Twenty8 Blog

Questionable Ingredients In Skincare

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:51:00 GMT

It is always hard to know what is truth and what is ok to use on our skin. Here’s a little information to help you pave your way through the highly unregulated beauty industry that you might find a little helpful! The following is a list of ingredients that have come under question in the last few years explaining what they are and how they are used. From being carcinogenic, DNA damaging, hormone disrupting or known irritants, many of these ingredients are under further investigation in various countries. It may be interesting to check your beauty and personal care products and see how many of them contain the following.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (or Laureth)
This has its origins in natural sources. It is produced by the sulphation of commonly available lauryl alcohol, which comes from coconut oil. You will often see on the label ‘coconut derived’, and this can be a bit misleading as it sounds very natural, when it fact it goes through a lot of chemical processes to become the final product. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate may damage the outer layers of the skin, causing dermatitis, dryness and blackheads. It may also enhance the absorption of other chemicals. It should only be used in cosmetics that are quickly rinsed off the skin. It is widely used in shampoos, bubble baths, face and body cleansers, toothpaste and most household detergents. The US National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies it as a skin and eye irritant. In fact, when dermatologists want to test the calming effect of an ingredient, they use Sodium Laureth Sulphate as the irritant!

Petrolatum Products (Mineral Oils, Petroleum Jelly)
These are semi-solid hydrocarbons that have been purified. Insoluble in water, they leave a barrier on the surface of the skin. Some compare it to plastic wrap in the way it seals the skin impairing normal skin breathing, therefore not allowing healthy skin function. Used in skin care, lipsticks and baby products, they give a product its smooth emollient texture.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Used as a solvent, this is a denatured alcohol (made undrinkable by adding certain chemicals). Prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum, it is poisonous if ingested or inhaled in large doses. Apart from aiding in the composition of the product, it can be known to create sensitivities and its safety in humans has been questioned. Used in cosmetics, hair colours, body lotions, and also in anti-freeze solutions.

NB: There are different types of alcohol used in the cosmetics industry. Some are beneficial and hydrating to the skin, others are detrimental to the skin. Cetearyl Alcohol is an emulsifying wax, a mixture of fatty alcohols cetyl and stearyl, and helps emulsify and hold hydration in the product. While alcohols like isopropyl, ethanol or methanol have a drying effect on the skin, they are often denatured alcohols which means they have chemicals added to them to make them unfit for ingesting orally. So when you see the word alcohol, investigate further!

Paraben Preservatives
Commonly used as a preservative in a lot of cosmetic ranges. They preserve a product for many years, allowing good shelf-life in the shop. There is controversy over how much our body absorbs these preservatives and whether they continue to function in your body, settling in major organs. A recent study with Flow Cytometry showed parabens could produce extreme oxidative stress and DNA damage inside the cell.

Propylene Glycol
Used as a moisture-carrying agent and solvent. There has been a question about its safety since the early 90s, with companies switching to Butylene and Prolyethylene Glycol as alternatives (these are in themselves questionable). It is used a lot in makeup, deodorants, baby products, lipsticks and suntan lotions. The NTP classify it as a skin and eye irritant.

Diethanolamine (DEA) & Tiethanolamine (TEA)
DEA is used as a solvent, detergent and emulsifying agent. Studies show it can be irritating to the skin and mucus membranes. It is under question due to the possible link between DEA use and cancer in laboratory animals. TEA is a dispersing agent and detergent. It can irritate the skin and is recommended for use in rinse-off products only, due to the question about its safety.

Artificial Colours
All artificial colours may be detrimental to your health. Avoid products which list ‘pigment’ or ‘dye’ on the label, and look for natural colours instead. Artificial colours are used a lot in children’s personal care products.

Imadazolidinyl Urea
Another commonly used preservative, which may cause irritation and dermatitis. It can also form formaldehyde in the cells. Used in baby products, hair products, skin care and makeup.

Aluminum
Used in many different forms in personal care products, especially deodorants. It is used to help preserve products and as an antiperspirant by blocking the sweat ducts (not to be used on any broken skin). There is a question as to how much our body absorbs this ingredient, particularly when applying it directly to lymph nodes under the arm. Its safety in long-term use is being questioned, and Flow Cytometry has shown it to be detrimental.

Animal Products
Manufacturers avoid writing ‘animal’ on ingredients lists. Animal products are also known as Collagen Amino Acids, Elastin Amino Acids or Epiderm oil R. These ingredients are made from the tissue, cartillage, bone and connective tissue of animals, usually cow, pig and sheep.

Amines
Organic compounds derived from ammonia. The FDA queries the safety of these ingredients, due to reports from studies done by the American Cancer Society and the ‘Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-food Products’. Mainly used in hair dyes.

AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
These were developed as a follow-on from the ‘chemical peels’ used by plastic surgeons, but are now used in much milder concentrations. They are derived from many different acids: fruit, sugar glycolic etc. It is claimed that they help eliminate the signs of aging (wrinkling, pigmentation and dryness) by peeling off the outer layers of skin. They are under question due to their ability to penetrate the skin’s layers causing irritation, and the fact that they may aid absorption of other chemicals. They can also make the skin sun-sensitive, accelerating sun damage.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycol)
These are synthetic polymers, used with many different base ingredients to create binders, emulsifiers and humectants. There are more natural and safer alternatives to use.

And finally a tip on babies skin...
Babies have pure delicate skin. A young baby may need no products at all, especially baby soaps and creams. If you do want to use products on baby skin then preserve and protect it with natural plant-based products. Avoid the questionable ingredients mentioned here. Some baby products on the market are very questionable: Baby oil usually contains a mix of mineral oils and petroleum products. It can also contain an antioxidant called chlorobutanol. This ingredient is a central nervous system depressant and has in the past been used medically as a hypnotic!

The key point here is CHECK your ingredients and become consumer savvy!

The Top 10 Beauty Changes You Can Make For Spring

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:48:00 GMT

With warmer and sunnier days on their way often Spring is the perfect time to get in touch with your skin and prepare it for the summer glow. Just as we spring clean the home at this time of year so too can we spring clean the beauty regime!

We at Twenty8 are all about making your life easier. By using high quality products that have no nasty chemicals with natural ingredients that enhance your skin and quick, fun, effective beauty rituals that don’t take up a lot of time, you are well on your way to healthy vibrant and glowing skin. It just takes a little planning and commitment! Here are our top 10 Spring Beauty Changes you can make right now!

Look At Your Skin
Skincare is not hard. Take a good look at your skin. Is it dry, is it flaky, does it need some nourishment? Is it oily or is it having the occasional break out? Actually take some time to look closely in the mirror so you can then make an informed decision about what it really needs and work out which skincare rituals will be best for you. And if you are unsure then ask a skincare expert for advice. Send us an email explaining your skincare needs and we will certainly do our best to help you.

Exfoliate
This is a ritual that should be done regularly throughout the year, however this is the time when we notice our skin is more dry, mainly due to air conditioning and heating, having our skin covered up and a lack of attention. One of our favourite exfoliants is the humble face washer which works perfectly with the Ultimate Cleanser. Just by removing your gentle clay cleanser with a face washer and warm water you are softening and exfoliating the skin at the same time. A favourite for the body is dry body brushing. Just before you hop in the shower, take a natural bristle body brush (try saying that fast!) and use quick, small circling motions over the whole body you can help decrease dry skin and flakiness.

Apply Moisturisers and Body Oils to Damp Skin
Moisturising your skin whilst it is damp is the secret to why Twenty8 skincare is so effective. Apply your moisturiser and body boost oils to still damp skin immediately after your Toner Concentrate or showering or bathing.This seals in moisture, acts as a barrier to drying envrionmental conditions such as heat and air conditioning and makes your products go further.

