Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Natural Skin Care : Interview with Lauren Fornes

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Lauren Fornes

Lauren Fornes

Lauren Fornes is an esthetician and one of the most charming people we have met since bringing Organic Apoteke to the US in 2007. Lauren’s much loved blog Faceparlour is informative and smart, and is morphing into something new and exciting: The Skinny (a private sale site that offers luxury skin care at affordable prices).

We had a chat with Lauren as she gets ready to offer Organic Apoteke (from Nov 11th to the 18th).

What do you look for in a skin care products?
Right now I’m pregnant, so given that I look for a combination of safe and effective ingredients.

With winter coming up what type of product do you recommend?
Most people tend to have drier skin, so I recommend switching to more nourishing products. The easiest way to do this is usually with a cleanser. If you use a cleansing gel or a foaming cleanser, switch to a cleansing milk or cream. You could also consider switching to a richer moisturizer, if your skin feels tight immediately after application.

Are there any ingredients that you look for in your fall and winter skin care products?
In the fall and winter I like to feel cozy, so I am drawn to scents that are cozy like rose, and chamomile and mint. I find those charming in the winter.

Your first experience with Organic Apoteke was with our Buttermilk Cleanser, which you gave a very high score (the highest ever, I believe) what do you look for in a cleanser?
At the time I was rating products based on three criteria: safety, efficacy and sustainability. This product scored remarkably high in all three categories. Additionally, on the marketing side, it didn’t over-sell or over-promise, which is a common tendency is skin care.

Why did you give it (Buttermilk Cleanser) such a high rating?
It is not hard to create an effective cleanser. But many of the cleaning agents (surfactants and the like) are the same ingredients you use to clean your car or your dishes. Your skin is more sensitive. The ingredients may get absorbed into your bloodstream. It’s important to maintain the effectiveness but without the harshness. Your Buttermilk Cleanser was light and creamy, a very good natural, holistic alternative.

Is there any other Organic Apoteke product that just can’t live without?
I love the Sicilian Orange and Mandarin Body Cleanse Gel and Body Hydrate oil. They both live in my shower.

You’re pregnant, congratulations! How has this affected your approach to personal care products?
The moment I found out I was pregnant I cried with joy and panicked a little…it was one thing to expose myself toxic ingredients, but I couldn’t do that to this tiny person inside me. I went through the bathroom cabinet and got rid of all the junk, then headed to a local organic home store and bought all the safe and effective alternatives.

You recently started The Skinny.  What is it and how does it work?
You (and possibly your readers) are familiar with the sample sale craze (Gilt Groupe, Hautelook, etc). We’re similar, except we’re focused exclusively on luxury skin care at affordable prices (up to 70% off retail). You can join at www.shoptheskinny.com. As a member, you receive weekly emails announcing a new brand shopping event. This week we’re featuring Organic Apoteke, so I’m sure your readers will be excited!

How is going?
It is going really well. We’ve been written up by Daily Candy, Cooking Light Magazine. Plus, we’re getting amazing feedback from our members – that is the most encouraging part.

Organic Apoteke offers a full range of natural and organic facial skincare including organic facial cleansers and organic eye cream.

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Posted in Facial Skin Care, Herbal Skin Care, Natural Beauty Tips, Natural Skin Care, Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

How Does Herbal Skin Care Work?

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Herbs work by stimulating or regulating functions of the body that may not be working effectively. One example is senna which stimulates the bowel to treat underactive gastric function or constipation. Some remedies help to calm down overactive functioning such as chamomile which has a relaxing and calming action on the nervous system. Using herbs in natural skincare works on the same philosophy.

Herbs are used to stimulate, regulate or calm down the skin.

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Posted in Herbal Skin Care, Natural Skin Care, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Natural Skin Care: Alcohol Free Products

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There are many questions and much uncertainty regarding alcohol in skincare. I am going to try and answer as many of these questions as possible over the next few weeks, however please feel free to comment and ask more questions. Shall we make it our aim to get to the bottom of the alcohol question??

