? This happens due to the absence of red pigments in the hair from the start. If your hair color has no red pigments at all, you will get green hair or blue tones when dyeing with dark shades. Many blondes and medium blondes have very little red in their hair without it looking red. It rather appears golden blonde/brown. Therefore, they can dye with dark brown shades and still get a nice result. What can you do about it? Look at the color wheel. Red is the complementary color to green. Therefore, you need to add red to neutralize the green. If you have accidentally dyed your hair and it turned completely green, you can remove the green by dyeing with a shade that contains red. Choose a pre-mixed shade, e.g., reddish brown, or mix in some red into your hair dye yourself. The greener your hair has become, the more red you need. Do a test strand at the nape if you are unsure whether your hair contains red or not. If it turns green, you need to mix in some red into the dye. Experiment with the amounts, but one tablespoon of red dye mixed with a (light) brown shade may be enough. If you want to mix with a dark brown or black shade, a much larger proportion of red is required. Always do a test strand until you get the desired color result. If you absolutely do not want red in the color result, you need to do a 2-step coloring process as Khadi nicely shows on their color chart. This means you first dye the hair completely red and then dye with your dark hair color. This gives a fully covered dark result without red showing. The 2-step coloring is the safest way to get a good result without having to experiment with the amount of red in your hair dye. Other factors that can cause green hair There are other factors that can cause green hair. High chlorine levels in swimming pools can cause green hair in light-haired people. This also applies to those who bleach their hair. Water from houses with new copper pipes can also cause green hair in light-haired people when dyeing with herbal hair dyes. I know there are skilled hairdressers who can remove both chlorine and copper from the hair. However, I do not know if the green caused by copper or chlorine can be removed by applying a red herbal hair dye. Maybe someone knows?
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Natural skincare for babies - gentle cleansing without soap
Is it really necessary to use shampoo and shower gel on your little child? No, it is not necessary. The very youngest children usually do not need much cleaning of their hair or body. Water on the head and a little oil on the body goes a long way. Good oils to add to the bathwater or on a small washcloth are almond oil, jojoba oil, and sesame oil. Almond oil is a mild oil that is moisturizing, soothes dry skin while nourishing it. Jojoba oil is an all-around oil that is moisturizing, hypoallergenic, soothing, and naturally protective. Sesame oil is a fragrance-free semi-fat oil that soothes and softens. Weleda’s Calendula Baby Oil is also very good for babies’ and children’s skin. It contains sesame oil and calendula which cares for, protects, and is ideal for daily skincare. If the child has gotten really dirty and you want to use a soap, there are mild soaps without unnecessary additives like Malin i Ratan’s fragrance-free soap. It is mild, perfume-free, and enriched with shea butter and avocado oil which makes it extra skin-friendly. If you want a liquid soap, Gentle Baby Wash from Odylique is a good option for the youngest. It is very mild and contains soothing aloe vera, chamomile, and olive oil. Vermont Soap also has a liquid shower gel for Baby & Child. It is creamy and suitable for babies and children of all ages. It is fragrance-free and contains calendula extract and shea butter.
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How to Fix Frizzy and Static Hair - 5 Effective Tips
Frizzy and static hair is a common phenomenon. To avoid frizzy hair, we need to preserve and add moisture to the hair in time. Here are 5 quick tips. 1. Moisturizing sprays Dry and frizzy hair needs extra moisture but also protein. Hair mainly consists of proteins, which can be damaged by heat and chemical hair treatments. When hair needs protein, it is often frizzy and breaks easily. Spray sparingly a spray on the hair that immediately removes frizz and gradually rebuilds and strengthens the hair. Conditioner spray is a variant that does not need to be rinsed out. The product is easy to apply and is sprayed directly on dry or damp hair. Hair souffle is perfect for flyaway and frizzy hair. Logona Silk hairspray gives shine and smoothness without weighing it down. 2. Protect the hair Heat removes all moisture from the hair and destroys the proteins in the hair’s structure. Avoid straightening or curling your hair if you have frizzy hair. Blow-dry with cold air or from a good distance so the hair does not get burned. Always use heat protection when heat styling your hair. Logona Moisturizing Heat Protection is a heat-protective spray specifically designed for dry, damaged hair and sensitive scalp, suitable for those who often curl or straighten their hair. 3. Don’t dry out the hair Dry hair easily becomes frizzy, so avoid harsh soap agents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), and ALS (ammonium laureth sulfate). Switch to a natural shampoo that cleans gently but thoroughly. Eco Cosmetics Repair Shampoo is a good budget choice that lathers well, suitable for those used to lots of foam. It is a good transition shampoo or beginner shampoo for those new to more natural hair care. Bruns Frisörer nr 04 Detox Shampoo. Salon shampoo that cleans thoroughly and gently with soft foam. Improves hair quality over time and balances the scalp. 4. Hair mask Use a hair mask to quickly add moisture and care. This is good if you have been in the sun or swam a lot, which dries out the hair. Always choose a hair mask that is silicone-free and without strong solvents, as they can clog and dry out the scalp. With an organic and pure hair mask, both the scalp and hair receive nourishment from natural vegetable oils. Even a natural hair wax can protect the hair. It provides protection and moisture to both hair and scalp and has a sun protection factor of 2-4. Treat with a deep-acting hair mask that provides nourishment, moisture, and care for both short and long hair. Also available as fragrance-free nr 23. 5. Overnight hair treatment Applying a hair oil overnight gives a long-lasting result, and the hair gets maximum moisture and care. Massage a thin/dry cold-pressed vegetable oil into dry hair and braid or tie up the hair. The oil is washed out the next day. Thin oils provide the most moisture and weigh the hair down the least. They are also easy to wash out. The advantage is that the oil can also be used on hair ends after washing as well as on the skin and face. Japanese Camellia Kissi Oil from Fushi is a thin oil that gives the hair a lot of moisture, shine, and makes it airy.