Clean Out Your Beauty & Makeup Products
Detox your beauty bag or drawer! Get organised. Throw out any grotty looking products or items that are well past their used by date. Clean your beauty brushes and sponges using warm soapy water and Tea Tree oil. Let them dry naturally in direct sunlight.

Nourish Your Lips
Lips have a much thinner, drier skin than the rest of the body. They have no oily secretions of their own. Dry, cracked or sore lips can be painful. They need the added lubrication of nourishing creams and waxy balms and applying these regularly can preserve the fine, delicate tissue. Eespecially up the ante during the Spring months. The Twenty8 Eye & Lip Cream can be applied 6, 7 or 8 times a day! This in itself is a fantastic ritual for the lips as the exquisite ingredients particularly Cistus Rock Rose helps tone and nourish dry and chapped lips. We can let you in on a little secret... we are proud to say we will be releasing our very own Coconut Lip Balm in the next month or two so stay tuned. This is a wonder product we are very excited about!

Put Your Mask On
Now is the time to truly give your skin a wee treat. A little indulging and pampering never goes astray. Masks are the perfect way to deeply cleanse, exfoliatate and draw impurities from the skin. There’s something psychological about a mask too. Often when we take the time to actually do one we feel like we are really giving ourselves a real treat and taking care of ourselves in a more luxurious way. And everyone deserves that!

Do Aromatic Hair Treatments
Our hair can often be a bit dull after the winter months too. Dry hair, a flaky scalp or split ends are all part and parcel of hair in need of a little loving! Use a good quality natural shampoo and conditioner, maybe even indulge in a little hair care mask! One of the nicest things you can do is an aromatic Hair Rinse. Before you hop in the shower or bath to wash your hair, simply fill a 100ml glass bottle with warm water. Add 4 drops total of your favourite essential oils or synergy blend then shake the bottle well. Just before you hop out of the shower and after you have washed and conditioned your hair, turn the tap off, squeeze the excess water out of your hair, take your bottle and shake a couple of times, then tilt your head back and allow the aromatic rinse to pour through your hair. By the way pure coconut oil makes an excellent de-frizzer, apply a small amount when styling, this makes a great alternative to the chemical versions out there and is a great scalp treatment too.

Protect Your Skin From Excess Sun
Don’t underestimate how good the sun is for you. Like anything when it is in excess is when it causes a problem. Chosing a sunscreen can be confusing. We know than an excess of UV radiation accelerates the aging of the skin, yet constant use of sunscreens which contain chemicals is also not supporting your skin to optimum health. Its simple. Don’t expose your skin to the intense rays (10am–2pm) for prolonged periods of time and wear a hat. We recommend using sunscreens that use physical barriers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, blended with natural plant ingredients like shea butter, carrot seed oil, wild pansy extract and calendula, which in themselves can offer natural sun filters. Make sure you are including good antioxidants in your diet as they will also help the skin mop up the free radicals caused by UV rays.

Nourish & Moisturise Your Skin
It doesn’t matter how much oil your skin produces its fair to say everyone needs a good moisturiser and or serum. Spring may be the time you switch to a different moisturiser. If you have been using a heavier nourishing moisturiser during winter try a lighter balancing one now. Either way moisturising morning and night is essential to good skincare and good preparation in Spring will certainly help your skin glow in the summer months.

Use Your Spritzer Toner
Most Toners on the market are more like an astringent, they are designed to help remove excess cleanser or makeup. The Twenty8 Toner is actually designed the other way around, to be part of the moisturising process not the cleansing one. With highly nourishing essential oils making up the Toner Concentrate you can make toning part of your everyday routine either with a Spritzer or as a compress. This is one of the most amazing parts of your skincare ritual that will have your skin glowing and nourished in no time.

Helpful Skin Remedies For The Top 5 Most Common Problems

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 20:07:00 GMT

Apart from helping in your daily skin care, natural ingredients can also help in healing specific skin problems you may have. Here is a list of helpful remedies and wholistic care for the whole family for the top 5 most common skin problems.

Acne

More than just a spot or blemish, acne is an inflammatory condition often brought about by a sensitivity to androgen (male) hormones in the body. In mild cases blackheads and blemishes are present and in more severe cases you find inflamed pustules and cysts. Acne sufferers often carry a higher bacterial content on their skin and experts suggest that it could be this bacteria and its reaction on sebum (oil) levels in the skin that are affected when you are under stress, as stress seems to be a contributing factor.

Holistic Help:

Looking at the overall picture is helpful. The skin needs healing and strengthening.

Over-cleansing the skin is a common mistake and leads to more oil production and surface dryness (dehydration).

Choose natural plant-based products for optimum healing. Use a gentle milky cleanser or gel, and do not use abrasive scrubs on the skin, soft absorbing clays and gentle peels are more beneficial.

Let your skin breathe, fresh air and a little sunlight have immune stimulating properties.

Apply healing oils such as Tea Tree or Manuka, Lavender, Myrrh, Camomile and Calendula. Mixed in a base of jojoba and rosehip carrier oils they encourage healing and have an anti-bacterial effect on the skin. Even oily skin needs oil. Often people are nervous to apply oil to an oily skin. Plant and essential oils are strongly anti-bacterial and promote new cell growth. This does not interfere with your own oil flow, as these oils are non-comedogenic, which means they do not congest or block pores. Instead they promote a balance in your own oil production while healing your skin.
Remember, skin grows from the inside out. Support your skin by supplying it with nutrients to strengthen and heal: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink good water to support your elimination system. Vitamin and minerals of particular benefit to the skin are Vitamin A (betacarotene), Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc.

Avoid processed foods and excess sugars – these do not support your healing system.

Deal with the stress in your life. Support yourself with natural remedies such as aromatherapy, homeopathy and massage. Physical and mental stress go hand in hand.

Dry and Flaky Skin

There are two types of dryness: oil dryness and water dryness or (dehydration). A healthy skin will have a good balance of both, so it is definitely an inside-outside job.

Holistic Help:

Flooding the skin with essential fatty acids is the key. Flaxseed oil is a good way to supplement your diet with the essential fatty acids your skin needs. About one tablespoon a day will provide your body with the right amount of Omega fats needed to promote healthy cell production. On the outside, pure rosehip oil will do the same. Studies are showing rose hip oil to be highly beneficial in repairing skin tissue. Use it under a good plant-based moisturiser during the day, and on its own at night.
Protect your skin from dehydrating environments such as air-conditioning and heating by regularly spritzing your face with the Twenty8 Spritzer Toner. This is a wonder treatment you can apply throughout the whole day.

Eczema/Dermatitis/Psoriasis

Eczema and dermatitis are symptomised by dry, irritated and sometimes inflamed skin. Often those who suffer from eczema also suffer other allergies. Common breakout areas are in the creases of elbows, behind the knees, wrists, and around the nose and mouth. Eczema can also be triggered by contact with certain irritants such as jewelry or perfumes. Psoriasis seems to be more genetic, and is characterised by patches of raised scaly skin, often pink and flaky. The cells overproduce and build up. This condition is often triggered by stress and damp conditions.

The common drug prescribed for these conditions is hydrocortisone, but this only relieves symptoms temporarily and in the long term can leave the skin thin and weak.

Holistic Help:

Top up your essential fatty acid internally as mentioned under dry flaky skin. These help reduce inflammation and moisturise the cells from the inside. Stick to natural plant-based products, Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood, oatmeal, rosehip oil and calendula oil are all helpful in these conditions.
Seek help from natural therapies, for example homeopathy, naturopathy or Chinese medicine and address any stress in your life, making sure you are including good sources of Vitamin B in your diet.

Broken Capillaries

These are tiny red lines of capillaries that lie just beneath the surface of the skin, and are visible predominantly over the cheek and nose areas. Quite often they are not actually broken but rather dilated, as the walls of the capillaries are very fragile. People with fair and delicate skin are more prone, as is skin that has become thin through medication. Protection and strengthening are needed.

Holistic Help:

Internally boost up your Vitamin C levels, as Vitamin C (bioflavonoids) strengthens capillary walls.
You could supplement your diet with a good antioxidant or simply eat more raw foods that are known to be high in vitamins A, C and E as these all help to prevent further damage by free radicals.
Never put your face under the shower; the pressure of the jets and heat of the water overdilate these fragile capillaries.
Avoid over-stimulation: hot spices, alcohol, coffee or extreme hot and cold water on your skin.
Use essential oils to strengthen, such as Neroli, Cypress, and Chamomile in a base of rosehip oil. Rosehip oil is rich in carotene and bioflavonoids, perfect to strengthen and heal.
Protect your skin from the elements with a good plant-based moisturiser, and natural sunscreen.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex)

Cold sores are caused by a common virus, which produces a painful blister, which then turns into a sore, commonly on the lips or around the mouth. An outbreak is usually triggered by stress, sunburn and being run-down. The key to healing is to take good care of yourself and strengthen your immune system. This also helps prevention, and prevention is always better than cure.

Holistic Help:

Increasing your Vitamin B levels is imperative to help your body deal with stress. If you wish to supplement, make sure you take a full B complex and buy the freshest (the one with the longest expiry date). We personally love the Green Food we get from our good friend and nutritionist Cyndi O'Meara.
Increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables and wholegrain foods also provides you with good Vitamin B sources and taking acidophilus yogurt helps you to create the beneficial bacteria needed in your gut to synthesise the Vitamin B.
Taking a good antioxidant as mentioned above also helps keep the body more resistant to infection, and taking L-Lysine has shown to combat a breakout effectively.
Essential oils of Lavender, Tea Tree, Manuka and Myrrh promote anti-bacterial and antiviral relief – dab one drop of any of the mentioned oils neat onto the blister.
Cold sores are highly contagious, so extra care should be taken around children and loved ones, in order to avoid contact with the blister.

Scarring and Stretchmarks

Given the right conditions your skin has an amazing ability to regenerate itself. After a cut or tear in the skin, the new tissue that forms can leave you with pigmentation or altered skin texture. With patience and good treatment, this can be minimised and in some cases completely corrected. You need to provide the skin with optimum nutrition to rejuvenate itself.

Holistic Help:

A good plant-based skin care is essential.

Essential fatty acids are another necessity, internally as mentioned under dry flaky skin and externally with organic rosehip oil.
Our favourite skin repair blend is:

10ml organic rosehip oil and 4 ml calendula oil, blend into it the following pure essential oils:

2 drops Myrrh, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Frankincense

Massage into the scar tissue twice a day. Allow at least four weeks to notice an improvement, then another few months to complete the healing process.

The Twenty8 Face Lift Serum is also a fantastic treatment for small scars. It is rich and highly potent in antioxidants and essential oils that heal and repair.

Please note: If you are at all concerned with any skin condition then please ensure you seek medical and or wholistic help as soon as possible.

The Power Of Touch

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:00:00 GMT

As the stresses and strains of the modern lifestyle take their toll, we become more and more aware of the healing power of human touch. Human beings love to be touched. We crave - relish it! Sadly the art of touching is used less frequently these days, and it is often associated with negative behaviour and sexual issues or seen as a true indulgence that only few can afford. It doesn’t have to mean any of these things. Touch is both subtle and powerful if treated with respect.

Even though many complimentary therapies out there include the power of touch, you may not always have the time or money to visit one. While many advocates of these therapies feel they are a huge investment in your health and insist you make the time and find the money, it may not always be possible. Find a friend, partner or family member who is keen to give and receive hands-on treatment. Many secondary schools or universities also offer community education classes for things like massage, aromatherapy and shiatsu.

When you place your hands onto someone you love or care abut, an energy transformation takes place between the two of you. It is a unique way of communicating without words. By touching and hugging, we are letting those around us know that we like them, or that we feel for them, or that we believe in their worth.

The daily body boost we all perform is a great way to kick-start your day. It takes only a few minutes to give yourself a top-to-toe treatment. We also use it as a time to acknowledge how great our bodies are - to give thanks for all the body endures and to honour it for being so available and responsive to our demands.

Our children also love to be touched. Often after a bath they will ask for a massage from mummy. What a gift! This truly helps to form deep bonds and to establish a warm, positive parent-child relationship. As women we are probably more likely to use our hands and touch another human being, but that doesn’t mean men don’t like it, or want to do it! Husbands or partners also love to be touched and there is nothing nicer than the hands of your partner to say I love you, I am here for you.

When a girlfriend or family member visits, it is so lovely to be able to share a hand massage or neck and shoulder rub. It makes those ‘girl talk’ times even more of a bonding session.

I truly believe the power of touch is underestimated, especially when we incorporate essential oils and the sense of smell as well. In every workshop we run we encourage a hands-on component. There is a real sense of connecting when we do a neck and shoulder massage on each other. Touch is a very powerful form of communication.

If you are unable to get to a therapist who incorporates hands-on treatments regularly, then we recommend – insist - you start with the daily body boost on yourself. Check out our blog on how to do the Daily Body Boost here! Offer a friend, flatmate, partner or child a massage. You do not have to be a qualified practitioner to know how to care for someone. Trust your instincts and follow the contours of the body, apply pressure and ask for feedback. Try not to tickle or go too deep, especially over bony prominences. Ask to swap turns. Remember it is just as important to receive as it is to give.

Above all, a good massage is one in which the recipient feels totally nurtured and cared for. That goes for the one you give to yourself as well!

Cell Communication for Healthy Skin

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:00:00 GMT

There are trillions of cells in the human body, in fact it is cells diversified into skin cells, liver cells, hair cells and others, that make up the human body. If the cells are healthy then the body is healthy and the skin will glow. Cancer is simply unhealthy cells with no control. So how do you make healthy cells that work properly and are in control?

Firstly you supply them with the right ingredients. It is a bit like building a house: Use top quality building products and you build a superior home, use inferior building products, like straw instead of bricks as in the ‘Three Little Pigs’, and the house will blow down in the slightest wind. The same principle applies to the cells of the body: Give them the best and they will perform the best. Give them inferior foods or technology foods and the results for the skin cells are less then perfect - pimples, dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, blemishes, melanomas and so on.

Like us, cells must communicate with each other, and this is done by the membrane and the attachments to the membrane which are sugar and protein molecules. Sugars coat each and every cell in the body. They are now known to be the actual communicators between cells. (It was previously through that proteins were the communicators.) These cellular communication systems are known scientifically as ‘multicellular intelligence’ which determines what nutrients and substances are needed for the health and well-being of that particular cell and its function. In other words without these communicators there can be no organized life.

If cells do not have the right sugars, they are unable to send the right message about their needs. One of the important roles of that communication is healing and recovery and essential sugars play important roles in these processes.

The western diet supplies copious amounts of glucose but fails to supply the other essential sugars in sufficient amounts. Let’s take a step back; since they are necessary for survival, these eight essential sugars must always have been part of the human diet. By knowing what foods are high in these essential sugars we can make an effort to include these foods into our diet. For anyone with ailments and diseases, supplements may be the best way to boost the essential sugars within the body.

Food sources of the eight essential sugars.

Xylose: Guava, pears, blackberries, loganberries, raspberries, aloe vera gel, kelp, echinacea, psyllium, broccoli, spinach, eggplant, peas, green beans, okra, cabbage, corn.

Fucose: Medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, kelp, wakame, brown seaweed and brewers yeast.

Glucose: There is obviously no shortage of glucose in the average diet but the following list provides some better sources of dietary glucose than that found in processed foods: Honey, grapes, bananas, cherries, strawberries, mangoes, cocoa, aloe vera, liquorice herb, sarsaparilla herb, hawthorn, garlic, kelp, echinacea and sucanant.

Galactose: Dairy products, most fruits but highest in mango, plums, rhubarb, prunes, orange, nectarine, peach and blackberries. Echinacea, fenugreek, chestnuts and most vegetables but highest in carrot, brussel sprouts, leeks, asparagus, pumpkin, parsnip, cauliflower, onions and cabbage.

Mannose: Black or red currants, gooseberries, green beans, capsicum (cayenne pepper), cabbage, aloe vera gel, fenugreek, guar gum, eggplant, tomatoes, turnips, shiitake mushrooms and kelp.

N-acetylgalactosamine: Bovine (gelatine) and shark cartilages.

N-acetylglucosamine: Bovine and shark cartilage. (Shark cartilage should not be used by diabetics or those with kidney disease.) Shiitake mushrooms.

N-acetylneuraminic acid: (sialic acid) is found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, whey and hen eggs.

The eight essential sugars and their role in cell communication has been revealed by another wonder of modern science, glyconutrient research. The benefits of providing proper nutrition to the cells include significantly increasing immunity, and providing protection from many diseases.

What impact does cell communication have on the skin?

Accelerates burn and wound healing.
Helps heal skin conditions such as poison ivy and psoriasis.
Provides antioxidant compounds.
Protects the body from toxins and pollutant exposure.
Slows the aging process.

The body is an amazing machine; we do not know everything about it. Every time we read research, especially new emerging research, we realise that the complexity of the body is far beyond the reaches of the science we know today. We know the tip of the iceberg. The wisdom of the body is far reaching: It knows what to do, it knows how to be healthy but it needs the right fuel. Glyconutrient research is just one more area that increasingly tells us that natural foods, foods from nature are the best foods to eat. Not technology driven foods or processed foods. Check through the list of foods that contain the eight essential sugars and make sure you eat them on a regular basis and if you are not eating them, add them to your diet. If you are worried about the seaweed side of your diet, your idodine intake, then take a good look at Japanese cuisine and perhaps include one Japanese meal a week. Kelp salts are also readily available. We personally love Cyndi O'Meara's All Natural Rapadura Sugar and Seaweed Salt which we have available right here!

Top 10 Oils For Skincare

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:57:00 GMT

It is no secret that beauty and skin care has been formulated around the healing and restorative properties of plants - essential oils in particular. Here we share 10 of our favourite essential oils for the skin and some of their amazing properties.

Chamomile : Soothes dermal inflammation, relieves allergies, excellent for eczema, dermatitis and burns. The most anti-inflammatory of all the oils. Gently sedating, calming and soothing.

Frankincense : Regenerating and rejuvenating on prematurely aged or mature skin, it is healing and repairing. Comforting and fortifying, deeply relaxing with a drying up effect.

Geranium: Geranium normalises skin imbalances and promotes healing to skin disruptions. It’s great for dry eczema and dermatitis, and helps balance sebum production. A great regulating oil, it brings balance to hormonal change and helps balance mood swings.

Lavender: Lavender is the most nurturing and soothing oil. It is gently sedating, relaxing and calming. An excellent firstaid remedy, it is great for bites and stings, relieves itchiness and irritation, and helps activate the immune system.

It heals scalds, burns and scars, is soothing and healing to dermatitis, and acts as a cell regenerator.

Orange: Orange is cleansing to oily skin, excellent for softening smoker’s skin and hardened skin affected by sun damage. It helps relieve mild headaches and mild insomnia. It is helpful for nervous conditions and is refreshing and uplifting.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree is a highly antibacterial oil, excellent for body and skin infections, acne and sensitive skin. It is both healing and soothing and helps stabilize skin conditions. It is one of the most anti-fungal oils.

Rosewood: Soothing and healing, rosewood promotes elasticity deep in the skin and is good for all skin types, especially tired skins in need of a boost. It is also excellent for scars, wounds and wrinkles.

Sandalwood : Sandalwood is soothing to dry and cracked skin and promotes elasticity. It helps strengthen the adrenals and soothes a sore throat. We find it a very strengthening and calming oil.

Palmarosa: Palmarosa is antiseptic, hydrating and regenerating, excellent for dry and mature skins. It helps in treating stress-related disorders and is calming and relaxing.

Rose : Rose oil is excellent for dry and mature skin as it rehydrates and rejuvenates and promotes health and vitality in the skin. The great healer of the heart, it is balancing, nurturing and comforting and brings with it physical and emotional stability.

Essential oils can have any of the following qualities:

Sedative: - induces sedation, calms nervousness, helps relax.

Stimulant: – produces temporary increase in functional activity, provides stimulus, quickening or excitement.

Anaesthetic: – reduces sensitivity to pain and has numbing effect.

Antiseptic : – reduces and prevents infection and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Cytophylactic : – enhances cell renewal and regeneration.

Diuretic: – causes increased flow of urine.

Expectorant: – encourages secretion of mucus in the airways.

All skincare preparations should encourage harmony and balance in order to address the primary needs of the skin and to support its natural functions. The skin reflects our expression of ourselves. How we look after the skin, what we subject it to, what we feed it, how we treat it and what we feel and think will all be reflected in the skin’s appearance and function.

If you want to use the many facets of aromatherapy for good health and on your skin, it is imperative that you use high quality pure essential oils and cold pressed base oils. These are more likely to give the therapeutic response you are seeking.

Antioxidant oils:

Rose

Peppermint

Rosemary

Lavender

Thyme

Cytophylactic or Cell Stimulating Oils:

Rose

Neroli

Lavender

Bergamot

Hydrating oils:

Frankincense

Sandalwood

Rejuvenating oils

Sandalwood

Rose

Geranium

Jasmine

Oils for skin stress:

Neroli

Geranium

Lavender

Rosemary

Clary Sage

Orange

Stresas and relaxation are almost complete opposites. The exhilaration of a challenge or the excitement of an adventure are positive stresses which gives us the ‘high’ of living, but when these become heavy demands, stress can work against us instead of for us. Your face is one of the first places you – and your friends - will see the tell-tale signs of demanding stress in your life.

Essential oils can be a fantastic tool in helping to maintain a more balanced lifestyle, enabling you to move between the two stresses good and bad, and to work with your intrinsic natural rhythms, enabling you to constantly restore the energy you give out.

Take care!

Is Cosmetic Surgery The Answer?

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:50:00 GMT

We get asked all the time if we would ever have cosmetic surgery or procedures. We get asked if we think they are safe and worth all the pain, effort and money. And we always have some say to us - 'never say never girls!'

We have researched many procedures and looked into the protocol of the major ones. It's fair to say some actually horrify us. We do not quite understand people in their 20's getting botox or why anyone would bother with collagen injections while so young either. We always wonder what the long term effects will be and we are not quite sure we would ever do some of them. But we certainly appreciate there could be a time and a place for a few.

To help us to understand the how's and why's about something we are not experts in we have interviewed a number of people about cosmetic surgery and appearance medicine. For us it was one interview with Dr Michelle Foster, a GP with a particular interest in skincare, including appearance medicine based in Auckland, New Zealand, who we believe summed up how we feel beautifully.

‘I LOVE cosmetic surgery! But I believe it has a place and should be used with care and respect. I am really concerned about it being used as a means of avoiding issues in one's life or being seen as a ‘cure-all’. On the whole I believe most people use it wisely to correct defects that can affect self-esteem, such as a disproportionally large nose, saggy eyes, breasts that are too large or non-existent. These individuals usually do it for themselves, love the outcome and reap the benefits of enhanced self-esteem. Above all, in their own eyes, they look ‘normal’ to everyone else.

There is another small but significant group of individuals who are of concern to me. These people try to use cosmetic surgery to repair gaps in their lives. They do it for someone else or because they are looking for a solution to a problem in their lives. They are more likely to be unhappy with the outcome because the problem doesn't get solved and they often end up looking odd to those around them. I guess in a roundabout way I am saying I believe cosmetic surgery is a wonderful tool that is available to us and, like all good things, we need to dispense it with love and a great deal of care.

For me, I really believe that looking after one's own mental health, that self-care is the most important thing you can do. Second comes sunblock! I do love the idea of green beauty. I believe it offers an important perspective. I am always uncomfortable with medicine as a profession believing it has all the answers, it doesn’t. I like the idea of individuals taking more responsibility for their health.’

So, is cosmetic surgery the answer? Well we have girlfriends who have had 'work' done. A nose job for one friend was the making of her. It was almost like her personality changed once she had fully healed. Another had a boob job and it was insane to see her confidence shine and grow.

But perhaps sometimes, the BEST cosmetic upgrade you could give yourself is a good dose of time out. It may well cost the same to take a beautiful holiday. You only have to look at someone who has been away relaxing, chilling, reading by the pool or for the more adventurous those who have been on a trek or ski holiday to see how refreshed and vital someone's skin and face looks.

Why we age better with more water!

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:55:00 GMT

65 to 70 per cent of your body is made up of water. Break this down a bit further and you will see that your lungs are almost 90 per cent water, blood 82 per cent, bones 22 per cent, your muscles 70 per cent and your brain is 76 per cent water. If you weigh 60kg, around 40kg of that is water. Without it, you’d look like a sultana rather then a grape.

We know we need water every day, but how much is enough? In a temperate climate, the estimate is about three litres per day. And yes, or rather, no, we’re sorry to have to raise it, but it’s about the difference between liquids and water. Let’s use coffee as an example. Sure, coffee contains water, but that doesn’t mean your body is able to retain the water and use it. Tea and coffee both contain substances which can cause the body to lose water, upsetting the water balance of your body. Soft drinks, fruit juices and cordials, which are high in sugar, can also alter the cell’s ability to manage a healthy water balance. And of course alcohol, like tea and coffee, is a diuretic causing you to lose water by going to the toilet more than usual. That’s why you end up with a hangover after drinking – because your body and brain are dehydrated. The things we do to our bodies in the name of fun!

And the news continues to be bad, like the unfiltered town water in our taps. The water that comes out of our taps is not like the fresh clean water of a mountain stream or the filtered water within organic fruits and vegetables. Tap water usually has many additives. The additives come from many sources, from councils who add chlorine and fluoride, as well as water laden with chemicals from farm water run-off into dams. Recycled waste can also be in the water supply, and the list goes on. To get rid of most of these additives, get yourself a water filter. Even though it requires some capital outlay, it is well worth it. We would much rather have a water filter doing the filtering work than our kidneys and the rest of our bodies working overtime to cope with these additives. Wear out the water filter, not your body. Make sure you use this filtered water in cooking as well as drinking.

So what’s an easy way to get the water you need each day? Consuming that much water can be hard work but there are ways to do it: A glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon or lime first thing in the morning is great. You can also drink a glass of water 20 minutes before each meal. Best of all, did you know that fresh fruits and vegetables contain anywhere between 60 and 90 per cent water? It’s good water too, so eating plenty of fresh fruit and veggies will reduce your need to guzzle litres of the wet stuff every day. It’s not just fruit and veggies either – you’ll find a high water content in sprouted seeds and legumes plus cooked grains including oatmeal, rice and barley, and cooked legumes such as lentils, red kidney beans and chickpeas. And the bonus when you eat these Nature Foods, not Technology Foods, is that you will feel the difference and see it in your skin. If you are willing to change your eating habits you may find it easier to do it step by step, firstly taking a look at what you eat for breakfast.

Find foods that are alive or filled with nutrients and that come from nature not a chemical laboratory – Bircher muesli, porridge, CADA, eggs, nuts, fruits, and smoothies – to start your day. Once eating an alive breakfast is a habit, then move on to another step. Change from margarine back to butter. Then look at the salt you’re eating, and the sugar you use, then on to the milk you drink and cook with. Step by step, bit by bit, it is possible to change your eating, your life and the quality of what the outside world sees - your skin!

Sensational Serums

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:25:00 GMT

Is a Serum just a buzz word for the beauty industry or are they really an exceptional booster? Are they necessary or just another layer for your skincare regime? And the big question we get asked all the time do we layer them? Which one goes on first? And should they be used only once or twice a day?

This time of year is perfect for a skin serum. But to prepare the skin in the best possible way make space for a mask at least once a week and follow it up with a steam. A mask is a fantastic exfoliant and allows your plant active moisturisers and serums to work their magic. To do a steam just fill a bowl with warm-hot water. Add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil, Lavender is a perfect start or you can go for more skin treatment oils like Frankincense or Rosewood. Place your face over the steam, close your eyes and fold a towel over your head to capture all those amazing molecules. Let your skin sweat it out for at least 5-10mins. Now your skin is rearing to go to reap the benefits of your Serum.

According to Twenty8‘s Dr Greg Clark (PhD in Plant Biology and Bio-Chemistry) a Serum can be seen as a ‘specialis’t in the skin care world. They are often formulated to address more specific skin concerns such as spots, discolourations, wrinkles, toning and deeper levels of dehydration. Often a Serum can perform more concentrated tasks that your moisturiser cannot.

The molecular structure of a Serum is generally smaller than that of a moisturiser which allows the key ingredients like vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and esters to penetrate more deeply. Serums are generally lighter in texture than moisturisers and tend to have a much higher level of active compounds. They also tend to be absorbed more quickly and unlike gels which may flake or peel and creams which may be too oily, serums are often perfect for most skin types and very gentle on the skin. Some may even be oil free.

As for whether Serums should be used with a moisturiser we believe that yes indeed they can. Moisturisers are often designed to do just that... moisturise whereas Serums are used to concentrate on those deeper skin concerns. Used in conjunction with a Serum a moisturiser gives the additional soothing, softening and emollient effects especially for extra dry skin so they make a fantastic team!

A serum is the number one ‘must have’ beauty product especially at this time of year. We recommend you use under your moisturiser morning and night as it is the perfect skin booster to nourish, rejuvenate and tone the skin. We have two beautiful Serums in the Twenty8 range. One is the Face Lift Serum and the other is our oil-free Ester Plus (+) Face Serum. Both are absolutely stunning products that will certainly address your special skin concerns. And they are worth every application. We could sing their praises forever and a day but check out what others are saying about the benefits of using a Serum and see the difference it could make to your skin.

Click here to find out more about these Serums:
Face Lift Serum
Ester Plus (+) Face Serum

Aloe Vera - A Wonder Healing Plant

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:17:00 GMT

Aloe Vera is a species of the succulent plant and is known as one of nature's miracles for the skin and body. It is a cell stimulant which is also soothing, anti-inflammatory and healing. The gel inside the broken leaf is odourless, slippery and cool.

Aloe is known an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as burns, bites and eczema. It is often reported that the skin can be healed remarkably quickly and the pain reduced very quickly with topical application of Aloe Vera to the burn area. As well as applying topically, Aloe can also be taken internally so it is just as useful for internal epithelial tissue as it is for the skin. For example, mouth and stomach ulcers, nasal and sinuses, bowels, lungs and genital tracts. Aloe works on membranes and surfaces.

Although Aloe is about 99% water, the remaining 1% is extremely powerful and it is thought this is because the close to 100 ingredients work extremely well together (synergistically). The ingredients in Aloe can be grouped into the following categories: Vitamins, Minerals, Sugars, Enzymes, Lignins, Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Fatty Acids, Salicylic Acid.

Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's systems. Numerous studies worldwide indicate that it is a general tonic for the immune system, helping it to fight illness of all kinds.

This is a plant grown easily that we should all have in our gardens or in a pot. To get the full healing benefits of Aloe Vera for the skin it is best to get the gel straight from the leaf and apply to the affected area.

www.likechocolateforwomen.com

Daily Body Boost

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:11:00 GMT

Imagine having a full body massage everyday? Imagine using the highest quality body products that support the health and wellbeing of your body and skin? Imagine how you would feel adding specific essential oils to this to make it effect the way you think and feel throughout the day? Well you can and it is known as the Daily Body Boost - it is the ultimate mind, body and skin treatment, we love it and cannot imagine life in the Twenty8 world without it.

You may well be aware of the benefits of massage. Massage increases circulation, promotes sleep, reduces stress levels, increases muscle tone, promotes elimination of toxins and waste, supports weight loss, increases skin pliability and enhances wellbeing - to name but a few. Imagine if you could benefit from these things and do this every single day. Best part is you can and it costs well under $1 a day and only takes a minute or two, if that.

Treating yourself to your daily body boost is another great insurance policy for your overall health. The important thing to remember is to ensure the products you massage your body with are natural and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Also, it is important to make sure this is a good body rub or polish, not some airy-fairy tickle! You want your body to wake up, feel alive and be ready to get into your day. You may have guessed by now that your daily body massage is performed by YOU!

The daily body massage happens after your morning shower and or before you get dressed. Ideally you may have done your morning exercise programme and are now ready to get right into your day. It’s a great idea to do some sort of body polish using a natural bristle brush in the shower, too. This will prepare the skin for even better absorption.

Once you pat yourself dry choose your Twenty8 synergy blend or you can choose three pure essential oils to support you throughout the day. You may have a long full-on day ahead so it would be important to choose oils that were going to be uplifting and enduring like Energy & Vitality or Detox & Strengthen or individual oils like Rosemary, Lemon, Peppermint, Myrrh, Lime or Basil. Or you could be feeling a little run down or tired so go for healing, stimulating oils like Immune Boost or De-stress & Revive or individual oils likeTea Tree, Eucalyptus, Pine, Ginger, Cypress or Orange. If your skin is dry and looking like it could do with some good nutrition then go for the skin active oils like the Instant Calm synergy blend or individual oils like Frankincense, Rose, Palmarosa, Rosewood, Geranium or Bergamot. There are many choices available to you, what is important is that you choose high quality products and a synergy blend or three oils that you really like. The most wonderful thing about choosing your oils is the fact that you are asking yourself every morning ‘How do I feel?’ Normally we are so busy getting everyone else ready or thinking about what we have to do for the day ahead that we forget the most important thing of all – and that is you. If we acknowledge the body, mind and skin first thing every morning it is a powerful way to set yourself up for a great day.

Magnesium is a mineral most of us are lacking in. It is known to help with cramps, muscles aches and spasms, growing pains and insomnia. It is wonderful to help alleviate signs of stress and is a fantastic rejuvenator for the skin. It has now been proven that the absorption of magnesium trans-dermally (via the skin) is almost 40% better than taking it orally. We suggest you add it to your Body Boost blend then you get your daily needs of this miracle mineral too.

What You Will Need

A small glass or ceramic bowl
1 teaspoon of Massage Carrier Oil
3 drops essential oil in total (3 drops of your synergy blend or 1 drop of each individual oil)
3 sprays of Magnesium Health Spray
Your damp naked body

Massage base oils like Sweet Almond, Macadamia or Jojoba. The important things to look for are the words ‘cold pressed’ on the label of your massage oil. Cold pressed means little or no heat has been used in the extraction process. This means most of the nutrient, vitamin and mineral properties remain in tact therefore benefiting the skin and its absorption into your body.

To make the right Body Boost aromatherapy blend take just over a teaspoon of base oil into your white bowl and place three drops in total of your synergy blend (or one drop of each individual oil) into it. Spray 3 sprays of Magnesium Health Spray. Mix it around and inhale. Now you are ready to rub to your hearts content! The key is to have damp skin so it goes further and to make the body feel as though it is glowing not greasy. You should be able to get dressed immediately after doing your body rub. A light covering is all you need.
It doesn’t really matter how you rub your body as long as you go from head to toe or toe to head and do all over (apart from the private parts!) and really wake your body up. We tend to start at the toes and work our way up each leg, into the tummy region in a clockwise direction to support digestive functions, up over the chest and shoulders, across the lower back, buttocks and tops of thighs. Here is a good place to give an extra special rub to increase circulation and help remove any cellulite that tends to build in this region. Work as far as you can up the back and across the shoulder blades, then work down each arm. Finish scraping the bowl and using upward strokes into the neck, then complete by compressing and inhaling onto the face.

Good Mood Oils
Essential oils have the ability to work on a strong emotional level too. If you are not sure which oils to choose for your daily body boost then try one of these oil synergy blends or recipes to boost how you feel. Choose 3 drops of your synergy blend or one drop of each oil and add to your 6mls of massage base oil and Magnesium Health Spray. Any of the synergy blends will work a treat. You can choose for specifics or just because you like the aroma. The below suggestions are just a guide. Remember this is called your Daily Body Boost so rub over your entire body in a brisk motion and at the end holding both hands over the face, take three nice deep breaths and say something positive about you and the day ahead. Check out our Manifesto that you can download for free if you struggle to say good things and use this to help start a positive habit for life (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD). This is a fairly critical part of the ritual that is changing lives.

Pre Menstrual – Hormone Balance or Clary Sage, Geranium, Orange
Tired – Energy & Vitality or Destress & Revive or Rosemary, Lemon, Basil
Emotionally Vulnerable – Hormone Balance or Detox & Strengthen or Rose, Geranium, Chamomile
Angry – Instant Calm or Hormone Balance or Bergamot, Cypress, Chamomile
Anxious – De-stress & Revive or Instant Calm or Neroli, Lavender, Frankincense
Depressed – Celebrate & Uplift or De-stress & Revive or Clary Sage, Lime, Geranium
Negative – Detox & Strengthen or Juniper, Lime, Grapefruit
Fat and Frumpy – Detox & Strengthen, Hormone Balance or Rose, Neroli, Jasmine
Run down and lethargic - Immune Boost, Detox & Strengthen or Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Pine
Stressed – De-stress & Revive, Instant Calm or Chamomile, Geranium, Rosewood

This really is life changing. Just by doing this simple ritual you are saying to yourself ‘I care’. It is one of the most lovely things you can ever do for yourself and it really is simple, effective, inexpensive and not at all time consuming.

Many men like to do this ritual and some prefer to just do the upper body and arms. That’s perfectly fine. For children, who generally speaking love participating in this ritual, place only one drop of essential oil into the blend. It is such a healthy fun way to start your day and what great role modelling for our children when they see and hear the importance you place onto your body’s welfare.

We challenge you to take this morning ritual on and invite to hear how you are feeling after four weeks. Everyone we have met who has taken this on solidly for the full 28 days have become committed devotees for life. You will feel fantastic, there will be no more dry skin on your body, your skin will glow, you will be connected and aware and more than that, you will feel even more fantastic on the inside. You will feel special, nurtured and energised. Now tell us who else is going to do this for you? The only person you can count on is YOU!

Enjoy and take special care

FAQ:

Can I do a Body Boost more than once a day?
Absolutely. You can do it as many times as you like, however we recommend at least every morning and then if you are going out again in the evening it is perfect. Make sure the blend is on for an hour before retiring to bed.

Can I use too much oil?
Yes indeed. Remember the key here is less is best. A teaspoon is more than enough for an average sized woman. A man who has more hair may need a bit more. Children even less. You want to feel glowing not greasy. You should be able to put on fancy lingerie straight away that's how small amount is on there. Your skin wants to absorb it not your clothes.

I don't know which blends or oils to use. Does it matter?
The key is to use a blend of oils that you LOVE. It doesnt matter what its name is or which three oils you choose as long as you enjoy the aroma that is what matters, after all that is what you are going to have to wear for the day. Sometimes its a great idea to just run your hand over the top of your essential oils with your eyes closed and just pick one out. Often it is more than perfect for you for that day. Sometimes you might know exactly which synergy blend or oils you want and then in that case go for it. The key is that you really do like the aroma.

My skin is feeling a bit dry is that normal?
When you first start the Daily Body Boost ritual you may be changing body care products from synthetic to more natural based products. The skin takes 28days to renew itself so we say persist on until the full 28days are up and do it every day. You will then see your skin flourishing and feeling better for it. You can also use a body lotion or cream as the base if you would prefer. Use an exfoliant in the shower too, either a face washer, loofah or exfoliant. This helps to remove dead and dry skin cells and makes it easier for the products to nourish and hydrate your skin.

Can I use a Body Lotion instead of a Carrier Oil?
Yes. So long as it is a natural chemical free one we say go for it. You would just place the lotion into one of your hands, add the 3 sprays of Magnesium and 3 drops of essential oils. Rub together in both hands then slap on all over the body then go back and rub it in as above.

Should I use citrus oils if going out in the sun?
Due to their photo-sensitivity it is recommended you do not use citrus oils straight onto the skin (direct application) and then go to the beach for the day. However the pre-blended synergy oils are perfectly blended and only a very small amount of citrus oils will be on the skin ruling out the photo-senstivity issue. Remember it is only 3 drops in total on your whole body.

Do I have to say something positive at the end?
Believe it or not this is the most powerful and anchoring part of the ritual. When you say something positive your physiology changes. Your cells change. Couple that with a positive action like treating your whole body and the beautiful aroma and you will start to understand how this is life changing on a cellular level.

How long do I have to do it for?
This is an official life sentence... a positive one if you please. To really get in the habit we recommend taking on the 28day challenge. If you miss a day start again. You must do 28days straight!

What if I dont like the aroma?
Add 1 drop of your most favourite blend or essential oil. Do not waste it. The whole blend can change with just one drop.

What if I dont have a shower beforehand? Does it matter if my skin is not damp?
No not really. It just helps disperse the blend over the body better and helps you to use less product.

Can I use different blends on the same day?
Yes you are not the same person in the morning as you are in the evening. If you like the same blend then go for it. If you fancy something different then go for another blend or combination. The key is to use something you love.

Do I have to look in the mirror?
Ha! We get asked this all the time. YES YES YES!!!! It's time you started honouring yourself and all your beauty right here right now. Remember if you are not happy with how you look take action and do something about it, stop complaining and be proud of who you are. If you are still not proud just remember there are many out there who would rather have your problems than theirs. And by the way looking at yourself naked is one of the most confronting but liberating truths you will ever find. You dont have to be a perfect size 10 model to be beautiful. Be grateful for what you have and work on the things you want to change. The daily body boost is the perfect tool to get you to take action and start living.

What is Propylene Glycol?

Tue, 29 May 2012 23:53:00 GMT

Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the 'active' ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY... If that doesn't freak you out what will?

Imagine a bottle of Anti-Freeze in a picture with shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes?

The question you should be asking is - What's Anti-Freeze doing IN my shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpaste?

Yes, the main ingredient in anti-freeze is in all of these products.

Shocked? You should be!

You need to understand what it could do to your health?

PROPYLENE GLYCOL is:

A colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Also called 'Propanediol' (American Heritage Encyclopedia Dictionary).

PROPYLENE GLYCOL is used in:

Anti-Freeze * Brake and Hydraulic Fluid * De-Icer * Paints and Coatings * Floor Wax * Laundry Detergents * Pet Food * Tobacco * Cosmetics * Toothpastes * Shampoos * Deodorants * Lotions * Processed Foods and many more personal care items.

Check out your body lotions, deodorant, hair conditioner, hair gel, creams, and many more products!

Propylene Glycol serves as a Humectant. It is a substance that helps retain moisture content, or simply it prevents things from drying out. That's why some pet foods are soft and chewy. This, of course, is a good reason it's in cosmetics and other personal care items. It makes the skin feel moist and soft. And, the products don't dry out. Propylene Glycol is also found in baby wipes and even some processed foods! Go Ahead, check your labels!

A published clinical review showed propylene glycol causes a significant number of reactions and was a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentrations.

The American Academy of Dermatologists, Inc; Jan. 1991

Aging Gracefully: A Checklist

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:28:00 GMT

If ‘truth is beauty and beauty is truth’, as John Keats says, why does society fool itself with anti-aging products? No product can stop the aging process. If we embrace it gracefully, it’s natural, it’s inevitable and it’s beautiful. Unfortunately our society has somehow got it backwards. It seems like aging is one of those unfortunate things to suffer after the age of 30. But in reality it is around 30 that most of us start to understand who you really are, appreciate the real things in life and acquire a little more maturity. Well we actually believe that no matter what age you are you can look and feel gorgeous!

It's more about creating a positive beauty mindset and stop trying to ‘anti-age’. We should celebrate the years we live. Embrace and enjoy them. Don’t get down about aging or feel as though we have lost our youth. My grandmother always said to me 'The worst thing about getting old - is not getting old.' How true is that! The key then is to invest in your health and wellbeing and maintain that youthful vibrance.

We all do financial planning for our retirement. We also need to do some health planning for now and later. Investing in your health today carries huge rewards and is worth every ounce of commitment! Here is a Twenty8 Ageing Gracefully Checklist:

Keep a healthy attitude no matter what your age.

Love and respect the body God’s given you. You only get one body, one chance, so make the most of it. Remember, how you feel about yourself is reflected in your presence, your posture, your energy levels and especially your skin!

Get a handle on stress.

Life is always going to be more stressful at some times than at others. Learn to balance it and keep control of it. Recognise the signs of chronic stress and don’t be a martyr. Get help if need be.

Know yourself and be willing to learn about others.

Understanding people’s differences and personalities can be a huge tool when it comes to relating to others. Be willing to explore these and appreciate that people are different - not necessarily wrong.

Feed your face with fantastic food.

Skin grows from the inside out from the moment you are born. How well you eat is critical to growing healthy skin. The key is to get back to basics. Eat foods that are as close to their natural source as possible. Indulge in plenty of nature-based foods and avoid processed technology ones. Your skin loves lots of water, quality proteins, essential fatty acids, good carbohydrates and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These contain many vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and phytonutrient qualities. Be aware: Don’t believe all the hype in food marketing campaigns. If you are committed to healthy eating, check ingredient labels at all times. Often there are hidden nasties.

Move your body

The body was designed to move and be active at all ages. Don’t look at exercise as a punishment! It is a known fact that the body releases feel- good hormones called endorphins when you exercise. The more you do it the more you want to do it. Just get past that starting hurdle and you will be away! When your body is moving the skin is flooded with oxygen and nutrients giving it a healthy glow. Being physically active certainly adds to the quality of your life.

Take care of your skin

Good skin care is essential for any person at any age. Keep it simple and find a routine that suits your skin. When choosing skincare products it is just as important to get as close to the natural source as possible as it is when chosing foods. Just because a product is expensive may not mean it is the best. Don’t just buy ‘hope’ in a bottle. There are many companies out there committed to using high quality, natural ingredients that work and do not have a negative effect on the body or the environment. Read all labels and check out the nasties. Often they are hidden as numbers not just names. Use natural therapies like aromatherapy, and herbs.

Turn daily routines into rituals.

Whatever your daily routines are (be it showering, applying face and body creams, and make-up, doing your hair, going to the toilet, eating, exercising or working) you can easily turn them into rituals and give them a more indulgent feel. When in the shower you can take a natural bristle brush and add to the main task of cleansing by giving your body an all-over exfoliation. For some, going to the toilet is your only chance to escape the daily demands of children, family or work pressures. Take an aromatic spritzer in there, spray the face and inhale and, voila, you have just given yourself a wee moment of time-out and treated yourself at the same time! Celebrate good skin care with fantastic natural products and take on the Daily Body Massage – this two minute ritual could change your life! Get your beauty sleep and set up a personalised Home Spa. You are worth it!

Do a body cleanse.

Finally, part of your Aging Gracefully Checklist is to take on a cleansing and detox programme a couple of times a year. Cleansing the system is fantastic for the skin and a wonderful way to keep toxins from building up in the body. The best times to do this could be spring and autumn. We have a 28-Day Programme created just for this. It is simple, has loads of yummy food and is a fantastic way to maintain long-term health, well-being and glowing radiant skin.

All little things really but things that have a massive impact on how you see yourself. Right... time to go look in that mirror and say 'Damn you're hot!!'!

Jojoba Oil

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Jojoba oil is one of nature’s most precious gifts. Used in many skincare treatments jojoba is an oil like no other. This stunning liquid wax ester does not get absorbed into the body or processed like normal oils. This is what Megan Larsen (one of the world’s most sought after natural skincare creators and manufacturer’s) says:

‘Jojoba oil is about 97% unsaturated waxy (not fatty) esters. These waxy esters are very similar in composition to a number of the compounds found in our natural skin sebum (which contains about 22% of waxy esters). Therefore it can closely mimic our own natural skin oil. Also the molecular structure of jojoba oil is too large to permeate in to the blood stream, but the plant essence/essential oil synergy blends will permeate through to the skin cells to help to keep the skin looking alive, hydrated and plumped, hence limiting any skin deterioration or unnecessary aging.

Jojoba oil is unique because the oil is not composed of fat but of liquid wax. In scientific terms, waxes are esters of long chain fatty acids with long chain monohydroxyl alcohols, whereas fats are esters of long chain fatty acids with glycerine. Being composed of mostly wax esters means there is little likelihood of the oil's deteriorating. Jojoba is ideal for use in cosmetics because of its molecular stability and its natural moisturising and healing properties. Jojoba's resistance to oxidation means that it does not require additional chemical preservatives. It is suitable for ALL skin types, whether dry, oily or sensitive. Out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can 'trick' the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. Jojoba is also classified as non-comedogenic - it does not clog skin pores. It is the most ideal natural chemical free product with huge benefits to the skin and body especially whilst undergoing a weightloss programme or something like the HCG Diet.’

Because Jojoba sits in the skin and acts the same as the skins natural sebum, it can stabilise and protect the skin from moisture loss and environmental stress. It is the perfect 100% natural chemical free skincare medium to help deliver powerful plant essences to the skin and boost your transformation to one of optimum health.

We all know when we go on a weight loss or cleansing programme we need to watch everything that goes into our mouth. We need to be careful of processed foods, we need to be aware of the type of carbohydrates, proteins and fats that we eat. There is a lot of question now as to how much the products we put on the body also interfere with or alters the body’s ability to cleanses and lose weight. We are passionate about skin health and providing the best natural chemical-free nutrition for the skin. If you are going to go to the trouble of committing to a weightloss programme or a detox and cleanse then it makes sense to use products in the same way - from nature - for the skin. Jojoba is one of nature's magic ingredients and research now shows us and proves how effective it is as a skin protectant. In our work with leading scientist and skincare specialist Dr Greg Clark (PhD in Plant Biology and Bio-Chemistry) we discovered exactly how amazing this plant oil is. This is how Dr Greg describes it:

‘Perhaps the easiest way to describe what Jojoba oil is, is to highlight what it is not.

Although composed of lipids Jojoba oil is not composed of triglyceride fats or oils, the most abundant lipids in nature, but rather is composed almost entirely of high molecular weight, long chained, unsaturated liquid wax esters.

Unlike triglyceride fats and oils primarily stored in plant and animal fat cells as readily hydrolyzed and oxidizied energy stores, the liquid wax esters of Jojoba seeds are not easily oxidised and can remain chemically stable for years. In general the high degree of stability of wax esters appears to underpin their role in nature being primarily involved in moisture control and photo-protection in both animal skin and plant surfaces.

An example in human skin is the wax ester composition of sebum which functionally serves an important role in maintaining skin hydration levels. Used on the skin the wax esters of Jojoba seeds are readily miscible with sebum to impart a non-oclusive dry emolliency that reduces transdermal water loss without blocking trans-epidermal respiration. Being unsaturated, the long chained wax esters of Jojoba seeds are able to penetrate deep into the surface of the skin but due to their high average molecular weight do not permeate through the stratum corneum and are unable to enter the capillary network of the cutaneous blood system. Thus the wax esters of jojoba are not absorbed into the body or circulated through the blood stream but remain in the skin to support the function of sebum to maintain moisture, suppleness and enhance the flexibility of the skin.

The role of the wax esters is in the protection of plant surfaces and animal skin, as opposed to the role of the usual triglyceride based seed oils used as storage fats and oils. The products Kim and Fleur have created - the Ester Plus (+) Face Serum and Ester Plus (+) Body Serum and the Toner Concentrate are perfect for helping to support the role of the skin’s natural esters - or sebum - in the skin whilst on a weight-loss or cleansing diet. In other words these products will not only nourish the skin without penetrating into the blood stream, but they will also protect it from moisture loss.’

We are incredibly excited at what Jojoba offers our health. It also highlights the fact we do not need chemicals or fancy products that make all sorts of claims. Nature provides an abundance of exquisite, natural, high quality ingredients that our skin literally drinks in. It pays to trust Mother Nature and products that have been used for centuries.

Cleansing - An important part of your skin care ritual

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Cleansing is one of the most important aspects of skin care. Often overlooked or rushed, if you only slowed down and took the time to cleanse your skin properly you would see many increased benefits of your beautiful, natural vitamin and mineral enriched toner and moisturiser. The ritual of cleansing your face is also an important aspect of self-care.

Not only does cleansing the skin in the morning remove oil and sweat that the skin releases during the night, it prepares the skin to best absorb the nutrients from your moisturiser and positively effects the way you feel setting you up for a great day. As the day comes to an end your evening cleansing ritual is also an exquisite way to prepare you for rest and to honor yourself for the day that has been. We believe beauty is much more than the just the act of cleansing, toning or moisturising. Each step is a ritual in itself. To enhance the cleansing ritual we suggest using a cotton face cloth and nice warm water to help remove those impurities, sweat, oil and makeup. A drop of lavender into the water is a secret cleansing tip that works a treat. Lavender is cleansing, healing, and cell regenerating. It also smells divine and has a sense of calm on both the skin and the mind. Enjoy!