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What are Nano-Particles in Organic Sunscreens?

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18971259-what-are-nano-particles-in-organic-sunscreens

At Back To Nature we always strive to deliver the facts about any so-called ‘controversial ingredients’ and nano-particles used in various mainstream skin care products, such as sun creams, is one of the latest substances to go under the microscope!

So what are nano-particles?

•    Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are tiny particles between 20 nm and 80 nm in size
•    They work to absorb UV light and provide an excellent natural sun protection barrier
•    They also absorb and scatter visible light, rendering sun creams invisible on the skin

Are nano-particles safe?

The first concern to address about nanoparticles is that because they are so small, it was thought that they may be able to penetrate the skin’s outer layer (or epidermis), reaching the living cells beneath (basel layer) and then pass into the bloodstream.

All studies show that when combined with creams or lotions which contain emulsifiers or binding agents, nanoparticles not only retain their UV light-absorbing capacity, but they ‘clump’ together. This creates much larger, extremely stable molecules that are far too large to penetrate the skin - think of it as trying to fit a football in a snooker pocket! As a result of this discovery, Ecocert has approved the use of nanoparticles as a sun-filter in certified organic products at a concentration of up to a 25%.

There was also the concern that the nanoparticles in sun creams would become reactive with oxygen, spawning free radicals, because by making the particles smaller they had an increased ratio of surface area to density. To solve this problem, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are manufactured with an extremely thin coating of silicates (basically sand or glass) to encase them in a protective layer to ensure that they are completely non-reactive and safe to use even on the most sensitive skin.

Why use nano particles?

The use of titanium dioxide nano particles in organic Sun Lotions was not a decision that was taken lightly by many organic companies but after extensive research most companies are completely confident that they are safe to use. They bring fantastic natural UV protection to many sun products, which otherwise would only be achievable by using synthetic chemical filters, which real organic companies would never use.

The claim that nanoparticles in sun creams can enter the bloodstream and affect living tissue has been totally disproven by every known scientific test conducted. Various open  scholar articles are available on the internet for further research.

To doubly ensure the safety of using nanoparticles in sun creams, opt for companies who never combine them with any active ingredient that specialises in penetrating the skin (e.g deep moisturisation products, extra moisture and hydration). This guarantees that they won’t be transported beneath the top layer of dead skin cells by any other skin penetrating substances. Sun screen products should be of a drier spray-type to avoid this for maximum health results as well as efficiency in protecting your skin.

Did you know that plants also have a complex content of naturally occurring antibiotics?

Did you know that plants also have a complex content of naturally occurring antibiotics, vitamins, enzymes, minerals and essential fatty acids? The real advantage of drugs vs. herbs is that the latter enter and leave the body in the most efficient way, leaving no toxins behind! Fact.

#naturalmedicine #skinhealth #backtonature

To read more:

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18683283-natures-materia-medica 

A quick guide to our every-day products

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18995523-a-quick-guide-to-our-every-day-products

Essential Guide to Baby and Child Skin Care Products

This guide explains which chemical ingredients you should avoid that are common in many high street products for babies and children, and the reasons why you should avoid using these ingredients on your baby or child's delicate skin.

Ingredients to avoid in baby products

Skin care products need only 1% natural ingredients to be called 'natural' and legally get away with the statement. Likewise, skin care products need 75% organic ingredients to be called 'organic'. This is better, obviously, but 25% still remain for toxic chemicals which will be absorbed into your baby's blood stream no matter what.

It is known that substances, when applied to the skin, are absorbed in as little as 26 seconds and enter the bloodstream.  Research has shown that, depending on the nature and properties of the chemical, as much as 60% of what is applied to the skin may be absorbed by the inner organs. In spite of this, many high street baby products contain a very high number of chemicals which can irritate your child's delicate skin and cause allergic reaction.

Even ‘so-called’ natural skin care ranges could be harmful to your baby or child. Skin care products need only 1% natural ingredients to be called 'natural', meaning that some may contain a mix of man-made chemicals and water to make up the remaining 99%. As rates of eczema and allergies among children continue to rise many have pointed to the early introduction of 'toxic toiletries' as a major contributing factor. Let's face it - we didn't have such a huge amount of allergens 50 years ago!

Back to Nature Ltd. is a truly natural and organic range of skin care which do not contain any of the ingredients listed below. Our products are not 1% or 75% natural or organic - they are 100% naturally organic! Our products contain 100% natural organic ingredients which are full of naturally occurring in plant actives - vitamins, essential fatty acids, enzymes, minerals, plant actives and many more. 

Preservatives in baby products

Artificial preservatives are one of the main causes of irritation and allergic reactions. Some are also known to release small amounts of formaldehyde which is an irritant, a carcinogen and neurotoxin. The following ingredients contain formaldehyde, may release formaldehyde or may break down into formaldehyde:

◦ 2-bromo-2 nitropropane-1,3-diol

◦ Diazolidinyl urea

◦ DMDM hydantoin

◦ Imidazolidinyl urea

◦ Quaternium-15

 Other preservatives that can cause an allergic reaction and irritation are:

◦ Methylchloroisothiazolinone

◦ Methylisothiazolinone

◦ Parabens (butyl, ethyl, methyl, propyl, isobutyl)

Carcinogenic linked ingredients

Many cosmetics contain DEA or TEA. Neither is carcinogenic on its own, but if the product contains nitrites (which are not always disclosed on labels and can be disguised as 'parfum' or 'fragrance') it can cause a chemical reaction, leading to the formation of nitrosamines which are carcinogenic.

Other chemicals that pose similar hazards to nitrosamine formation are:

◦ 2-bromo-2 nitropropane-1, 3-diol (Bronopol)

◦ Padimate-O (found in sun screens)

◦ 1,4-Dioxane  

Foaming and emulsifying agents

One of the most common foaming agents in shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths and even toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). SLS is a known skin irritant and should be avoided - especially on young sensitive skin.

Back to Nature use a beeswax based gentle foaming agents derived from coconut - no SLS! The emulsifying agents are naturally plant derived from olive and other oils.

Babies and perfume

Fragrances are another of the two leading causes of allergy and irritation. If you see the word 'parfum' in the ingredient listing you could risk a hidden multitude of synthetic chemicals. 95% of the mix in most perfumes is made from synthetic chemicals!

Scents made with natural ingredients can also cause skin irritation; however you are less likely to suffer allergic reactions if you use one essential oil or a blend of a few oils, than if you use synthetic fragrances.

Perfume-free products

Most of our Organic Babies range and Organic Children's products contain natural essential oils such as Lavender and Chamomile, although we do also have some which do not have any essential oils at all.

'Parfum' and 'Fragrance' are two very cheeky ingredients which legally contain up to 200 synthetic hazardous and toxic ingredients in them! There is no way of knowing exactly what those ingredients are so best to avoid products which contain 'parfum' or 'fragrance' of any kind.

Avoid colourants

It is wise to avoid synthetic colours.  They are only used to make the products look appealing to the consumer and can cause allergic skin reactions. Some even contain heavy metals and are carcinogenic.

All colours, whether natural or synthetic, are listed as ingredients in cosmetics by their Colour Index (CI) Number.  Each number is unique to a specific colourant material and is shown by the letters CI followed by a 5 digit number, such as CI 75810.  Naturally derived colours from plants and mineral sources will have numbers greater than CI 75000 and as a general rule, to avoid synthetic colours in cosmetics you should not use any product with a CI number of less than CI 75000.

Here at Back To Nature Ltd.  we do not use any colourants as a rule and our products are not only gentle and safe to use, but also leave skin feeling wonderfully soft and nourished.

Alcohol

Ethanol/ethyl alcohol can cause dryness and irritation and increase permeability of the skin, enabling unwanted impurities to be absorbed quicker and must be avoided at all cost! One of the reasons ethanol/ethyl alcohol is added to many skin care products is so the product dries quickly into the skin and the consumer can go about their day without worrying about the excess residue causing any discomfort. Unfortunately something has to give and because our products have 100% natural content they do leave excess residue.. However, this 'problem' can be resolved very easily and quickly, without any harm to your skin! All you need is a tissue!! 

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18968723-essential-guide-to-baby-and-child-skin-care-products

Why Organic is better

Good news if you love organic! Here's why..

A study conducted by an international team of experts at Newcastle University, has proven that organic crops are up to 60% higher in antioxidants compared to non-organic. This proves once and for all that eco-friendly farming really does improve the nutritional quality of our food.

This is the largest ever study of its kind and shows that there is a substantial nutritional benefit to choosing organic produce rather than food made from conventionally grown crops. The study concluded that by switching to organic fruit and vegetables, the additional antioxidants that you receive is equivalent to eating between 1-2 extra portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

As a result of this extensive study, increased cost may no longer be a reason not to shop 'pesticide free'. With more nutritionally dense fruit, vegetables and cereals, you can end up getting more for your money by simply switching to organic!

The study also proves that organic crops have significantly lower levels of cadmium, the toxic heavy metal. Like mercury and lead, cadmium can be extremely damaging to people who are repeatedly exposed, even at very low levels.

So what about organic beauty?

When it comes to organic beauty and skin care, antioxidants (which fight skin-damaging free radicals) are a large part of what makes natural products so effective. By using organic plant actives such as Flaxseed, Grape Seed Oil and Aloe Vera, for example, our products are particularly potent, delivering increased antioxidant content than non-organic skin care brands.

Watch out though - unfortunately many labels which claim 'natural' or 'organic' skin care are not actually completely truthful about their mission and only use these terms to better their products. Real organic products are certified and approved, and real natural products must contain 100% natural ingredients and be completely chemical-free. For more detailed information please visit our easy to understand guide http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/pages/why-chemical-free

So all of these findings show that thinking about how we use the land doesn’t just benefit the planet - it has a direct impact on our own health and wellbeing. If that’s not a reason to go organic we don’t know what is! It was once said that 'organic' and 'natural' may not be a very happy combination, but if something is given to the power of Nature and is untouched and unaided in its growing process, then it is as happy and as 'organic' as can be!

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18971247-why-organic-is-better

Essential Guide to Menopausal Skin

Menopause is a time of great change in a female body, and what is happening on the inside can have an effect on your skin.  Our essential guide to natural menopausal skin care is intended to help you understand how your skin may react and assist in adjusting your beauty regime. For each of the issues we make a recommendation for natural products to try from our pure and natural skin care range.

Menopause Skin Symptoms: 

Slower skin repair and increased wrinkle formation
During the menopause protein synthesis diminishes which results in reduced production and repair of collagen and elastin in the dermis of the skin.  This increases the likelihood of wrinkles forming, reduces elasticity and means that your skin takes longer to recover from blemishes.
Supporting your skin with Miracle Balm™ will help restore and rejuvenate the supportive structures of the skin, including collagen and elastin. The potent natural plant actives in Miracle Balm™ have remarkable youth-boosting benefits whilst also being very gentle on your skin.

The appearance of age spots
As oestrogen production decreases during the menopause, it has less control over melanin synthesis in the skin. This means you are more likely to develop age spots, also known as hyperpigmentation. These most commonly appear on your face, hands, neck, chest and arms - those areas which have been exposed to most UV radiation over the years.

Naturally inhibiting skin pigmentation is key, using a combination of plant actives to reduce production of the skin pigment melanin by:

1) Inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for initiating melanin production
2) Restricting the transfer of freshly formed melanin into cells called malanosomes where it matures and develops its brown colouration;
3) Exfoliating mature, melanin-containing skin cells to reveal younger, lighter coloured underlying skin cells.

Back to Nature offers a Custom-Made Option to aid with any of these.

Development of sagging skin and cellulite
As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, fat deposits in the skin often become concentrated over the stomach and on the thighs and buttocks. The redistribution of fat deposits reduces the thickness of the supportive fat layer beneath the skin of the face, neck, hands and arms which means the skin can start to sag. Counteract sagging and cellulite with Back To Nature's natural exfoliating mud and anti-cellulite toning cream

Increased tendency for spots and blemishes
You may find that during the menopause, your skin develops spots or acne, even if you have not suffered these problems for years. The reason is that cell renewal slows down and your sebaceous glands have begun to secrete a thicker form of sebum, which can lead to the appearance of oily skin. This can also cause blockage of the pores, increasing the tendency toward adult acne in some women.
Spot and sebum control with our Willow Bark Cleansing Bar and a natural Anti-Blemish cream.
Our Mineral Rich Clay with tea tree and lavender will help draw out impurities and gently exfoliate excess dead skin cells to reduce the risk of pore blockage, and to help control the bacteria responsible for acne spot formation.

As well as the issues we have covered here, menopausal skin can also be sensitive to harsh ingredients that are found in many anti-ageing products. Back to Nature Ltd is a natural organic beauty range of treatments specifically developed for all skin types, including mature skin, which does not contain drying alcohol, parabens, methylisothiazolinone, SLS, artificial fragrances or any other questionable ingredients.

For more information, please browse through our website page entitled 'Why go Chemical-Free?

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18896207-essential-guide-to-menopausal-skin-care

Essential Guide to Psoriasis

This guide offers information and advice on psoriasis. We look at what psoriasis is and ways in which you can help to treat psoriasis including changes to your diet. Finally we look at ways in which switching to a natural, organic skin care range, rich in active natural ingredients and plant actives can help to soothe skin that is prone to psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is characterised by raised circular plaques or patches of pink flaky skin, especially on the elbows, knees and scalp, although it can affect any part of the body. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought that in psoriasis new skin cells are produced many times faster than normal, resulting in a build-up of thick scales of dead skin. This may be an auto-immune response, possible following bacterial or viral infection, or due to environmental factors. Flare-ups can be aggravated or triggered by medication, excess alcohol, obesity, too much or too little sunlight, poor health, injury, trauma, stress, cold and damp.

Ways to treat psoriasis
Treatment regimes that work well for one person may not help another, but some basic tips are beneficial for most people.

◦ It is generally accepted that there is a link between psoriasis and the nervous system, and managing stress levels, for example by learning some good relaxation techniques and getting a good night's sleep, will usually help.

◦ Using only natural fibres such as cotton and silk clothing and bed linen will help to reduce irritation.

◦ Psoriasis is often improved by moderate exposure to sunlight. Apply a hydrating moisturiser before using a sun lotion. Some sunscreens block pores and aggravate itching and flaking, so choose natural, organic lotions and avoid the sun when it is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm).

Natural skin care for psoriasis
We offer natural and organic skin care products that are suitable for skin that may be prone to psoriasis. Offering intense skin hydration and made with balancing plant oils and extracts, but with no harsh chemicals, they are much gentler on sensitive skin than many mainstream brands.
A good place to start is Miracle Balm™ - our multi-purpose best-seller!  As the experts in sensitive skin, we formulate all of our products with delicate skin and allergies in mind, including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Our scent-free products are rich in natural plant actives to restore, protect and maintain your skin's natural barriers. The result is healthy balanced skin and it's the only result that matters! Cleansing is just as important and our soap-free completely pure and natural cleansing bars are the answer! 

Diet and psoriasis
Psoriasis has been linked with consumption of acid-forming foods and the recirculation of toxins from the intestinal tract. Foods suspected of aggravating psoriasis include animal fats, acids, spices, salt and stimulants such as alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Increasing your intake of essential fatty acids can often help. Another cause may be overgrowth of the fungal infection Candida albicans. Removing sugars, refined starches, alcohol and yeast-based foods from the diet is worth exploring. A switch to a more alkaline diet and detoxifying your intestines can aid the absorption of nutrients, enhance immunity and improve health.

Cleansing the colon, for example with high colonic irrigation, changing to a diet based on cleansing foods and supplementing with probiotics, has shown remarkable results for many psoriasis sufferers. Combining this with a high-fibre diet helps eliminate intestinal toxins and provides an environment that allows beneficial probiotic bacteria to thrive.

Psoriasis skin care tips

◦ Avoid harsh household products, biological washing powders, fabric conditioners, drying alcohol (ethyl alcohol/ethanol), foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and products containing perfume and colouring.  We do not use any of these harsh ingredients

◦ If you suffer from psoriasis of the scalp, take your own brand of gentle shampoo and conditioner when you visit the hairdressers to avoid irritation from branded products. Shampoos containing Bromelain, a protein digesting enzyme found in Pineapple, break down excess dead skin cells, reduce inflammation and calm the immune response

◦ Use only gentle, natural skin care products. Look for those containing Jojoba esters and plant Squalane to restore moisture and sebum balance, Chickweed to help relieve itching, Perilla oil and Shea butter to moisturise and soothe irritation, Chamomile and Calendula for their anti-inflammatory and healing action, and the skin-soothing herb Marshmallow. 

◦ Apply body butter, such as shea butter or coconut oil (solid form) before and after bathing to soothe and moisturise your skin. We offer custom-made treatments for various conditions.

◦ Treat yourself to an Epsom Salt or Dead Sea salt bath. Dead Sea mud can also be used as a body treatment. Try our Mineral-rich Mud with soothing Lavender.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18896147-essential-guide-to-psoriasis

Essential Guide to Dermatitis

This guide provides information about the most common forms of dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. We look at some tips and advice on how to avoid exposure to some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis and at some natural skin care tips.

It should be noted that there are other forms of dermatitis which, although they may be aggravated by contact with various substances, are generally caused by internal constitutional issues.
These include eczema and psoriasis, and although methods of dealing with these conditions may be similar to dealing with contact dermatitis, the root causes of these conditions are quite different.

What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders which affects the body. Dermatitis is a broad term that covers a range of inflammatory skin disorders, including eczema. There are two types of contact dermatitis that occur more commonly in adults: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis often affects babies but can affect adults as well and is more associated with a fungal infection that a contact reaction. Let's look at these individually.

Allergic contact dermatitis

This type of dermatitis usually develops over a long period of time through regular contact with substances such as perfume, skin care products, make-up and metal alloys containing nickel. The best form of prevention is to identify the cause of the rash and avoid it.

Body care tip: To prevent allergic skin reactions to nickel, apply a thin coating of clear nail varnish to the surface of metal in jewellery, watch straps and studs on jeans.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Contact with irritants such as household cleaners is the usual cause of this form of dermatitis, which more usually affects adults.  As with the allergic form, the best prevention is to avoid contact with the problem chemical. Always wear rubber gloves when handling chemical cleansers and household detergents, or better still clean your home with a micro-fibre cloth, hot water and natural cleansing agents such as lemon, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Keep your hands well moisturised with organic hand cream.

Hand wash and contact dermatitis

Many people find that soaps and hand wash can often cause skin irritation. This is a form of contact dermatitis and it is particularly common in those who use hand washes and sanitisers regularly as part of their job; perhaps in a hospital or kitchen, where cleanliness is vital.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a foaming agent used in many personal care products, and Triclosan - an antibacterial agent, are both known causes of contact dermatitis and are present in many hand washes.

Many commercial hand sanitisers and sterilizers contain high levels of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol).  Whilst this is very effective at killing pathogenic bacteria, it is also very drying to the skin and can aggravate many of the symptoms associated with dermatitis. To avoid exposure to these chemicals, choose one of our natural hand washes. We use natural antibacterial ingredients such as essential oils of Tea Tree and Lavender, as well as Propolis to effectively kill harmful bacteria.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis can affect babies and adults. In babies it often known as cradle cap and can affect the scalp and nappy areas and quickly spread to the face, neck and armpits. It is not usually sore or itchy.  In adults it looks very much like dandruff and can spread from the scalp to the face where flakes of skin can be shed from the eyebrows. This type of dermatitis is more common in men than in women and is often associated with a fungal infection. Seborrhoeic dermatitis usually clears after a few months but natural salves and oils can speed up the process. Products containing Hemp oil and Calendula are ideal.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18895903-essential-guide-to-dermatitis

The Ugly Truth about Beauty Products

Would you eat your skin care products? Of course not! But you might as well..

You see, we forget that our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is semi-permiable, which means it absorbs and transports nutrients along with other matter from its surface directly to the bloodstream, inner organs and beyond. Most mass produced skin care products are filled with a myriad of chemicals which disrupt vital functions of our endocrine system as the chemicals are absorbed by our skin. This results in unnecessary secretion of hormones that carry out essential bodily functions and can lead to many health problems which are not necessarily skin related. Diabetes, growth disorders, osteoporosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome are just some ugly examples of this.. Natural and organic skincare products are not only much safer because of their harmless content, but are also beneficial for the health of your skin!

We wonder how we end up with allergies or why our hormones are all over the place! Think again - our endocrine system is very sensitive. Chemicals and foreign substances present in most mass produced skin care products can trigger our whole body systems to react when everything is meant to work together, in harmony. It is so simple - if something is wrong with us on the outside we need to look for the cause within - on the inside!

Choose 'Natural' and go for 'Organic', but always check the ingredients first. Do you recognise everything on the list when buying organic skincare products?

Another tip - real organic skin care products do not have a long shelf life. If they do - it is only because chemicals have been added to them!

Be careful and choose your organics wisely. Your skin will thank you for it! 

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18104519-the-ugly-truth-about-beauty-products

Essential Guide to Oily / Greasy Skin

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Dry Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Mature Skin here.

A Guide to Sensitive Skin here.

This guide offers information and advice for those with oily skin. We understand the causes of oily skin and the best ways to care for it. We have advice on the best skin care for oily skin and also how changes in your diet can help to bring oily skin under control.

Natural products for oily skin

We have developed a range of natural products for oily skin that contain plant actives such as Willow Bark extract to gently balance your skin and bring sebum production under control. Propolis rebalances the skin flora and phyto (plant) actives from Lavender and Tea Tree extract reduce the risk of spots by preventing blocked pores and banishing bad bacteria. Made without harsh, stripping chemicals such as alcohol (ethanol), found in many high street products, these natural products instead use a gentle approach to help skin to regain its natural balance and tackle those over-active sebaceous glands.

Our Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is ideal for oily/greasy skin types as it reduces outbreaks, controls sebum production and has a healing soothing effect on the skin.

Our Mineral Rich Mud Mask with Tea Tree and Lavender is a gentle scrub as well as a detoxifying and deep cleansing mask which is ideal for oily / greasy skin.

Sometimes oily skin types can be prone to acne, in which case our 8 Week Acne Programme will offer a very effective and permanent relief!

Characteristics of oily skin

Oily skin has hyperactive sebaceous glands, working overtime to produce excess oils and sebum, and cellular renewal is speeded up too. This results in shiny skin, visible pores, pimples, blemishes, acne and inflammation. Oily skin can be due to poor diet, fluctuating hormone levels, hormonal contraceptives and choice of cosmetics. Humidity and hot weather can make the skin even greasier.

The flow of sebum or oil often increases during adolescence, pregnancy and after menopause, again because of hormonal changes. The problem can occur at any age but tends to decrease with age. One advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

As oily skin feels oily and greasy, most sufferers avoid oily and rich skin care products. This isn't always a good thing because many natural oils have many rebalancing and anti-bacterial benefits! It is a common misconception that oils are oily but most oils are actually acidic as they contain mostly acids!

Caring for oily skin

◦ Use plenty of warm (not hot) water and a gentle, yet effective cleanser to stop the pores clogging. A Birch and Willow Bark Facial Cleanser Bar is natural and rich in active plant nutrients which give a rebalancing and anti-bacterial results.

◦ Avoid astringent lotions and irritating alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of natural oils. Your oil glands will just work harder to compensate for the oils lost.

◦ Avoid mineral oils and silicone as these ingredients can block pores, preventing the skin from breathing and trapping dirt - it is just like wrapping your skin in cling-film.

◦ Wash your face morning and evening which is essential, but no more or you will over-stimulate your skin to produce more oil

◦ Always rinse your face thoroughly

◦ Use a facial micro-fibre cloth or a muslin cloth, which works well as a gentle exfoliator to dislodge dead skin cells and cleanse the pores. Remember to wash the cloth thoroughly every day.

◦ Use a rebalancing active moisturiser, especially if your skin is prone to spots and blemishes. Our Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is ideal for moisturising, rebalancing and controlling the production of sebum. 

◦ Apply a deep-cleansing mineral mask, such as our mineral rich Tea Tree and Lavender Mud twice a week

◦ Never apply make-up unless your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and remove all traces of make-up before you go to bed. 

Diet for oily skin

◦ Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits

◦ A deficiency of vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Good sources include brewer's yeast, whole grains, beans and nuts.

◦ Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are rich in iron, which can rejuvenate the skin

◦ Add plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet

◦ Drink lots of filtered water to both keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins

◦ Avoid saturated and hydrogenated fats, fired and highly seasoned foods, soft drinks, alcohol, sugar, chocolate and junk food

A Guide to Mature Skin

Watch this space for upcoming Guides to other skin types but today we will cover all aspects of Mature Skin.

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Dry Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Sensitive Skin here.

This guide offers information and advice for those with mature skin. We help you to identify the best natural products for your skin and also advise on caring for mature skin.

Our range combines the miracle of nature with the brilliance of science for optimum skin regeneration, moisture balance and deep hydration. Our unique skin care regime is rich in powerful youth-boosting botanicals and scientifically tested active ingredients to target wrinkles, age spots and cell breakdown, working in synergy to help defy the turning of time.

Caring for mature skin:

The rate at which your skin changes with age depends on several factors, including your genes and your state of health.  Natural, or intrinsic, ageing - the effects of gravity, hormonal changes and time itself - cannot be avoided but it's not just age that gives us lines - exposure to the sun, poor diet and nutrition, loss of muscle tone, smoking, increased stress and environmental changes all affect the condition of your skin.  You can try to prevent your skin ageing prematurely or slow it down with proper skin care routine and a positive state of mind! 

◦ Limit your exposure to strong sunshine and use suncream of at least SPF15

◦ Never wash your face in water that is too hot as it can dehydrate your skin and cause broken thread veins

◦ Avoid irritating ingredients based on mineral oils, which can draw natural oils out of the skin, and products with alcohol (ethyl alcohol/ethanol) which will make your skin feel even drier.

◦ Avoid moisturisers with absorbent chemicals designed for the creams to dry into your skin! Unfortunately most high street brands have those.

◦ Cleanse your skin morning and evening with a natural gentle cleanser. Cleansing is the first step in your skin care routine. For healthy looking and beautiful mature skin, thorough cleansing twice daily will effectively stimulate cell renewal, lift impurities, accumulated oils and all traces of make-up. Cleansing also stimulates blood circulation, prevents clogged pores and removes any accumulation of dead skin cells that would otherwise affect the absorption of nutrients into your skin. We use organic ingredients rich in antioxidants help to protect the skin from free radicals, nourish and regenerate the skin, improve elasticity and prevent wrinkles.

◦ Never over-exfoliate mature skin with harsh exfoliants or chemical peels as this can thin your skin even more. Regular deep but gentle exfoliation is essential for mature skin as it stimulates circulation, promotes cell renewal and refines, revealing soft, smooth and radiant skin. Well exfoliated skin also allows moisturisers, serums and oils to penetrate the skin more efficiently. Aggressive exfoliation and chemical peels should be avoided as these treatments can often cause redness and irritation by triggering an inflammatory response - which can actually accelerate premature ageing. Our organic exfoliator/maskcontains natural ingredients such as calming Lavender, Mineral-rich Clay to gently lift and dissolve dead skin cells, brighten and illuminate your skin.

◦ Use a moisturiser rich in active plant nutrients.  Always apply your moisturiser to your face, neck and décolletage with light tapping, upwards motions while your skin is still slightly damp, or have a stimulating facial massage to stimulate blood circulation and allow the actives to absorb more effectively into your skin. This helps to lock in moisture and also stimulates the blood circulation in your skin. As we age skin loses hydration, resulting in reduced firmness and elasticity and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Intensely hydrating organic serums optimise moisturisation and are vital to accelerate the skin's natural renewal process. Nourish and rejuvenate with a potent organic moisturiser, such as Miracle Balm™.  

◦ Apply a detoxifying face mask followed by a thick layer of rich moisturiser once a week - ideally after a bath - to give your skin a well-deserved boost.  Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, rinse off and apply a thick layer of Miracle Balm™ for at least 30 mins. Then wipe it off with a warm cloth.

Sleeping your way to younger skin 

Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years can lead to sleep lines.  Over time, these lines become etched onto your skin and do not disappear when you get out of bed. Women who sleep on their sides are likely to see these lines appear on their chin and cheeks.  Those who sleep on their back do not develop these wrinkles since their skin does not lie crumpled against the pillow.

Sleep is extremely important in skin regeneration processes, as most of these take place only when we sleep! Lack of sleep reflects majorly on our skin health. Moist new cells are produced deep in the basel layers of skin and travel upwards to the epidermis (the layer of skin that we see). On their way, the new plump moist cells loose a little bit of their moisture when they come in contact with pollutants and hazardous chemicals used in our skin care and make up. That is why it is so important to support them not only by moisturising, but giving your skin correct nutrition. Miracle Balm™ does exactly that!

Diet for mature skin

◦ Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, oily fish and/or flax seed oil, and eat brown rice at least twice a week.  These are easily digested and help eliminate the toxins that contribute to premature ageing.

Also:

◦ Drink lots of filtered water and non-diuretic herbal teas.

◦ Limit alcohol and caffeine, which have a diuretic effect and can aggravate dry skin.

◦ Supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids from evening primrose oil.

◦ Snack on sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts.

◦ Include plenty of oily fish in your diet or buy unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oil such as flax seed oil. These oils can be used daily on salads and baked potatoes, or mixed into cold dishes.

◦ Eat plenty of yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, rich in antioxidant vitamins C and beta-carotene, green leafy vegetables and wheat germ, sources of vitamin B5.

◦ Increase your intake of vitamin E (found in avocados, wholegrains, nuts and seeds), which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from aging and maintains elasticity.

◦ Ensure your diet includes zinc, which is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions essential for skin health. Natural sources include oysters and sesame and pumpkin seeds.

◦ Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus are high in suphur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

◦ Avoid fried foods, animal fat and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which increase the production of destructive free radicals.

◦ Avoid soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, crisps, or other junk foods.

So why choose organic?

More and more people are eating organic food and using natural health remedies, but many people don't apply the same logic to their skin care and still buy high street cosmetic brands without considering what goes into them. With up to 60% of a substance being absorbed through the skin in as little as 26 seconds, it is easy to see why what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body. We believe you should be aware of exactly what you are putting on your skin so you can feel safe knowing your face care products won't harm your skin, health or environment, whilst also seeing the results of cutting-edge botanicals working to defy the signs of ageing.

According to the Chemical Safe Skincare Campaign, the average woman will introduce 175 chemicals to her blood stream every day through use of cosmetics alone. Isn't this shocking? These can cause a build up of toxins which the body is not equipped to deal with. An organic skin care range offers a natural alternative, helping you to look and feel healthier. 

Our organic beauty products are created from natural and organic ingredients and are suitable for women who have sensitive skin or allergies. We do not use any skin-drying chemicals, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, methylisothiazolinone, parabens, petrochemicals, SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate) or any other unnecessary synthetic substances. Our skin needs products which actively work for immediate results but also provide long term benefits to fight the signs of ageing and defy the turning of time. Using an organic skin care range for mature skin enables you to experience the unique combination of the miracle of Nature and the brilliance of science for optimum skin regeneration, moisture balance and deep hydration, whilst targeting the key signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, age spots, skin hydration and cell breakdown.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18875651-essential-guide-to-your-skin-mature-type