Articles

When it comes to creating decadently rich and nourishing skin or hair care products, nothing does it quite as well as natural vegetable butters.

Consisting of solid or semi-solid fat oils, these naturally luxurious butters are extracted from seeds, plants, roots or trees and make excellent emollients, softeners and protecting agents when used in skincare and haircare products.

It has been estimated that our skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals that it comes into contact with each day. These chemicals originate from a variety of sources such as environmental pollution, from within the workplace and from cleaning or mechanical products around the home. But by far the most common and frequent source of chemicals that we encounter is from the skin care and cosmetic products we use on our face, body and hair every day.

One of the biggest trends currently sweeping the beauty industry off its feet across Europe and Asia is Australian Native Botanical ingredients.

With a host of plant species that feature not only exotic fragrances, many of Australia's indigenous botanical ingredients were revered by the ancient aborigines for their healing and protective properties on the skin.

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Our skin not only protects our body by alerting us to pain from sharp or hard surfaces, but also helps to protect us from weather elements of hot and cold and to filter environmental influences of chemicals, bacteria and UV radiation from the sun. No wonder it shows wear and tear as we age!

When it comes to ingredients that form the very fabric of life, nothing plays a more vital and essential role than Amino Acids.

There are twenty-two known Amino Acids which, combined together, create Protein. The very word Protein is believed to derive from the Greek word Protos, or Proteose, which means, "to come first". Protein participates in virtually every process within all cells and is the vital proponent of the creation and growth of life.

Revered by people from all over the world for its reputed therapeutic benefits, the Dead Sea is the deepest salt lake in the world and borders Jordan to the East and Israel and the West Bank to the west.

Containing more than ten times the salt content of sea-water, the Dead Sea is purported to provide immense benefits to those lucky enough to visit. While the highly salty waters enable visitors to float effortlessly on the surface for hours, the mineral-rich, grey-black mud at the bottom enriches their body and skin.

When it comes to choosing high quality and effective, anti-ageing skincare products, to say it can get confusing is an understatement.

With department store shelves lined with so many different products, flaunting their flashy terminology, it is understandable that many of us find it hard to discern between the latest gimmick and the products that genuinely produce results.

We have all witnessed major changes to trends in the cosmetic and skincare industry during the past few decades. Back in the 60s, 70s and 80s, who would have considered what ingredients were contained in their hair shampoo, moisturising cream or body moisturiser? This was an era when washing detergent companies cottoned on to the notion that consumers equated highly perfumed products with performance and this trend quickly became apparent across numerous consumer personal care products.

During summer our skin positively glows with vibrancy. The warmer temperatures and humid conditions encourage our skin to soak up the extra moisture in the air. With the increased heat we naturally drink more water and fresh juice, which hydrate the skin further and enhance that healthy glow.

A newborn baby's skin is thinner than that of a child or an adult and hasn't yet developed normal barrier function, so it is important to use the mildest and most simple of skincare on these precious little people.

As their skin is new and delicate, a baby's skin does not need nor does it respond well to strong chemicals commonly found in perfumed cosmetics such as ordinary baby creams, balms and shampoos.