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Fix cracked & dry hands with 4 simple tips
Dry hands and stubborn cracks that never seem to heal are a big problem for many. Here are four simple tips on what you can do about this skin issue. 1. Wash with gentle soaps The first thing everyone thinks of is hand creams. But if you want to tackle the problem, you should first look at what you wash your hands with. Common conventional hand soaps rarely contain any nourishing ingredients and have very strong soap agents to make the product last longer. The soaps wash away the skin’s natural oils and are very drying. Without the natural oils in the skin, there is nothing to protect the skin and keep it supple. When the skin is stiff and dry, it cracks easily. Soaps we gladly recommend are: Dr. Bronners & Vermont Soaps soaps, both of which are concentrated and lather a lot. Their liquid soaps are therefore excellent to dilute with water. Note that the large liquid bottles do not contain thickeners, so these are runny soaps. We know many don’t like bar soaps because they get mushy, but we warmly recommend bar soaps because they lather wonderfully while being mild and not drying. This is great for those with dry, dirty hands. Aleppo soap, made from laurel oil and olive oil, also works very well as a bar soap for dry hands. 2. Care for your hands with creams It’s hard to wash with good soaps at work or school. Then you can use hand creams to add moisture and nourishment to the skin after washing your hands and in the evening before bedtime. Apply thoroughly in the evening and feel free to put on a pair of thin cotton gloves. Weleda Skin Food A thick and slightly sticky cream, but super effective as it contains lanolin, which is very soothing on skin cracks. It softens hard skin and makes it easier for the skin to heal. It’s water-free and therefore excellent in winter cold. Zoya goes pretty A very nice and neat jar to carry with you. Perfect if you spend a lot of time out in the cold. They provide great weather protection while softening and caring for the skin. 3. Wash dishes with rubber gloves Don’t underestimate dishwashing gloves! Dish soap is made to be great at dissolving grease, and that includes the natural oils on your hands. Also, water itself is drying, so bring out the dishwashing gloves. It makes a bigger difference than you might think. 4. Protect your hands from the cold Last but not least! Protect your hands from cold and wind with warm mittens, especially important if you cycle a lot. Even if you’re diligent with everything else, if you don’t protect your hands from the cold, the skin can crack, which makes healing skin cracks more difficult.
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DIY Liquid Detergent with Soap Nuts - Natural & Simple
For those of you who think that soap nuts are not effective enough as detergent. Boil your own liquid detergent with the soap nuts to get stronger washing power. Clever, right? Recipe for liquid detergent with soap nuts Boil 50 g of soap nuts with 1 liter of water for 10-15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. When the decoction has cooled, strain out the soap nuts. Store the liquid detergent in a glass bottle. Then pour 250 ml of liquid detergent into the detergent compartment of your machine. The detergent keeps for about 1-2 weeks without refrigeration. If stored in the fridge, it lasts longer. Be sure to label the bottle clearly so it is not mistaken for food. If you want the detergent to last even longer, you can freeze it in cubes and take out when needed. Save the soap nuts as they can be boiled 5 more times, giving you a total of 6 liters of liquid detergent! Compost the soap nuts when they are used up. So environmentally smart, allergy-friendly, fragrance-free, and cheap! Zero waste. You buy these soap nuts in 500 g packs, which yield 60 liters of liquid detergent enough for 240 washes. Soap nuts are actually fruits, but are mistakenly called nuts because of their appearance. Soap nuts can therefore be used by people with nut allergies.
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