Most mums will encounter cellulite at some point in their life. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy loosen the connective tissues to enable the skin to become more elastic. These changes can make women more vulnerable to cellulite.
If the tone of these elastic fibres is compromised, fat cells can become engorged with lipid fats and begin clumping together. When cells become larger they press through the weakened connective tissue to the skin surface creating the mattress-like dimpling. Once the cellulite process has started, the plump fat cells can also press into the fine vascular and lymphatic systems, restricting oxygen supply and making it more difficult for the skin to rid itself of toxins. This is where birch comes in.
Silver Birch (Betula alba) is one of Weleda's favourite ingredients. The birch is traditionally linked to purification - the preferred material for the rods used in corporal punishment, and the switch used by flagellants to cleanse the soul. You'll be glad to hear that Weleda take a rather gentler approach to beat cellulite and detox! Today birch is used in bodycare products for its ability to purify the complexion to leave skin clear and bright.
Weleda's Birch Cellulite Oil (rrp £18.95 100ml) is 100% natural, contains no artificial preservatives or additives, and is specially formulated to tone and firm skin, and tackle those orange peel dimples on thighs and hips. It's made from organic birch grown in South Bohemia (the Czech Republic) and gathered from certified collection. The tender young birch leaves contain valuable flavanoids which encourage secretion or elimination processes to flush out toxins and restore skin radiance.
The leaf extract is combined with organic rosemary extract to stimulate skin circulation and metabolic processes, plus toning root extract of the Mediterranean Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), together with skin-smoothing oils of revitalising apricot (Prunus armeniaca), vitamin-rich wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare) and replenishing jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) to refine skin texture.
To boost the effects of the massage oil, try Weleda's Birch Juice (rrp £9.50 200ml) which is a certified organic health supplement to help detoxify your body, healthily and naturally, and improve your skin from the inside out. Tests show that using these products together gives the best results (see below).
As well as helping you rediscover your vitality, a detox programme also brings beauty benefits: cleansing your system purifies the complexion to leave skin clear and bright. Add to a glass of water as a healthy drink, or for maximum health benefits add two table spoonfuls (30ml) to a bottle of mineral water to consume at regular intervals through the day. A 3-6 week course is recommended to help improve vitality.
A dermatological study confirmed that when using Birch Cellulite Oil twice daily over 28 days in combination with Birch Juice, testers' skin was on average noticeably 35% firmer and skin elasticity improved by 20%. Visible improvement of skin-structure was recorded in 85% of cases, and testers' skin showed a healthy 20-25% increase in blood circulation/ microcirculation. Tests were conducted independently by German dermatological specialists proDERM, Institut für Angewandte, Dermatologische Forschung GmbH, Hamburg, over 12 weeks, using Birch Juice for the first three weeks of the study.
A favourite with supermodel Erin O’Connor, this health supplement helps you spring clean your body healthily and naturally. It’s made from silver birch extract, without added sweeteners, and blended with refreshing lemon juice. As well as helping you rediscover your vitality, a detox programme also brings beauty benefits: cleansing your system purifies the complexion to leave skin clear and bright.
Weleda realises that busy mums have more to worry about than cellulite, which is after all a natural process. But when mums can find a little me-time, Birch Cellulite Oil can be incorporated into a pampering and nurturing programme to tone and firm skin, perhaps if you are considering returning to work and feel the extra body confidence would give you a much needed boost.
Available from independent health stores and pharmacies or online such as amazon or boots.
The eyelashes cause a flattering frame to the eyes and create an aura of attractiveness in both men and women. It's not by accident that we can attract members of the opposite sex by fluttering our eyelashes at them.
Short, coarse eyelashes are the bane of many women's lives hence why lash build mascaras and eyelash inserts are now so popular. Revita-EPS is a new eyelash growth stimulator from DS Labs in the United States and brought to you in the UK by Peak Nutrition Ltd. Via clinical research, Revita-EPS has been shown to grow eyelashes by up to 25% in as little as four weeks. Many users also report a greater thickness and density to their lashes.
In one study, the product was applied each night for two weeks at the roots of the eyelashes using an eyeliner brush. Measurements were taken using SigmaScan software and the study found a 25% increase in eyelash length at four weeks.
Unlike other eyelash growth stimulators, Revita-EPS does not rely on the inclusion of relabelled glaucoma drugs like bimatoprost. Instead, it employs a peptide complex, composed of structural amino acids, which are believed to stimulate the expression of keratin genes and improve overall eyelid health.
Revita-EPS is not a mascara - it will not clump, smudge, run down the face or require constant reapplication. Eyelashes enhanced by Revita-EPS look completely natural...because they are!
To get the seductive eyelashes you want, simply apply Revita-EPS twice daily to the line of the eyelashes and see results in as little as four weeks.
Revita-EPS is available from Peak Nutrition for £32.95
Thick hard skin builds up on the heels during the winter - but when our feet are hidden by socks and boots, it is easy to forget how unsightly the feet can become.
If you're thinking of wearing some elegant strappy sandals when the warmer weather comes but your feet look all cracked, dry and rough, don't despair. The Footkiss Callus Removal Kit works in only ten minutes and will remove all that unsightly thick, hard, dead skin leaving your feet smooth, beautifully pedicured and looking gorgeous without having to make the journey to the podiatrist.
Footkiss uses professional, salon-based ingredients - Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to gently soften and dissolve dry, dead skin build-up without the use of pedicure knives and skin graters.
And it's so easy to use - simply apply the special gel onto the supplied patches and stick on where required, leave for ten minutes and then remove the unwanted skin with the tool contained in the pack.
It probably won't be a pretty sight at first, as you slough away all the toughened, scaly skin, but within a few minutes, your skin will look beautifully healthy, crack-free and soft.
Finish off the treatment with the moisturising foot balm.
The Footkiss Callus Removal Kit contains enough for two treatments per foot and the kit contains pads, Heel Softener, Heel Balm and scraper tool.
The Footkiss Callus Removal Kit is available from Peak Nutrition for £19.95. Buy three packs and save an extra £1.00 per pack.
This September, NHR Organic Oils are running an Organic Aromatherapy workshop over a long weekend at the beautiful Mill Retreat Centre in France.
You will learn how to make and use Organic Essential oils, experience them in many different ways including in mini treatments. The weekend will include 3 nights' accommodation at the Mill, with Organic delicious meals included, (many recipes including our Organic Food grade essential oils). Activities will include gentle yoga twice a day, distilling our own oils and making our own beauty products to use at the Mill and take home.
There will also be time for you to enjoy the Mill Retreat Centre, set in a natural paradise, only 2.5 hours journey from London, near the town of Aumale in Northern France.
The beautiful and peaceful grounds contain four main ecological groups: A huge 10 acre Lake, a mile of River, over 10 acres of Woodlands, 5 acres of Wetland habitats and a beautiful 5 acre garden area, in over 30 acres of grounds, all in one location making it teaming with wildlife.
One can find: wild boar and deer in the woods, many fish in the lake, from trout to pike, over 40 specious of birds including swans, as well and many water mammals and a huge variety of plant life.
Dates: 2nd to the 5th September 2011
Cost £450.00
Get A Soft And Glowing Skin With Argan Oil
Argan oil is derived from the rare Argan tree that is found exclusively in the south west part of Morocco, roughly between Essaouira and Agadir, in an area covering 700,000-800,000 hectares. The local berber tribes have been making good use of this oil due to its miraculous effects on hair, nails and skin. Argan oil is actually a multi-purposes skincare product that is known to be extremely effective in the treatment of psoriasis, cold sore, and eczema, as well as for burns and deep scars.
Rising Popularity of Argan Oil
At present, Argan oil is being brought into use by a large number of companies, particularly in the beauty industry, due to the amazing benefits that it offers to the skin. After various clinical tests, it has been proved to be extremely effective in the form of toner, moisturizer and firming solvent. The oil is also lightweight, gentle and safe for use on all types of skins. It is a wonderful everyday moisturizer as well and helps in alleviating dry and chapped skin, while balancing acne-prone skin.
Chemical Properties of Argan Oil
Argan oil is very rich in nutrients such as essential fatty acids like Omega 9 and Omega 6. These fatty acids assist in the production of prostaglandin – a natural solution for fighting against inflammation and in reducing swelling and pain. Thus, it is a wonderful oil for massaging to relax the tense and tired muscles of the body. The oil stimulates the blood circulation and leaves you with a healthy and glowing rosy complexion. This oil can be applied to your hair as well to bring shine and softness to you hair. It can also be used to strengthen and fortify dry and brittle nails.
It may be just a pure and simple oil, but Argan Oil is a real nutritional punch. In a nutshell (no pun intended, here), Argan Oil is a moisturizer beyond compare, and undoes damage done by evil UV rays. Here are some details of the skin and hair loving components found in this wonder oil:
Vitamin E (tocopherol). Argan Oil is astoundingly rich in Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant which helps slow the process of lipids from the destructive effects of oxygen (oxidation) as well as other environmental effects. Vitamin E is naturally occurring in skin, and helps the skin function as a water-proof barrier. With age and exposure to sun and pollution, this barrier is broken down and causes a lack of moisture, which damages the skin’s lipids. Many skincare products contain synthetic vitamin E, which helps keep skin hydrated and soft, however it is no match for naturally derived vitamin E, such as that found in Argan Oil.Essential Fatty Acids. Argan Oil is also incredibly rich in essential fatty acids, which have been scientifically proven to be beneficial both when taken orally, but also when applied topically to skin. Not having enough EFAs can cause conditions in which the skin becomes flakey, dry, scaly and uncomfortable; conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as acne. EFAs have an anti-inflammatory effect on skin, and also increase suppleness, elasticity and youthful appearance and relieve painful skin conditions. Exposure to UV also decreases the skin’s EFAs, and so treating sun damaged skin with Argan Oil has been shown to repair damage to photo-aged skin, as well as on scarring.
For hair, EFAs prevent breakage and promote smooth and supple strands by increasing moisture content, which is the single best thing that can be done for your hair. Just a drop or two of Argan oil smoothed through brittle hair, from roots to tips, will improve its condition in no time. It also treats dandruff and itchy scalp.
Carotenes. Carotenes, found in Argan Oil, as well as in many fruits and veggies, is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, has been garnering a lot of attention from the beauty industry in the past few years. It is effective as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics, by protecting the skin from sun damage, and undoing damage already done. It also helps even skin tone, and adds a healthy glow. For hair, it counteracts fragility, reduces split ends and encourages a healthy sparkle.
Squalene. Squalene is found naturally in all plants and animals. As an additive in cosmetics, it penetrates skin easily and is absorbed readily, without leaving a greasy residue and is non-irritating. It does not cause skin to breakout, and is effective in healing scar tissue and preventing stretch marks. Squalene may also reduce hair loss and is a highly effective conditioning agent.
Tips for Organic Health Care using Argan Oil
If you have extremely dry skin, spread Argan oil all over your body before you take your bath. Wait for a minimum of fifteen minutes and then soak your entire body in a warm bath. You will be able to feel the difference in your skin texture immediately.
Before going to bed, cleanse your entire face and then apply Argan oil on it. Next, morning you will wake up with rejuvenated skin. In case of any acne outbreak, apply directly to the affected area.
If you are suffering from cold sores, massage the oil on the affected area immediately on feeling any irritation.
Use Argan Oil for giving yourself a reviving and soothing massage. Being anti-inflammatory, it relaxes the tired body to a great extent. It can also be used for arthritic joints and aching muscles due to the high content of fatty acids in it.
For woman, to moisturize and nourish the facial skin, apply a little Argan oil after cleaning up your face and let is absorb thoroughly. Once it is soaked up properly, apply makeup on your face. Always remember to use it as a precursor to makeup.
Supporting women
All argan sold today is produced by a women's cooperative that shares the profits among the local women of the Berber tribe. The cooperative has established an ecosystem reforestation project so that the supply of argan oil will not run out and the income that is currently supporting the women will not disappear. The money is providing healthcare and education to the local women, and supporting the entire community as a whole.
According to the Department of Water and Forests, Argan oil provides income for 3 million people in the southern part of the kingdom. The oil provides a total of 20 million workdays per year. Its operation is an income generating activity and has always had a socio-economic function.
The vast majority of the production of argan oil passes through the women's cooperative of Argan oil. A program that focuses on improving the working conditions of rural women economic activities, generating additional income and sustainable management of argan areas in the south-west of Morocco.
Co-sponsored by the Social Development Agency (ADS) with the support of the European Union, the UCFA (Union des Cooperatives des Femmes de l’Arganeraie) is the largest union of cooperatives for argan in Morocco. It comprises twenty-two cooperatives that are found everywhere in the region(i.e. Coopérative Al Amal, Coopérative Amalou N'Touyag, Coopérative Tissaliwine, Coopérative ArganSense, Coopérative Maouriga). These women come together to be better organized and thus guarantee a fair income through cooperatives, allowing them a better living environment and a dynamic local.
Women cooperatives in Morocco work within a biosphere protected by UNESCO which ensures its protection and reforestation.
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