What is an alcohol?

An alcohol is a compound where a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bound to a carbon atom or carbohydrate like sugar. The hydroxyl group makes the alcohol more polar. That means it gives the alcohol an electric charge.  This hydroxyl group also enables alcohol to easily attract water.

Why alcohol is harmful to the skin?

Alcohol draws water out of skin cells. Image from Organic Apoteke

Alcohols in skincare products draws water out from skin cells. Hence alcohol dehydrates skin cells. These cells which are normally plump due to being filled with water (almost 80 % of the cell is water) are tightly packed together to form a protective barrier. The skin is an organic which has many functions of which the following two are the most vital:

  1. Preventing moisture loss from the body and also preventing too much of water from entering the body, like when we take a shower. Can you imagine what would happen if we absorbed all that water?
  2. Preventing bacteria and environmental toxins from entering the body.

However when the alcohol draws out water from the skin cells they shrink, think of a grape that is dried to become a raisin. When the cells shrink spaces around the cells gets larger. Environmental toxins and bacterial that normally will not be able to enter the skin can do so now due to the spaces being larger.

Close up of Dehydrated cells, showing the spaces between the cells that enable toxins to enter. Picture from Organic Apoteke

Recent studies suggest that a large number of people with chemical sensitivities are actually allergic to alcohol. Furthermore alcohol in compromising the skins integrity, exposes the deeper layers of the skin to environmental toxins, that may otherwise be unable to penetrate into the skin. Hence alcohol is also a sensitising agent.

Alcohol also stimulates melanocytes which can result in hyper pigmentation of the skin and increased age spots.

All alcohols, organic grain, alcohol denat as well as fatty alcohols such as cetyl, ceteryl, stearyl, benlzyl and phenoxyethanol have the hydroxyl group and have the ability to dehydrate the skin. Obviously the larger amount of alcohol in the product, the more dehydrating the product.

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Posted in 100% Organic, Dry Skin, Uncategorized, alcohol free, anti-aging | 12 Comments »

Organic Eye Cream: Preventing Eyestrain

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Eyestrain causes a dull aching sensation around and behind the eyes that can expand into a generalised headache. It may feel painful or difficult to focus the eyes. Eyestrain is commonly the result of overuse of the eyes or wearing improper lenses (wearing the wrong strength or improperly made glasses).

Tips for preventing eye strain:

Take a vitamin A supplement – read instructions on the label.

Take a Vitamin B complex supplement containing at least 100mg of each B vitamin. Use as directed on label.

Take eyebright in capsule or tea form or use a good natural eye cream containing eyebright.

If you have pain, lie down, close your eyes and place a cold compress on your eyes. Relax for 10 minutes changing the compress as required. The cold shrinks the swollen blood vessels and alleviates discomfort.

Take measures to avoid eyestrain. Vary your tasks so your eyes change focusing distances often. When doing close focus work for long periods take regular breaks where you just shut your eyes. Every 20 minutes or so look away from your work and focus on something else for a minute or two.

If you work with computers for long periods of time, take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour. Focus on distant objects as often s possible. Position the computer monitor to reduce glare from all light sources. Use a glare reduction filter.

Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue promotes eyestrain.

If pain is severe and comes on suddenly and especially if vision is disturbed or the pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting seek professional help at once. This may be a sign of an acute glaucoma attack.

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Posted in Organic Anti Aging Eye Care, Organic Eye Cream, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

Natural Skincare: What is your face telling you?

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
READ YOUR FACE

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.

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Posted in Natural Beauty Tips, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000 | Synthetic versus natural peptides

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Matrixyl (Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3) was the first synthetic peptide type developed by the corporations Sederma SA and L’Oreal and patented in the USA by Proctor & Gamble. Lately, it has generated a lot of media buzz and is found in a variety of skin care formulas on the market. Sederma SA claims that Matrixyl is at least as effective against wrinkles as retinol (synthetic Vitamin A) but does not cause skin irritation, which is a common side-effect of retinoids.

