1. Avoid products that contain alcohol and Synthetic Fragrances. Look at product labels or contact the company directly to ensure products are alcohol free and also free of all synthetic colors and fragrances.
2. Check all product ingredients. If you have a specific allergy to an ingredient, ensure that it is not in a product. You can view our ingredients in our ingredient glossary.
3. Patch test all products when using them for the first time. Conduct a patch test as follows. Apply product onto the inner wrist in the manner that you are recommended to use the regime. Wait 24 hours observing the area. If you have no un-expected response – please refer to product details for the expected response; test the same regime on the temple. Wait 24 hours. If you have no un-expected response – use products as recommended.
4. Please note that with a sensitivity reaction – every time you use a product this reaction gets worse. With products that stimulate microcirculation, every time you use the product the beauty blush decreases.
Archive for the ‘Natural Beauty Tips’ Category
Natural Skincare: Tips for Sensitive Skin
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Organic Skincare can be Alcohol Free
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009I recently read a very interesting article on vivawoman.net entitled “Why can’t organic skincare be alcohol free?” There were many comments and questions about whether some alcohols were milder and safer than others. I take it to mean that this topic is of interest. So I hope to explain this.
Organic plant & grain alcohols versus alcohol denat or ethyl alcohol
I have one question. When you drink too much organic wine, is the hangover different from when you drink non-organic wine? Most will answer no. The reason being is that the chemical composition is exactly the same for both types of alcohol. The organic may have no pesticide residues etc. but it still dehydrates you, still causes the same release of liver enzymes. It has the same effect as non-organic alcohol. This is exactly the same for the skin. All alcohol is drying.
Plant derived fatty alcohols explained
Fatty alcohols like ceteryl, cetyl, stearyl, benzyl and phenoxyethanol differ from the alcohols above only by having a fat component as well. Manufacturers will often tell you that these alcohols are derived from plant sources and some may even claim that these are derived from organic sources implying that they are safer. The origin may be natural and/or organic, but the chemicals that are used to convert that natural material into these alcohols do not meet organic standards. What’s the point in taking an organic material and treating it with chemicals? The end result is similar to the synthetic ingredients that are used by mainstream cosmetic companies.
100% Alcohol Free organic skincare is available
Why tolerate this when it is possible to have organic skincare using no alcohol at all? Organic Apoteke has spent many years researching this and have developed products that are free of grain alcohols, synthetic alcohols as well as all the fatty alcohols. This must prove that it can be done. Products such as these are mild, non drying and great for sensitive skin.
A question for us consumers
Why are we debating about which alcohol is safer? We are just playing into the hands of the cosmetics manufacturers half truths. Why do this when there are truly alcohol free organic skincare products available.
Natural Skincare: Exfoliation as part of your Antiaging routine
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009What is exfoliation:
Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest outermost skin cells which are dead and in the process of flaking off. Exfoliation removes these cells evenly to allow for the newer skin cells to be revealed. While the skin naturally sheds skin cells, it can do so unevenly causing different problems for the skin and overall lack of luster and radiance. These dead skin cells can also interfere with the absorption of your facial treatments.
The skin cells that you see on the very surface were born approximately 30 days ago in the deeper dermal layer. They have been growing and working their way through the layers of the skin and becoming more keratin rich, thereby becoming more protective. The skin is continually shedding these cells …
Exfoliation as Part of Anti Aging Skin Care
As part of the natural aging process our cellular regeneration slows down and the shedding of dead skin cells tends to become uneven. This causes dullness and the appearance of dryness and wrinkles is more pronounced. These additional dead skin cells can also hinder the absorption of anti aging treatments to the deeper layers of the skin. Exfoliation helps to restore luminosity and luster as well as enhancing the penetration of anti aging treatments, making them far more effective.
Exfoliating Techniques and Products for Aging skin:
Exfoliating treatments come in a variety of strengths and range from over the counter products to professional services. Some off the shelf products that might exfoliate are: cleansers, masks, scrubs, peels. Professional treatments include facials, peels and microdermabrasion.
To scrub or not to scrub:
We are focusing mainly on facial skin and the question of whether to “scrub” is essential, because while the right type of exfoliation can benefit the health and beauty of your skin, the wrong product or technique can cause damage it and have unintended results. At Organic Apoteke we do not recommend any mechanical forms of exfoliation on the face unless performed by a professional (even then we suggest you proceed with caution).
Scrubbing the skin can cause minute tears, not visible to the eye which can do two things, cause dehydration and expose the skin to bacterial infection. It can also result in excessive thinning of the skin.
Organic Apoteke offers two products which exfoliate the skin in the correct way. Buttermilk Cleanser, an organic facial cleanser that uses lactic acid from organic buttermilk to remove and prevent the build-up of dead cells, making it the perfect initial step in anti aging skin care. And the Rejuvenating Face Mask a nourishing organic face mask, which provides an intensive weekly hydration which results in the removal of surface damaged cells , revealing healthy , radiant skin below
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Do you have any questions?
Natural Skincare: What is your face telling you?
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
READ YOUR FACE
Ancient Asian doctors knew that beauty problems were more than skin deep. Blemishes, discoloration, dry patches and hypopigmentation that show on your skin originate internally. The belief that beautiful skin begins with healthy blood and circulation is entrenched in Traditional Asian medicine. Hence traditionally trained Chinese and Indian doctors observe specific areas of the face to gauge internal health.
The following excerpt from “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” (an ancient Chinese medical text dating from 111CE) explains blemishes and flushing as signs of internal heat.
The symptom of the sickness of heat, when it is located in the liver, is that the left side of the jaw turns red. The symptom of the hot sickness when it is located in the heart is that the complexion (entire face) turns red. The symptom of the hot sickness when it is located in the spleen is that the nose first turns red. The symptom of hot sickness in the lungs is the right side of the jaw first turns red. The symptom of the hot sickness located in the kidneys is that the chin first turns red.
What the above text means by hot sickness is the excess of body heat. According to traditional Chinese medicine, some body heat or “internal fire” is essential to maintain a smooth flow of chi, essential for the functioning of various organs, including the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen.
But too much body heat can alter the chi, so that it harms these organs. Observing the skin closely enables Chinese practitioners to identify internal problems before they manifest as pathology.
The drawing above is a quick map to your internal organs*. Should you have blemishes, discoloration, redness or irritation on an area specific to an organ, follow our basic tips below to reduce internal heat. If symptoms persist please consult a qualified practitioner.
Add one of the following to your diet for at least one month.
Dandelion and honeysuckle flower tea – 1 cup every morning and evening
Burdock root supplements – follow the instructions on the bottle
Yellow dock supplements – follow the instructions on the bottle
Aloe vera juice – 1 glass per day or Aloe vera supplements – follow the instructions on the bottle
Reduce the following foods :
Tomatoes, pepper, cayenne, onion, garlic, ginger, chilli, sugar, pastries, oranges, pineapple, red meat, candy, honey, cinnamon, basil
*This is meant to be a quick guide and not a diagnostic tool.
Organic Skincare : Exfoliation Explained
Friday, November 20th, 2009What is exfoliation:
Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest outermost skin cells which are dead and in the process of flaking off. Exfoliation removes these cells evenly to allow for the newer skin cells to be revealed. While the skin naturally sheds skin cells, it can do so unevenly causing different problems for the skin and overall lack of luster and radiance. These dead skin cells can also interfere with the absorption of your facial treatments.
The skin cells that you see on the very surface were born approximately 30 days ago in the deeper dermal layer. They have been growing and working their way through the layers of the skin and becoming more keratin rich, thereby becoming more protective. The skin is continually shedding these cells …
Three types of exfoliation: mechanical, chemical and functional (don’t let those words scare you)
Chemical exfoliation involves apha or beta hydroxy acids, salicylic or glycolic acids which break down the keratin and thereby remove the top layer of skin cells. These treatments should ideally be carried out by a professional. Even then we recommend that you proceed with extreme caution as these acids may cause burns and extreme stripping of the skin.
Involves either a naturally-occuring mild acid or enzyme which loosens the substance binding the cells together. This allows them them to be gently removed. Examples of natural functional exfoliants include lactic acid (from dairy sources), and fruit enzymes from pineapples and papayas. Organic Apoteke products use functional exfoliants only as this is the safest method of exfoliation.
Exfoliating Techniques and Products:
Exfoliating treatments come in a variety of strengths and range from over the counter products to professional services.
Some off the shelf products that might exfoliate are: cleansers, masks, scrubs, peels. Professional treatments include facials, peels and microdermabrasion.
To scrub or not to scrub:
We are focusing mainly on facial skin and the question of whether to “scrub” is essential, because while the right type of exfoliation can benefit the health and beauty of your skin, the wrong product or technique can cause damage it and have unintended results. At Organic Apoteke we do not recommend any mechanical or chamical forms of exfoliation on the face unless performed by a professional (even then we suggest you proceed with caution).
Scrubbing the skin can cause minute tears, not visible to the eye which can do two things, cause dehydration and expose the skin to bacterial infection.
Argireline versus Natural Skincare
Friday, November 13th, 2009
Amino acids from potentized fruits and vegetables go into making Organic Apoteke's advanced Natural Peptide Complex.
Argireline
Argireline, is the trade name for the synthetically derived peptide called acetyl hexapeptide-3. The company selling acetyl hexapeptide-3 is Centerchem, an ingredient manufacture based in Spain and, according to their Web site, “Argireline works through a unique mechanism which relaxes facial tension leading to a reduction in superficial facial lines and wrinkles with regular use. Argireline has been shown to moderate excessive catecholamines release.”
These effects are not good news for your body. Catecholamines are compounds in the body that serve as neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, adrenaline, and dopamine.
• Epinephrine is a substance that prepares the body to handle emergencies such as cold, fatigue, and shock.
• A deficiency of dopamine in the brain is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Do you want a cosmetic to inhibit your body’s neurotransmittors? What if you accidentally apply too much?
The manufacturers of Argireline claim that it works by relaxing facial muscles. Clients have found that these effects last for only a few hours.
Why subject yourself to a risky, temporary wrinkle fix when there are proven, safe and long term wrinkle cures out there.
Organic Apoteke uses a Natural Peptide Complex that is shown to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles for the long term.
How does it work?
Peptides are made up of amino acids. Amino acids are made by your body and supplied by your diet. Our body then supplies these amino acids to various organs and tissues within the body to support healthy function and build tissue. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at supplying peptides to the skin, collagen begins to degenerate, causing wrinkles.
The Natural Peptide Complex found in Organic Apoteke’s rejuvenating range supplies the skin with peptides from potentized fruit and vegetable sources to rejuvenate collagen and erases wrinkles. Think of it as a supplement for your skin.
Are you looking for a risky, quick fix or a safe, lasting solution that erases wrinkles and supports healthy skin and overall well-being?
Get your highest dose of Natural Peptides from: Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum.
Other collagen boosting products include: Rejuvenating Face Cream, Rejuvenating Face Mask, and Rejuvenating Eye Cream.
Natural Skincare : 10 Tips to Prevent Wrinkles
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Amino acids from potentized fruits and vegetables go into making Organic Apoteke's advanced Natural Peptide Complex.
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Eat a well balanced diet that includes many and varied fruit and vegetable, preferably raw to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water every day. Drink even when you don’t feel thirsty – your body needs plenty of water.
- Obtain fatty acids from cold pressed vegetable oils. Avoid saturated and animal fats.
- Do not smoke and avoid alcohol and caffeine. All of these substances dry out the skin, making it more vulnerable to wrinkling. In addition the smoking habit means pursing ones lips hundreds of times each day. The creases that form when you inhale form a cigarette often develop into wrinkles at a comparatively early age.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed areas of skin, regardless of the season of the weather.
- Get regular exercise. Like other organs of the body, skin gets its nourishment form the blood. Exercise increases the circulation of the blood to the skin. Products that stimulate microcirculation also increase blood flow to skin cells.
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Avoid alcohol based products as these dehydrate the skin, making it more vulnerable to wrinkling. This is the reason I ensured that all Organic Apoteke products are alcohol free.
- Avoid using harsh soaps which dehydrate the skin. They rob your skin of essential moisture which causes wrinkles. Use a liquid cream soap not solid creams or soaps as these contain hardened saturated fats that can go rancid rapidly and then create free radicals which cause premature wrinkling. Use an organic facial cleanser which is moisturising and cleansing.
- Use on certified organic, anti-aging products and moisturisers that are able to penetrate into the dermal layer of the skin. It is in this layer that new cells are born. Ensuring the new skin cells are healthy is the only way to maintain younger looking skin.
- Use products high in natural peptide and amino acid complexes as these help rebuild collagen and elastin structures in the skin. Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum is an intense anti-aging serum that contains high percentages of natural amino acids and antioxidants.
Natural Skincare: Winter Skin Saviour – Natural, Organic Face Mask
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Rejuvenating Face Mask - Certified organic, anti-aging face mask infused with natural peptides
According to Ayurvedic philosophy our bodies undergo changes as the seasons change. Autumn is more likely to cause a vata imbalance and in winter kapha imbalances are more pronounced. Needless to say our diets, lifestyle and skincare routines need to change in order to counter these imbalances.
Increased vata causes skin and all mucus membranes (in fact any part of the body exposed to the environment) to feel drier, tighter, itchy. As we progress into winter these symptoms become more pronounced. This results in dry, itchy throats with hacking cough. The body, if not assisted sets up its own mechanism to counteract this dryness by increasing mucus production. This increased mucus may cause a post nasal drip, collect in the sinuses or lungs and if conditions persist may become infected.
If we listen to our bodies and at the first sign of autumn and start taking the relevant precautions, many of the winter ails may never prevail. In autumn we need to decrease the amounts of salads and uncooked food and favour nutritious vegetable soups and broths brimming with nutrients. Have more nuts and seeds, as the vital essential fats in them, help nourish from inside out. And use high quality and effective natural skincare products to nourish from the outside in.
The natural skincare product you should not be without over the winter months is a Natural Face Mask. An organic, intensive and rejuvenating face mask is best.
- Use one that is rich in nutritive oils and waxes such as Rosa damascena oil, coconut fat and shea butter.
- It should also have a natural, rich emollient like pure, organic honey.
- Choose a formulation that stimulates microcirculation, as circulation tends to become sluggish over the winter months.
- Masks that have natural peptide complexes also give you great anti aging benefits.
You only need to use masks once or twice per week depending on your skin type and how effective and nourishing the organic face mask is. Ensure that you are maintaining your skins natural beauty with a good natural, organic skincare regime daily.
Organic Skincare: Gwyneth Paltrow shares her beauty secrets
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Gwyneth shares her love affair with Organic Apoteke
Bella Mumma shares Gwyneth Paltrow’s beauty secrets!
Organic Eye Cream : Hydrating Dry Eyes
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Organic Apoteke's Rejuvenating Eye Cream hydrates and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes
Dry eyes occur when the ducts do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist, resulting in burning and irritation. This problem is more common in women than in men and women’s susceptibility increases after menopause.
Contact lens wearers are more prone to this and lack of Vitamin A predisposes one to it– this is more prevalent in those over 65.
There are drugs that are known to inhibit tear production or change the composition of tears, they include, antihistamines, decongestants, drugs used to control Parkinson’s disease and high blood pressure.
Here are some tips to prevent dry eyes:
- Drink at least 10 glasses of water a day.
- Take 1000mg of Primrose oil 2 or 3 times a day as this is a source of essential fatty acids.
- Take a vitamin A supplement – read instructions on the label. Or use an ointment containing vitamin A. Use and eye cream containing bilberry as this is a natural source of Vitamin A.
- If your tear ducts are swollen add more calcium to your diet and avoid processed foods.
- Artificial tears are safe and effective for keeping eyes moist. Choose a preservative free product.
- Use homeopathic eye drops containing Belladonna, Euphrasia, Apis mellifica and Sabadilla.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the dry air.
- Wear wraparound glasses on windy days.
- Avoid cigarette and other types of smoke.
- Limit your use of hairdryers.
- Use a natural, organic eyecream that is free of synthethic preservatives that can dry the eyes.