ARE YOU DYING TO BE DROP DEAD GORGEOUS?

A large percentage of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body (as much as 60% and for babies it can be a lot higher).

It therefore makes sense to put nothing on your skin that you would not eat or drink.

In the UK alone we spend  up to £5 Billion on cosmetics each year – most of that spend could be making you ill. Not only are these bad for you, they are also bad for Mother Earth. Most of them are not biodegradable.

Parabens is one of the worst offenders – and this is even in toothpaste and Baby products. Traces of parabens were found in 18 out of 20 breast cancer tumours.  So please do not use an anti-perspirant.  Use a natural organic deodorant instead - the crystal ones are good.

Another ‘naughty’ is talcum powder – with 75 out of 100 ovarian tumours contain this substance.

Sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium laureth sulphates (SLS and SLES) are very irritant and possibly carcincogenic. They are both foaming agents found is shampoos and soaps.

Pearlising agents found in some foundations and moisturisers are Bismuth Oxychloride which is a bi-product of lead and copper can cause severe allergic reactions. Whilst on the subject of lead – this is present in most children’s face paint.

The good news is that natural skin care – especially certified organic – not only does not contain these nasties, but works naturally and in synergy with your skin, keeping it healthy and glowing. It is actually far better than any chemical equivalent in the same way that a fresh apple or orange is far better than a burger.

The only thing to be aware of with ‘natural’ products is that there is currently no legislation for companies calling their products natural – they can contain a minimal amount of natural or organic products and the other 80 to 90% could be chemicals. Look at the ingredients – this is the easiest way – or look for Certified Organic Products, which by law must be 95% organic.

Fortunately there are now lots of natural and organic products coming onto the market, including some natural make up.
Don't  forget to feed you skin from the inside too.

The EPA in Omega 3 is considered important for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.

The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits.  They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health.  Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level. Rosehip oil and Sunflower oil contain omegas 3 & 6.

Omega 9 also has many preventative qualities as its main component, Oleic acid, helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Macadamia, Sesame and Olive and Apricot oils contains both Omega 6 and Omega 9 in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid and Oleic acid and is in fact, one of the best sources of GLA.

This is not such a well-known Omega in the West, but has been used for many years in the East and is now gaining popularity here.

Omega 7 is a unique, 100% natural product made with the berries of sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn berries contain fatty acids of virtually all the important series, omega-3, -6, -7 and -9 and is exceptionally rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7), rarely found in the plant kingdom. The oil is also rich in natural antioxidants; tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids and plant sterols. Those who may benefit from Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn include: Post menopausal women with associated dryness problems (Omega-7 is the first oral preparation to help relieve the discomfort of vaginal dryness (as opposed to existing topical applications), people with dry skin (eczema and dermatitis), people with dry eyes and mouth conditions (may also benefit contact lens wearers) and people who want to ensure a balanced intake of essential fatty acids. Numerous studies show that Sea Buckthorn oil may help maintain the health and integrity of cell membranes especially in mucous membranes and skin.

Using natural, cold-pressed and organic oils containing natural lipids and high levels of key fatty acids help to maintain healthy skin condition and combat inflammatory skin disorders. This balance also helps with firmness, elasticity, skin smoothness; reduction in wrinkle depth and UV irritated redness.