Matrixyl 3000: This is a more recent peptide raw material marketed by Sederma. It is also a synthetic pentapeptide (Palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) which is said to act as cell messengers able to regulate the sequence of events required for skin repair (wound healing). Both Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000 are claimed to work in this way.

So, is there any science behind the hype? Chemically speaking, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 (Pal-KTTKS) is a relatively small synthetic molecule. It consists of five amino acids linked together and attached to a fatty acid to enhance oil solubility for the sake of better skin penetration. It is structurally related to the precursor of collagen. Researchers found that when added to a culture of skin cells in a test tube, both Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000 stimulated the synthesis of the key constituents of the skin matrix: collagen, elastin and glucosamnoglycans. How exactly they do this, remains unclear, although a number of theories exist.

Have they tested what happens to this synthetic peptide when it is metabolised within the body? Does it breakdown into its individual chemical components creating a toxic dump in the blood?

What are the long term effects?

Can synthetic chemical messengers that are put into the body stimulate tumor growth? Are we certain they don’t cause skin cancer?

Can the suppliers of the products containing Matrixyl and Matrixyl give us any answers? They have’nt as yet.

For centuries we have been eating fruit and vegetable high in amino acid and protein content. We understand how the amino acids from these natural sources are metabolised and excreted by the body. We know they are safe to use. Companies like Organic Apoteke have harvested this knowledge to create natural and organic amino acid and peptide complexes. Clinical and consumer studies show the efficacy of these natural, organic peptides which are similar if not greater than their synthetic alternatives. They too are shown to increase wound healing and decrease the depth and formation of wrinkles. And their safety profile is known.

Organic Apoteke is an organic skincare range. The Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum, Rejuvenating Face Cream, Rejuvenating Face Mask and Rejuvenating Eye Cream all utilise the natural amino acid and peptide complex that stimulates collagen synthesis.

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Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments »

Organic Face Mask: Megs Makeup Reviews our Rejuvenating Face Mask

Monday, November 9th, 2009

megs makeup logo

Megs Makeup reviews Organic Apoteke's Rejuvenating Face Mask

In winter you need a great hydrating, anti aging, organic face mask more than any other product, save a fantastic organic face cream. Our Rejuvenating Face Mask has help many eco divas get that glamorous glow. Its great to see that Megs entourage feels the same way. Check out their review and comments here.

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Anti Aging Benefits of an Organic Facial Cleanser

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Damask Rose provides antiaging benefits to your skin.

Damask Rose provides antiaging benefits to your skin.

The anti aging benefits of a good facial cleanser are often overlooked.  Finding the right organic facial cleanser can be key to achieving the best antiaging skin care results.  The following advice may help …

What to look for in an organic facial cleanser:

• Gentle exfoliation (preferable from enzymes or lactic acid)

• Antioxidants: repair free radical damage at every stage of your anti aging routine

• High percentage of organic ingredients: free radicals are everywhere – don’t let your skin care product speed up the aging process

What to avoid in an antiaging cleanser:

• Alcohol: leads to increased age spots

• Harsh cleansers like sodium laurel sulfate: they dry out skin that is already prone to loosing moisture

• Petrochemicals: they speed up the aging process

Organic Apoteke’s Buttermilk Cleanser is an ideal cleanser for your anti aging regime:

  • It supplies antioxidants
  • It gently exfoliates with milk acids
  • Fades age spots
  • Smooths fine lines
  • Provides protection against moisture loss
  • Nourishes
  • Prepares the skin for maximum absorption of an anti wrinkle cream
  • Improves circulation (for younger looking skin)

Organic Apoteke offer a range of organic anti aging skincare including an effective organic facial cleanser and anti wrinkle cream.

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Posted in Facial Skin Care, Uncategorized, Wrinkle Reduction, anti-aging | No Comments »

Organic Eye Cream: Eyebright – Euphrasia officinalis

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Eyebright - Euphrasia officinalis

Eyebright - Euphrasia officinalis found in Organic Apotekes' Rejuvenating Eye Cream

The botanical name Euphrasia comes from the Greek word euphrosyne, meaning gladness. This is also the word for the linnet, the story is that this bird was the first creature to discover the benefit of this herb in eye problems and gave this knowledge to humans. It has been used for eye diseases since the fourteenth century. Eyebright is a flowering herb and the part used in eye preparations is the leaf and stem.
This is the most useful remedy for soothing irritated, red or tired eyes. It does not get rid of infections but the other problems such as irritation due to smoke, air pollution or pollen should respond well. The main action is the anti-inflammatory and astringent effects over the surface of the eye.
As the skin of the eyelids are very thin, using an eye cream containing Euphrasia helps keep eyes, bright, clear and sparkling. Who can resist this?

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Posted in 100% Organic, Natural Beauty Tips, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Organic Eye Cream: Bilberry – Vaccinium myrtillus

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are known by a very wide range of local names which include blaeberry, whortleberry, whinberry, myrtle blueberry and fraughan. The fruit is smaller than that of the blueberry and similar in taste. Bilberries are darker in color, and usually appear near black with a slight shade of blue.

Bilberries are extremely difficult to grow and are thus seldom cultivated. Fruits are mostly collected from wild plants growing on publicly accessible lands, notably Finland , Sweden , Norway, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, parts of England and northern parts of Russia.

As a deep blue fruit, bilberries contain high levels of anthocyanin pigments, which have been linked experimentally to lowered risk for several diseases, such as those of the heart and cardiovascular system, eyes and cancer (1,2,3).
Bilberries are mentioned in a popular story of World War II RAF pilots who consumed bilberry jam to sharpen vision for night missions. It is believed that by stimulating visual purple, bilberry improves vision, especially night vision.

Laboratory studies have provided evidence that bilberry consumption may inhibit or even reverse eye disorders such as macular degeneration (4).

Also known to be anti-inflammatory, have the ability to strengthen blood vessels, act as a vein tonic and contain Vitamin A. Bilberries’ is the perfect ingredient in an eye cream. Strengthening blood vessels and toning veins helps reduce dark circles and puffiness. Anti-inflammatory action helps reduce redness of the eyes and Vitamin A helps the skin cells stay healthy. Because of the thin skin of the eyelid, applying an eye cream containing bilberry to this area ensures it is easily absorbed and effective.

1. ^ Bell DR, Gochenaur K (April 2006). “Direct vasoactive and vasoprotective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts”. Journal of Applied Physiology 100 (4): 1164–70. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00626.2005. PMID 16339348.
2. ^ Chung HK, Choi SM, Ahn BO, Kwak HH, Kim JH, Kim WB (2005). “Efficacy of troxerutin on streptozotocin-induced rat model in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy”. Arzneimittel-Forschung 55 (10): 573–80. PMID 16294503.
3. ^ Roy S, Khanna S, Alessio HM, et al. (September 2002). “Anti-angiogenic property of edible berries”. Free Radical Research 36 (9): 1023–31. PMID 12448828.
4. ^ Fursova AZh, Gesarevich OG, Gonchar AM, Trofimova NA, Kolosova NG (2005). “[Dietary supplementation with bilberry extract prevents macular degeneration and cataracts in senesce-accelerated OXYS rats]” (in Russian). Advances in Gerontology 16: 76–9. PMID 16075680.
5. ^ Zafra-Stone S, Yasmin T, Bagchi M, Chatterjee A, Vinson JA, Bagchi D (June 2007). “Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention”. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 51 (6): 675–83. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700002. PMID 17533652.

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Posted in 100% Organic, Natural Beauty Tips, Organic Apoteke Product Information, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »